LEVC – the firm that builds the London Taxi – has released the first official design sketches of a campervan based on its VN5 van. Called the LEVC e-Camper, it uses range-extender plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, and is being developed by well-known British campervan specialists, Wellhouse Leisure.
LEVC doesn’t get off to a great start, as it calls the e-Camper ‘the world’s first electric camper van’ – which seems a little ridiculous, given there have been campervan conversions based on the Nissan e-NV200 and other electric vans previously, and the reality that the VN5 van has a petrol engine as well as an electric motor.
What the e-Camper will do, however, is allow you to run the integrated kitchenette off the lithium ion battery pack. Which could be useful when camping on sites without an electricity hook-up.
Wait. Is the e-Camper electric or not?
As with all LEVC vehicles, the e-Camper uses a range-extender plug-in hybrid system. This means the rear wheels are always driven by the electric motor mounted at the back of the vehicle.
For up to 60 miles, this electric motor is powered by an on-board battery pack. When this runs out, the petrol engine under the bonnet fires into life as a generator, providing more electricity and – yes – extending the driving range up to a claimed 304 miles between stops.
The petrol engine never directly drives the wheels, and you can switch between power sources as required – so you can save electric driving for ghosting around the camp site, if you wish.
It’s a great way of reducing the range anxiety that pure electric vehicles can cause, but isn’t as green as such 100% electric solutions. And don’t expect the fuel economy to be great when relying on the petrol engine to provide those extra miles.
>> The best hybrid vans in the UK
What’s the LEVC e-Camper like inside?
Just like the Volkswagen California it’s set to rival, the e-Camper sleeps four: two in the pop-up roof space, two on a rear bench seat that converts into a bed.
The images released so far – which really are only design sketches – show a conventional campervan layout, with a central ‘electric’ kitchenette and front seats that swivel round to create a lounge-like feel. A folding table (not shown) is planned to make a communal eating area.
By electric kitchenette, LEVC means there are no gas-powered burners, the e-Camper relying instead on electrically powered cooking equipment.
Access is provided by a single, large sliding door on the passenger side, while the pop-up roof means you should be able to stand up inside.
Exterior racks will be available to store mountain bikes, surfboards and other lifestyle accessories.
Anything else we should know?
The e-Camper doesn’t just look like a London Taxi at the front, it also has the same clever steering system, which makes for a very tight turning circle. Could be handy on busy campsites.
The VN5 van the e-Camper is based on, is built in LEVC’s factory at Ansty, just outside Coventry in the UK. Wellhouse Leisure, which will be doing the campervan conversions for LEVC, is also based in the UK.
How much does the LEVC e-Camper cost and when does it go on sale?
The LEVC e-Camper is set launch in late 2021, and is planned for sale across Europe as well as the UK.
Pricing is expected to start at around £62,250 (excluding VAT).
You can register interest at levc.com/ecamper.
Also read:
>> Our main LEVC VN5 van review
>> The Parkers guide to factory-backed camper vans
>> VW Caddy California campervan – full details
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