I just read an article about the Chevy BrightDrop which is apparently being phased out. It looks like a really tempting EV camper conversion. Available in AWD, designed for upfitting, 270+ mi range…
They do look like they’d be ideal when it comes to space. I do wonder how they drive on the highway. There is a company called Grounded that’s been professionally converting them. From what I understand, they found a lot more business converting them for mobile businesses and corporate activation vehicles.
Yeah, I suspect there isn’t a big market for EV campers.
One of the questions is where you charge it. My partner and I use a trailer towed with an EV (https://tourtoise.quest) and it’s great to be able to stay at a 50 Amp campsite and to wake up to a full charge every morning, but electric sites aren’t as cheap as off-grid options and charging at fast chargers gets expensive. Though gas was also expensive when we towed with a combustion vehicle, so maybe it’s a wash.
I can see someone committed to van life getting into a good routine and finding the best charging deals, but weekend trips might feel like a hassle.
I’ve seen someone on Instagram and another on reddit r/vanlife that have DIY converted them.
One documented how he will park at the level 2 chargers and sleep there. It sounded like he was figuring out he could find those chargers instead of somewhere to park on the street at night.
1 Like