Nissan e-NV200 Electric Motorhome exterior (Image: Hillside Leisure)
A DERBY motorhome firm is set to launch what it believes will be the world’s first all-electric powered camper van.
Hillside Leisure UK, based in Chequers Lane, has devised and built the vehicle, which is based on the Nissan e-NV200 electric van. The firm is now set to unveil the machine, which it says is the first commercially available camper van of its kind, at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2014 this month.
Hillside is launching the vehicle in response to the growing demand for more environmentally-friendly vehicles that produce zero emissions. According to figures compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, sales of electric cars in the UK have recently topped 10,000. They are popular because they are cheaper to run, both in terms of fuel and maintenance costs.
This year, commercial electric vans have hit the market – including the e-NV200, the van which HiIllside has chosen to convert. It has packed its van with all mod cons, including a cooker, fridge, water tank and lighting. It can provide one to four berths, with the rear seat converting to a bed.
Nissan e-NV200 Electric Motorhome interior (Image: Hillside Leisure)
Mark Cross, director of Hillside Leisure, said:
“We believe this conversion will be a first in the industry, indeed in the world, and the start of the electric revolution in our market.
“We went to great lengths to ensure delivery of the new Nissan e-NV200 electric van, which is the first one in the country, and we’ve used our in-house team of highly skilled craftsmen to create our unique camper van conversion.
“We can’t wait to unveil it at the show and look forward to putting it into full production next year.”
With an improving network of charging points around the UK, the company believes the time is right for an all-electric camper van.
Its model has a 106-mile range and a top speed of 76mph.
Read more: Derby Telegraph, Hillside Leisure Blog