VW Westfalia Camper Van Spiritual Successor: Nissan e-NV200 Camper

DalburyE Nissan e-NV200 camper van conversion by Hillside Leisure

If you've had your heart set on a modern interpretation of the old Volkswagen Westphalia camper van, you're in luck.

A British company called Hillside Leisure will offer a camper conversion of the Nissan e-NV200 small electric van.

Called the DalburyE, the electric camper van comes complete with a pop-up roof, gas stove, refrigerator, onboard water tank, and low-voltage LED lighting, according toTransport Evolved.

Based on small or mid-size vans, camper vans are still popular in Europe. They're a step up from camping in a tent, but their small size makes these vans a bit more manageable than a full-size recreational vehicle (RV) or trailer.

Hillside Leisure already offers conversions of the internal-combustion NV200, so modifying its plug-in sibling was fairly straightforward.

DalburyE Nissan e-NV200 camper van conversion by Hillside Leisure

No modifications were made to the electric powertrain, which includes an 80-kilowatt (110 horsepower) electric motor and 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, both borrowed from the Nissan Leaf electric car.

Hillside Leisure estimates range at 106 miles per charge--on the optimistic European testing cycle--with a governed top speed of 76 mph.

These are the same figures quoted by Nissan for the U.K. version of the stock e-NV200, but the extra weight of the camping gear will likely blunt performance a bit.

At least many campsites and trailer parks already offer access to electrical outlets, so drivers can charge while they camp, albeit at a slower rate than with a conventional Level 2 charging station.

The e-NV200 is already on sale in Europe and Japan, but Nissan hasn't confirmed whether it will bring the electric van to the U.S.

If it does, a similar conversion could offer buyers a greener alternative to the traditional RV, provided they're willing to move at a slightly slower pace.

Source: Green Car Reports

VW Westfalia Camper Lives On…In The UK

Many folks have fond memories of the original VW Westfalia camper, the ultimate “let’s go sleep out under the stars with all the comforts of home” vehicle. Sadly, that model is no longer with us (or at least not as a Volkswagen), but Volkswagen has an updated version based on the current EuroVan that is calls the California SE in the UK market. If the original was a bit crude, the new model features every convenience known to science, including sleeping arrangements for 4, full kitchen with refrigerator and running water, heat, air conditioning and wi-fi.

Of course it also features a modern version of the pop-up tent top. There’s even a canopy that pulls out so you can sit in the lounge chairs and grille on the barbecue that come with the California SE package without exposing your skin to the harsh English sunshine -if you are lucky enough to find any.

Needless to say, the new camper van is a bit pricey. But you can rent one, if you happen to find yourself in Jolly Olde England this summer, for the low, low price of just $60 a night. Two of the vans have been set up at  Temple Island, a small private island near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Demand has been strong and so no more reservations are available at that location. But 4 more California SE campers are scheduled to be available at other select locations soon.

It’s all part of of a “Hotel VW California”promotion by Volkswagen and LateRooms.com to introduce the public to the joy camping whilst parked in really posh surroundings. But unlike the Hotel California of musical fame, at this “hotel”, you will most definitely be asked to leave at the end of your stay.

Source: VW