Australia's first battery-powered campervan arrives

Australia's first dedicated EV campervan builder has officially gone public, with fledgling Brisbane start-up AdventureEV displaying two of its battery-powered vans at this year's Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow.

The AdventurEV display at the Brisbane Showgrounds included a ready for camping, 6.0m long x 2.7m high, Skywell EC11 E-Cargo van which according to the EV Automotive website, comes equipped from the Chinese factory with a 73.6kWh battery, CCS Type 2 charging and a 22kW capacity AC onboard charger – good for a range of between 200 to 300km depending on the load.

Also on the stand was an 'empty' battery-electric Farizon SuperVan (also built in China) which AdventurEV is offering as an alternative base vehicle. The Queensland start-up is also planning to offer a larger C-class EV motorhome down the track.

AdventureEV's Dave Hinds said apart from being the only company down under to currently offer a turn-key EV campervan, the internal fit-outs completed on the Gold Coast are fully customisable; a point of difference from the largely fixed range of layouts and limited options available from more established campervan conversion specialists.

The Skywell-based camper on display at the show was priced at $120,000 and included rear bench seating with a swivel table and a drop-down double bed, a kitchenette with sink and retro-style tap, and a shower cubicle with open doorway and a removable portable toilet.

Access inside was via the passenger-side sliding door or rear barn doors, with a partition separating the front driver's cabin from the rear living area.

Other standard inclusions on all AdventurEV campervan conversions include a reverse cycle air-conditioner, 150L upright or under-bench fridge, induction cooker and microwave, electric hot water unit, a 3m box awning, mains water connection, a 120Ah lithium battery with a 200W solar panel and 3000W inverter, a reversing and rear camera, pull-out step, tow bar, ladder and bike rack, RV Wi-fi, insect screens, LED light bar, a water tank, TV, picnic table and various power sockets and internal/external lighting.

Dave Hinds said most interest so far in his EV campervans had been from people who already own an EV passenger vehicle, and could appreciate the benefits of a plug-in 'fuel tank' especially when staying overnight at a powered caravan park site.