At the Camping, Caravan and Motorhome Show in Birmingham, which took place in February, we were able to discover, on the CampervanCo stand, a brand new model of fully electric van with zero greenhouse gas emissions, the Toyota Proace Eco REVOLUTION.
CampervanCo is a Scottish van fitter that was founded in the year 2000. A few years ago, the company made its mark with the first hybrid van with low greenhouse gas emissions. This model paved the way for the brand new fully electric van that was launched in February. With zero CO2 emissions, CampervanCo is several years ahead of the British government’s expectations, which have set a target of no more polluting vehicles by 2030.
Like its predecessor, this new model is designed on a Japanese base. It is in fact a Toyota that serves as its support. The roof is covered with 930 watt solar panels which, according to the manufacturer, should power the lights, induction hob, heater or fridge for several days without having to be plugged into the mains. The Scottish manufacturer has also taken its environmental credentials to the extreme. In order to avoid owners having to buy a second vehicle, CampervanCO has opted for a very flexible van that encourages multi-use. The Toyota Proace Eco REVOLUTION can easily be converted from a 4-seater van to a 7-seater MPV by removing the kitchen. A very practical idea for people who do not have the budget to afford a fully equipped van and a vehicle for everyday use.
When it comes to electric vehicles, the subject that always comes up at some point is range. This is probably where the problem lies. The Scottish manufacturer announces a range of 230 km to 330 km depending on the battery model chosen (50kWh or 75kWh). Since these figures are those announced on the Toyota website for its standard vehicle, this range should probably be revised slightly downwards with the weight of the interior equipment of its version equipped with a lifting roof. It’s a relatively short range, but one that lends itself well to those who like to take their time on holiday. It also makes it necessary to go to campsites with a charging station for electric vehicles in order to stop over.
This vehicle is priced at £69,995 or approximately €80,000.