Electric motor homes and camper vans

The Tardis factor (interiors, awnings, roofs etc)

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

HansT
Registered user
Posts: 61
Joined: 22 Jul 2014, 14:57
80-90 Mem No: 0

Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by HansT »

"You and Yours" BBC radio 4 today at approx. 12.30, had a small item relating to electric motor homes and campers. They touched upon problems such as battery weight and limited range.
The things some of us listen to while working...
85 1.9 DG petrol Holdsworth Villa
Diesel T4 Caravelle 8 Seater

slippy8v
Registered user
Posts: 811
Joined: 03 Jun 2013, 19:18
80-90 Mem No: 8868
Location: Ballyclare Northern Ireland

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by slippy8v »

Yup sounds like the conversion guys are going to have a few problems when they stop making them with diesel engines.
1967 RHD WALKTHROUGH SPLITSCREEN
1971 RHD BAY
1993 MK1 GTI CABBY RIVAGE
1989 T25 KOMET
1991 T25 SYNCRO PANEL VAN

User avatar
Oldiebut goodie
Registered user
Posts: 7259
Joined: 18 Apr 2008, 01:19
80-90 Mem No: 11135
Location: Eastern Angle

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

I wonder how they are going to fit all the lorries with a few batteries to tug 40 tons.
1.6D 2019 VW T-Cross
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶

silverbullet
Trader
Posts: 16311
Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 09:51
80-90 Mem No: 6908
Location: Surrey Syncronaut #156
Contact:

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by silverbullet »

A while ago our local TNT driver was piloting a "Smith" converted 7.5 tonner
He said it was a dream to drive, predictably quick off the line, apart from the fact that they either hadn't connected the cab heater to the motor controller cooling system or it didnt generate enough "waste" heat in cold weather...not good in winter!

415V DC power pack iirc...

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

Ralf85
Registered user
Posts: 4447
Joined: 13 Jan 2010, 12:42
80-90 Mem No: 4418
Location: West London - 1985 westie pop top, LHD, 1900 DF engine

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by Ralf85 »

Now that our government has said no petrol/diesel cars to be sold after 2035, the writing is on the wall for our 19th century technology.
No doubt there will be a decrease in the number of petrol/diesel stations well before that date, as their profits decline. That will be a pain and will accelerate the demise of current technology and classic vehicles. I reckon that the I've probably bought my last petrol vehicle. Shame but technology moves on.

TONYT25T25
Registered user
Posts: 1825
Joined: 16 Sep 2013, 17:19
80-90 Mem No: 13596
Location: Hampshire

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by TONYT25T25 »

Old post but just as important and not wishing to start a new one.  The government and others seem to be concentrating on the recharging of these vehicles.  Maintenance and repairs seem to have been forgotten and I suspect the Home Mechanic will no longer be able to repair them.  The expense of basic replacement of parts to these vehicles is extortionate.  Your local garage will probably not have the spares or the facilities to repair them in any case, whereas now you can take your vehicle in and in most cases have a quick turnaround.  Just seen an item on the TV which prompted me to post this whereby defective electric vehicles will probably have to be collected and transported to a specialised repair factory, which will add to the expense and extending the length the vehicle will not be available.  :|  
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX

User avatar
nicq
Registered user
Posts: 1185
Joined: 24 Sep 2011, 19:03
80-90 Mem No: 10290
Location: Cranleigh Surrey

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by nicq »

If you watched that article you should have noticed that they said that the battery would have to be taken out by the main dealer before it could be repaired.
I would not have thought that the battery would have to be taken out for many repairs.
Agreed mechanics will need to be trained but apart from the power train it's a car same suspension similar brakes same steering.
A bit of scare mungering.
2.1 Twin slider

TONYT25T25
Registered user
Posts: 1825
Joined: 16 Sep 2013, 17:19
80-90 Mem No: 13596
Location: Hampshire

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by TONYT25T25 »

Yes did notice about the frightening battery tray removal process and how it forms part of the vehicles structure.  Still not convinced it is the way ahead.  Reading topics on this forum and others and how much by doing our own repairs  and recycling parts by either repairing or finding we alleviate the load on garages who can concentrate on repairs for those not lucky enough to either have the facilities or could be bothered.  I cannot see this type of enthusiasm being applied to full electric type vehicles, and can just imagine a pile of non repairable ones stacking up somewhere with the parts being non useable or recyclable.
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX

keynsham1
Registered user
Posts: 401
Joined: 27 Sep 2015, 06:41
80-90 Mem No: 0

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by keynsham1 »

I was told never to buy an electric car. If you want one then lease it. The technology advances so fast that a three year old electric car will be totally worthless. It is already a problem apparently.  I suspect electric cars will become overtaken by hydrogen cells eventually anyway. The technology already exists but we are presently focussed on electricity. I read an article from a review suggesting that in order to be carbon neutral in an electric car in the UK you must do something like 24000 miles. In Germany and the USA where a lot of power is still produced from coal, this rises to 78000 miles!!!!

User avatar
nicq
Registered user
Posts: 1185
Joined: 24 Sep 2011, 19:03
80-90 Mem No: 10290
Location: Cranleigh Surrey

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by nicq »

Your argument is floored as hydrogen production req electricity.
A 100% efficient electrolyser requires 39 kWh of electricity to produce 1 kg of hydrogen. The devices today require as much as 48 kWh/kg.
2.1 Twin slider

keynsham1
Registered user
Posts: 401
Joined: 27 Sep 2015, 06:41
80-90 Mem No: 0

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by keynsham1 »

Your argument is floored as hydrogen production req electricity.
A 100% efficient electrolyser requires 39 kWh of electricity to produce 1 kg of hydrogen. The devices today require as much as 48 kWh/kg.
I never suggested it was better. I just believe it will supersede electric cars. 😁

TONYT25T25
Registered user
Posts: 1825
Joined: 16 Sep 2013, 17:19
80-90 Mem No: 13596
Location: Hampshire

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by TONYT25T25 »

Just had another thought, will this mean the Breakdown and Recovery services will be out of business, cannot see them carrying a spare battery or parts, although they will probably be kept busy towing vehicles to the nearest electric point, I wonder if they have thought ahead.
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX

User avatar
nicq
Registered user
Posts: 1185
Joined: 24 Sep 2011, 19:03
80-90 Mem No: 10290
Location: Cranleigh Surrey

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by nicq »

I believe that they already carry a generators on board.
2.1 Twin slider

TONYT25T25
Registered user
Posts: 1825
Joined: 16 Sep 2013, 17:19
80-90 Mem No: 13596
Location: Hampshire

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by TONYT25T25 »

Just had a look to see what cover is available, not mentioning any recovery company by name.  It seems you cannot tow an Electric vehicle so it has to be recovered ie all four wheels off the ground, they do have what is called a EV Boost which gives you up to a 10 mile boost to get you to the nearest charge point.   :lol:
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX

User avatar
nicq
Registered user
Posts: 1185
Joined: 24 Sep 2011, 19:03
80-90 Mem No: 10290
Location: Cranleigh Surrey

Re: Electric motor homes and camper vans

Post by nicq »

2.1 Twin slider

Post Reply