A UK company has just launched the world’s first fully hybrid and ‘tribrid’ four-wheel campervans designed to be far less environmentally toxic than traditional diesel fuel versions – a factor which is extremely important within the European market. Not content with that, the same company has even designed a LPG-fueled (liquefied petro gas) van which is even greener and is planning more innovations for the future.
We talked to Garry Hayes of Eco-Campers to find out more. As he explained, being environmentally friendly is a priority for his company.
“We have 14 years experience as a campervan conversion company and are always looking for new ideas, coupled with our mission statement focusing on being environmentally friendly, sustainable and encouraging people to explore the countryside. As a company we want to encourage people to explore, to get out into nature but do not want to make a major impact on the environment. All our developments reflect that mission statement.”
He continued, “I started this business because I am an enthusiast. I am still a camper – I go skiing, camping and get out into the countryside. So with that in mind, we as a business were not happy with the diesel vans that we had to use because these are not environmentally friendly. Diesel has a bad reputation and we were looking for vans that would use alternative fuels.”
Battery powered electric vans are the usual alternative, but do come with distinct disadvantages especially if when travelling long distance or in remote areas as he points out. “The problem with the batteries is the range. It is OK if you are doing local deliveries, as you can recharge the battery overnight. This is not an effective answer for campervans where people want to go into the countryside, use the heating and lighting overnight powered by the battery and then drive off again in the morning.”
In Japan, diesel has been phased out as a vehicle fuel since 2002. As Eco-Campers already had a reputation for converting low tech, high quality Japanese vans for the European market, Gary began to investigate how these vans could be further improved to make them even more environmentally friendly.
“We obtained a Toyota Hybrid 4 wheel drive vehicle which already had offered good fuel economy providing 43 miles to the gallon. We used this as a base and started to test out different technologies, and discuss the issues with various universities. The Scottish Government heard about what we were doing and became involved in the project, providing funding and support. We were looking at how to improve the design in every way, not just fuel,” Gary explained.
Four-berth, four-wheel drive campervan from Eco Campers [Photo/Eco Campers]
The first priority was to investigate ways of creating more space within a small area. This would increase the versatility of the van, and decrease the need for people to have to use large vehicles.
“We contacted a brilliant designer in England, Owen Evans. He has worked on Formula 1 cars and seeks to be very ergonomic in his work. He understands the importance of seating on the human body and the need to create multiple uses for all facets of the vehicle interior,” Gary says.
The results of this collaboration have been extremely innovative and resulted in major changes to the traditional campervan style. In standard campervans, there are always cupboards and facilities on one side, while on the other side is a bed whose width is defined by the depth of the storage units. The changes in design introduced by Owen Evans have meant that Eco-Campers now have 860 sq feet more space than standard ones.
“He came up with a load of ideas, all of which set us apart from other manufacturers. For example we moved the water tank so that it was under the driver’s seat. This removed any need for copper pipes and no gas equipment was needed for use in cooking. This immediately made the vehicle much safer and offered more flexibility as to where items could be placed,” explained Gary.
“This enabled us to be more creative with the placement of units so we have a much more modular design, creating an alcove at the back and more cupboards which can act as wardrobes if the shelves are removed. These cupboards also have USB connections for computers and phones, as well as electric points so you can use appliances like kettles. The table is removable and can be inserted when needed.”
Overcoming the problems of charging an electric battery was the biggest problem Eco-campers faced. Yet it has also resulted in an innovative solution which makes life on the road even easier as Gary explains. Eco-Campers are fueled by low emission petrol engines and a special patented hybrid battery system ensuring the vehicles never run out of energy.
“The battery in the vehicle is self charging. It uses kinetic energy so that it can be recharged automatically during use. We have created space for a multi-cooker so that meals can be cooked slowly while you are driving along, and the battery is constantly recharged. There is also more than one battery in use. We have a 12 volt battery providing energy for driving and cooking, while another battery is responsible for utilities such as heating and lighting.”
“We ensure that the batteries never fully discharge themselves so you cannot run out of energy. We have a patented system whereby the main car battery kicks in of its own accord to start recharging automatically whenever the charge gets down to 50%. Tubing is placed 1” above the bottom of the gas tank, so that the vehicle cannot use up all the gas. There will always be enough fuel in the tank to start the vehicle the next day, and get you to a nearby fuel supply. The engine kicks in, recharges at the back and switches off as soon as the battery has a full charge. This is maintained by an on-board computer thus ensuring charging occurs automatically.”
“For example, during the cooking of a 12 to 15 minute cooking time, the engine will automatically come on to recharge the battery two or three times. Other charging systems for the leisure battery are available including solar panels or a link for charging at a campsite’s own facility.”
“The hybrid gas and electric system is designed to use electric around town, and, when you’re out on the road, you use petrol. It’s self charging, so when you’re driving on the gas engine, every time you slow down or brake, you recharge the battery. For people who prefer to avoid petrol completely, Eco-Campers offer an LPG-fueled van.
Each campervan is created to the bespoke requirements of the buyer. Eco-campers sit down with the customer and work out exactly how the fan should be set out so that it matches their needs exactly. Typical requests include the provision of space for dog carriers to be fixed down, easy maintenance surfaces to deal with messy clothes when working out in forests or surveying; or simply needing extra space to carry equipment. By creating such a versatile layout, the vehicle can be easily used for both work and leisure.
Eco-campers are continuing their development work with universities and other specialists to continually improve their vehicles. Their innovative ideas have already proved their worth. Sales are increasing steadily and the company has plans to expand its technology into Canada, America and Australia.
Gary says, “ We have a lot of innovative business ideas and plan to stay active in developing new technology. We are working with the University of Aberdeen and Owen Evens to explore every possible use of a campervan, how to add more renewable features, how to recycle more materials and how to make them even more environmentally friendly. We have been approached by a big manufacturer to become their official van converters and are working on designs and styles for next year. We plan to enter the North American market and are investigating ways of doing this with our patented designs.”