FAQs
What is best - Hybrid or Fully Electric campervan?
This depends on your budget and how you use it. On the whole electric vehicles or EVs are better. Why? Because they emit no gases and they are cheaper to run - as you don’t have to buy petrol but can charge very cheaply at home using an EV tariff. In the past, range and charging infrastructure were big issues for EVs, making Hybrids the better option. For example in our Hybrid Eco Campers, the batteries don't run out as they self charge - therefore they can go anywhere for any length of time (up to 600 miles on one fuel stop). With more and more EV chargers available and EVs having better range than a few years ago (our Eco Revolution has a 205 mile range in the 75kWh model) and electric suppliers offering EV tariffs that offer super-cheap driving (as low as 2.25p per mile) EV driving is becoming the best option for the planet and your purse. With EVs being newer to the market, our Hybrid Eco Campers are often cheaper. Our Eco Pioneer II starts at £39,995 while a used Eco Revolution starts at around £54,995 and a brand new one starts art £69,995.
Is the Eco Pioneer II four-wheel drive (4WD)?
Yes. The E-Four electric 4WD system provides better driving performance by using power from the rear-wheel drive motor to optimise electric power distribution to all four wheels according to driving conditions. It provides additional drive power when needed, such as when accelerating from a standing start or on wet, slippery surfaces.
Do they hold their resale value?
Yes! Our research shows the Eco Pioneer is selling around 4-7% MORE than the original purchase price. This is due to increasing demand for Hybrid and a limited supply (we can only make so many a year). At the same time, the market is seeing the price of diesels fall due to LEZ restrictions and government legislation that is forcing manufacturers to phase these vehicles out - with a total ban by 2035 (which is likely to be brought forward to 2030 by an incoming Labour government). We expect diesel resale prices to plummet as we get nearer to the ban date, with 2027/28 being a likely date for this to kick in. You have been warned!
Are they ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone) and Clean Air Zone compliant?
All our Eco Campers are LEZ and ULEZ compliant. This includes the petrol Toyota Connect II and all Nissan Velocity Campers with base vehicles 2006 or younger.
How clean is the Hybrid petrol engine?
All our vehicles are low emissions and can meet ULEZ requirements. The hybrid Toyota Alphard Pioneer II qualifies as an ultra-low emission vehicle in all zones. Official Toyota figures show the Alphard Hybrid II offers 19 km per litre in the 10-15 cycle or 53.67 mpg emitting 122 grams of CO2 per km. For city driving during the JC08 test this drops to 17km per litre or 48.04 mpg, emitting 137 grams of CO2 per km. Combined therefore, this highly efficient vehicle offers around 50 mpg with less than 130 grams of CO2 per km (or less than 209 grams CO2 per mile). Our Ford Eco Evolution II is the world's leading Hybrid campervan - functioning also as an everyday vehicle - saving you money and the planet on every trip. Officially, the Transit PHEV returns 91.7mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of only 70g/km. In pure electric mode this is zero. With the amazing Geo-fencing software and the 35 purely electric battery capacity, if you live and drive everyday in the city, you can enjoy emissions free driving for most or all of it. All our campers are Designed with Nature in Mind.Are they ULEZ compliant?
All base vehicles manufactured during or after 2006 are currenty ULEZ compliant (Ultra Low Emissions Zone, London). To enquire about availability please call 01324 489211 or email info@ecocampers.com
Are the base vehicles brand new?
Our Eco Revolution and Eco Evolution II are built into brand new vehicles we source directly from Stellantis and Ford.
While the conversions and all the campervan equipment are brand new, the base vehicles in some models are used (eg Eco Pioneer II). These Japanese imports are high-grade, low-mileage used vehicles freshly imported from the highly regarded Japanese used-car market.
The vehicles are imported via CampervanCo's import network through which we have been sourcing high-quality Japanese vehicles for over a decade. As Scotland's leading importer, we offer the best available low-mileage vehicles aged 10 years or older, anywhere.
While this may seem old to us in the UK, the Japanese vehicle market is at least 10 years ahead of the UK market in terms of equipment and technology. Japanese vehicles of this age are equivalent to two or three-year old vehicles in the UK in terms of condition and technology.
There are many reasons the Japanese market offers such quality: they don’t use salt on their roads; they are not allowed to park their vehicles on city streets overnight (hence most are garaged); their MOTs are very strict and expensive; and they trade-in more vehicles at the three-year mark than any other country, offering an abundance of nearly new vehicles. This makes our Eco Campers not only amazing quality but incredible value – costing less than a regular, used diesel VW campervan.
How long does the hybrid battery last?
Unlike purely electric cars which need to be plugged in, hybrids self-charge. Thanks to Toyota’s Synergy Drive technology, the hybrid battery Pioneer II is charged in two ways: first by the petrol engine, which acts as a low-emissions generator while stationary or while driving, and second, every time the vehicle slows down, by way of the electro-magnetic brakes. Provided the vehicle is moving or, when stationary, the ignition is on, the petrol engine will kick in and charge the hybrid battery when required – then switch off again. As long as there is fuel in the tank, a healthy battery will never run out. While cooking, the hybrid battery will recharge on average every three minutes and cook for a similar amount of time. Estimated average cooking times are around 10 minutes, requiring only two or three recharges. You can also cook using gadgets such as a slow-cooker while driving, preparing food for your arrival. The charge system is totally self-regulating. In our brand new Ford Transit Eco Evolution II the Hybrid battery offers 35 miles on electric power alone. In combined mode, it will not run out. The cooking and heating are independently powered and will last days, if not weeks, when camping in the summer, without needing recharged (to do so is really easy either by hooking up to campsite power or simply going for a nice drive). The solar panels on these vehicles greatly extend the power use days while camping. With sensible use during the summer, we don't expect the leisure battery to run out without being plugged in.
Will the hybrid battery need replacing soon?
No. The great thing about the hybrid batteries are easily maintained. At the CampervanCo not only have we developed a quick and easy way to monitor the performance of the battery, we can quickly and cheaply replace any of the battery cells that are underperforming. We are so confident the batteries will last and perform well, we offer a five-year guarantee on all our hybrid batteries, we can easily replace cells and the price up upgrading to Lithium now makes it a real option that can improve efficiency. In our brand new Ford Transit Eco Evolution II the Hybrid battery has an 8 year warranty (or 100,000 miles)! This can be serviced at any official Ford garage. Ford expect the battery to last way beyond this, with over 200,000 miles or 16 years use easily achieved. The battery in our Eco Revolution will last for over a decade too with an eight year warranty (or 100,000 miles) direct from the manufacturer (Stellantis or Toyota).
How powerful is the petrol engine?
In the Pioneer II the 2.4-litre 2AZ-FXE engine has a high-expansion ratio cycle that enhances fuel economy by improving efficiency and reducing friction loss. Additionally, optimum control of the Super CVT (constant velocity transmission) and front motor create low emissions levels. The petrol engine provides 170 brake horsepower (bhp). The Connect II offer 128 bhp. The Nissan Elgrand Velocity is a beast with the 3.5 V6 engine offering 240 bhp. The more efficient 2.5 petrol engine offers 168 bhp. The Ford Eco Evolution II offers 136 bhp. The fully electric Eco Revolution is remarkably fast, offering up to 134 bhp.
How efficient are they?
The hybrid Alphard II qualifies as an ultra-low emission vehicle, consuming fuel at the rate of one litre every 19km (in the Japanese 10-15 test cycle) and 17km in the urban cycle. This equates to around 50mpg combined. In our own road tests on the Pioneer II we managed about 49mpg.
How many people can they seat and sleep?
The Eco Pioneer II seats and sleeps four. The Eco Revolution seats four with the option of adding another three seats to take up to seven people. The Eco Evolution II seats 4 but can be adapted to seat five.
Do they have electric hook-up, solar and other power options?
Yes. we fit high-powered leisure battery systems to all Eco Campervans and now to the Connect II. As well as having a car battery and a 240v electric hook-up, the Hybrid Pioneer II and Explorer have a Hybrid battery for back up. The leisure and car battery are charged either by our fitted solar panels or by the engine if they are petrol, diesel or Hybrid - using the alternator and a split-charge relay system. A round blue plug to connect to campsite 240v electric hook-up is included in all vehicles. This also powers an on-board 240v to 12v (AC to DC) charger that keeps the car and leisure batteries charged every time you are connected to campsite power. Our solar power roof panels keep the car and leisure battery charged off-grid. In the Eco Campers these can offer up to 1000 watts using our roof and optional solar wall. The Eco Revolution and Evolution II come with 350 watts on the roof as standard. In the summer time we think this is enough to keep your leisure battery powered for at least seven days - probably more. If you use it right, we expect it not to run out in the summer. That's free, green zero-emissions living.
Is finance available?
Yes. Our parent company CampervanCo offers finance options on all campervan orders. For more details, visit our Finance page or call 01324 489211 or request finance from our online Configurator page.
What is the road tax and insurance like on a campervan?
Because the base vehicles are imported from Japan, there is a blanket importation road-tax levy - which is currently £280 - regardless of the fact they are Hybrid and have lower emissions so this would be the current cost of road tax on a campervan. We wish this wasn’t so and are requesting this be changed. Insurance varies according to age, driving history and your postcode. Customers typically come back with premiums between £250 and £400. These can be much higher if you live in the centre of a busy city or have just got your driving license or have recent claims or convictions. Call us for details of good insurers. We are happy to help.
Can I buy this on the European continent?
Brexit has created barriers we and many other exporters are are still trying to overcome. Prior to Brexit we could export to all EU countries (transportation costs apply) so we are hoping this will become possible again. Please note the Toyota Alphard Eco Camper only comes in right-hand drive.
Can I buy this in the US or Canada?
Not yet. There are considerable importation restrictions to vehicles into both countries that prevent sales there for the time being. Keep enquiring however, as we are looking at solutions.
What are the dimensions?
Sizes in mm
Load Length: 2440
Outer width (folded wing mirrors): 1877
Outer width (open wing mirrors): 2110
Outer length: 4850
Outer height no fitted roof: 1905
Outer height with pop-roof (down position): 1990
Outer height with Hi-top roof: 2490
Roof bed space (width x length): 920 x 2230
Does it have an electric hook-up and other power options?
Yes. The Eco Camper has a high-powered leisure battery, a car battery and an electric hook-up. The leisure and car battery is charged like any other car or camper via the alternator and a split-charge relay system. A blue round plug to connect to campsite 240v electric hook-up is included in the package. This also powers an onboard 240v to 12v (AC to DC) charger that keeps the car and leisure batteries charged every time you are connected to campsite 240v power. For a fee, you can also have solar power that keeps the car and leisure battery charged off-grid.
How do the induction hobs work?
These are super fast, safe electric hobs. Instead of direct heat, they create an electromagnetic field that heats the pan, not the hob. They are therefore not only cold to touch but highly efficient and super-quick, transferring most of the energy directly into the pan and the food. Our tests found that a pint of water can boil in around three minutes.
What other techy stuff is good to know?
There’s lots of design innovation to improve your driving and camping experience. Check these out:
Reduced drive resistance
The highly aerodynamic body design along with reductions of the operating resistance in each part of the powertrain have reduced drive resistance and loss of drive energy, helping lower fuel consumption.
Insulated body
The specially developed windshield glass reduces the amount of solar radiation penetration and the roof and roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner is operating.
Intuitive air conditioning system
The newly developed Alphard Hybrid uses the world's first two-way compressor with a built-in motor. The engine powers the air conditioner when the engine is running, and the compressor's internal motor powers it when the engine is not running, helping to conserve energy and provide enhanced comfort.
What’s the warranty deal?
We offer a standard two year’s mechanical warranty on the base vehicle and on all our conversion work and fitted appliances. We offer an unbeatable five year's warranty on the hybrid battery (conditions such as ensuring the battery is not over-heated and left standing without charge for periods of inactivity apply). Our skilled servicing team also offer continued servicing support on all aspects of the Hybrid components after this period.
Is there an electric campervan?
Yes, there are fully electric campers. A few of these Electric Vehicles are advertised as having a range of up to 100 miles. We road-tested all of these vehicles and spoke to other owners and they struggle to deliver more than 50 miles under normal driving conditions (eg with heating, radio and lights on). While this is great for city driving (for which they are designed) they are not suitable for long drives and for getting you away from it all - which is what campervans are all about. There are no charging points in rural areas and all the beauty spots where campervans belong. With our Eco Campers, you can get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the environmentally friendly aspects of an electric vehicle while not being restricted by the range of its power supply. Our Hybrid Eco Campervan batteries don't run out as they self-charge - therefore they can go anywhere for any length of time (up to 900 miles on one fuel stop in our Tribrid version!).
What is the most economical campervan?
If you are looking to save money we reccomend our tribrid campervans. LPG or Autogas is roughly half the price of petrol – saving you serious money. LPG is also much cleaner than petrol, with a fraction of the exhaust toxins. This makes the tribrid not only much more economical but the ultimate eco-friendly campervan.
