THE concept of an electric-powered vehicle is not new.
However, in the last decade, the development of EVs has skyrocketed.
The EV industry made record sales in 2021 of around 7 million vehicles and this year the figures are pointing towards an uptrend, all thanks to the sophisticated technologies used in developing these vehicles and the anticipated policies of banning the use of fossil fuels for a better environment.
The electric vehicles available today are no less in features, engine power, and mileage than their fossil fuel-based counterparts.
Speaking of trends, camping in your vehicle is an up-and-coming one nowadays.
So we’ve put together this brief but thorough guide on how to manage camping with your electric vehicle and make the most out of your trip out in the wild.
Plan Beforehand
Assessing your camping location is a must when planning your trip.
The most common issue EV owners face is the lack of charging stations, especially at touristy locations and camping sites.
So, make sure you check how many charging stations are available as well as their distance from the camping site.
Ensuring availability is a must when you are planning to stay for a few days.
Hotels and RV parks offer charging stations for EVs, so it’s a good idea to contact them for availability.
Bring the Charging Kit
The EV can be charged using a 14-50 NEMA plug that can be plugged into the 50-ampere plug at an RV park.
It can take up to 10 hours for the car to charge, so make sure the charger you pack with you provides level 2 charging.
Many RV parks also have 30-ampere plugs that offer 1/3rd of the power output and can take a lot of time to charge.
Power outlets providing less than 30 amperes can also be used but they will require different types of plugs to work.
Each car model has a different charging rate depending on how much amperes the charger of the vehicle can work with.
As the EV industry grows, newer models now have super-fast charging capabilities and efficient batteries that can go over 600 miles with a single charge.
Many world governments have already decided to implement a ban on the production of petrol and diesel cars.
For example, in a victory for the car industry, the UK government announced in November last year that they will allow the sale of hybrid cars till 2035 and introduced incentives to car manufacturers shifting their production line to electric vehicles.
The future of the EV industry is promising and will surely aid in transitioning to vehicles with the lowest carbon footprint.
Difficulties of Camping with an EV
No matter the type of vehicle you use, issues can arise if you fail to plan properly.
One particularly hefty issue is the vehicle range. Make sure you choose a camping spot that a modern-day EV can cover in terms of distance.
Let’s say your vehicle can cover 500 miles in a single charge; choosing a camping site within this distance can easily make your trip a breeze.
However, if the camping site is far, make sure you choose a route with charging stations along the way.
You can check the charging station electricity tariffs by using online resources to make an informed decision that’ll save you money.
Reviewing the terrain of the spot is also crucial. If you have an EV without features like all-wheel drive and the right type of tires, going off-road might be an issue.
You can check the manufacturer’s manual or ask the car dealership if you’re not sure.
Lack of Infrastructure
Many countries around the world are embracing EV technology, without having adequate infrastructure in place.
The biggest fear for travelling long distances in an EV is this lack of infrastructure, as it poses great anxiety and stress around having a properly charged vehicle.
However, there are some locations that are ahead of the rest and make for a pleasant EV drive.
As shown in this datagraphic from Australian Compare the Market, the Atlantic Highway is believed to be the best trip to take as it has the most EV chargers available.
And it’s not all bad news in terms of EV infrastructure.
For instance, the UK government aims to provide the required EV infrastructure to facilitate users with the support of £1.3bn to build charge points all over the country.
Camping Options
If you have one of the newer EV models from a renowned manufacturer, there is a camping mode option in the vehicle to make use of your car space, but still make sure to throw in a soft mattress and a few pillows to make your camping trip a breeze!
Another option is to camp on the roof of your vehicle.
Depending on the type of electric vehicle you own, it is possible to install a roof tent on an EV; just check with the EV or roof tent manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
Nowadays, it’s easier to find EVs with enough towing power to pull trailers with them.
If you have an EV capable of towing, consider pulling a trailer to the camping site.
EV Insurance
Insuring your EV will cost more than conventional cars, mainly due to:
- The expensive batteries used in EVs; it can cost thousands of pounds to replace one.
- Rarer and more costly replacement parts than those in their non-electric counterparts.
- Higher charges for repairs of EVs.
You can find plenty of insurance companies around your area but make sure to pick those who have a positive track record in the industry.
Making the wrong choices can lead to you facing problems when it comes to coverage and making a claim.
When going on a camping trip, make sure you have coverage or purchase additional coverage to be on the safe side.
When going on a camping trip with your EV, planning ahead is crucial.
Make sure you take into account the potential issues that you might face while camping and ways you could resolve them.
We hope you found this guide informative and that you enjoy your camping trip!
