World's FIRST Solar Powered Campervan!

[@GraemeLeRoux]

This thing is absolute genius. The only problem I can see is the lack of ground clearance, but that could be easily fixed with air suspension; just raise it for poor road or uneven camp grounds. Other than that the only other problem would be making them fast enough to meet demand. *Late Edit:* From the replies I’m getting it seems a lot of people don’t understand that the point of air suspension is to raise or lower a vehicle’s height *as required*. Sports cars use it get their expensive noses into and out of driveways without damage, 4WDs use it to get extra ground clearance while retaining a more stable road stance and some (‘odd’ in my view) people use it to make their cars jump up and down on the spot… Here I’m suggesting lower it for highway running and raise it to get into a camp ground, etc.

[@gshaindrich]

your measure for "absolute genius" must be very low. If you increase the ground clearance, the efficiency will drop drastically. For its size it has only minimal interior utilities compared to conventional camper vans. There is so far no flexibility inside, the whole driver area is useless for anything else than driving and they couldn´t even do the interview inside. whats "genius" about all that? it is basically just a scaled up version of one of them useless solar racers. A design concept that doesn´t actually care about practicallity and useability.

[@alibro7512]

@@gshaindrich Bah Humbug!

[@ilox11]

@@gshaindrich When you talk about efficiency, are you aware that a GMC Motorhome (with a cleared roof) gained an efficiency of 0.30%, better than even the much faster Corvair? So with these electricals, solar systems, drive motors, etc just think what could be gained by fitting it all onto a GMC?

[@nut913]

Sure the low clearance is apart of aerodynamics

[@HermanWillems]

I think the biggest lack is, that it's Extremely expensive with alot of super light weight materials which you can't recycle.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

I've seen many projects over the years from the students at Eindhoven University of Technology, several of the Australian Solar Challenge racers, but the one I remember best was an EV motorcycle built from scratch. The bike project culminated with the students driving the ev bike around the world in 80 days. EUT is an impressive engineering school.

[@bodiesands4654]

Sounds amazing

[@patrickjr11]

the pull out solar panels instead of awnings is a real tick. if they add V2G as most of these are parked up for long periods. very cool technology

[@roland9367]

Or put them on the roof of your house, even better! Already grid connected. Honestly I see more use in renting out full battery capacity of holiday electric vehicle for grid stabilization and energy trading during stand still. Or just renting vehicles like this. Because using them a few weeks in a years is useless.

[@swanny6627]

V2G for this is a great idea. Would work well at powering an off grid home too.

[@carsonc1272]

V2G is an excellent point. Your home solar could be smaller too.

[@patreekotime4578]

@@roland9367 RV campsites usually have to provide energy to thier customers as well as for perpherials at the site. In this case, the visitors could actually be helping provide the power that lights up pathways and runs the power in the bathroom / administrative building which often dont have a roof much bigger than this themselves. You have to remember that there are really two distinct use cases for RVs: people who use them at most 2 weeks out of a year, and the people who basically live out of them permanently or seasonally.

[@tanalson]

Yup. Instead of using awnings which only cover the sunlight for you, they replace it with solar panels which is way better because you can charge your vehicle while enjoying your breakfast under the awnings

[@manuelramos5869]

Hispania (Portugal and Spain) will be full of these wonderful campers. This is really freedom, just the sun powering your camper, making kilometers and not paying anyone. Life is getting cheaper.

[@devonbikefilms]

That it one of the most intelligent and forward looking vehicles I’ve seen in a long time. Definitely not constrained by convention, and actually having a number of commercial applications for the chassis, not just the camper van. It’s great to see the people who are the future innovating so well.

[@martijnlafeber]

I can see this style working for a pop-up caravan as well. With a small battery connected to the car serving as a range extender.

[@grahamstevenson1740]

It's actually very, very STUPID and a total irrelevance to further EV usage. A useless example of techno-bullshit come completely mad.

[@gshaindrich]

"That it one of the most intelligent and forward looking vehicles I’ve seen in a long time." ... are you serious? it is neither "intelligent" nor "forward thinking". It is a single purpose, life style gadget, with NO practical use in daily life because its to big. A third of the car is just the driver cabin and bonnet area. Even as a camper almost useless, otherwise they would have talked more about it. "actually" they couldn´t even do the interview IN the van! and "commercial applications"? the area fittet with the bed isn´t practical at all for other applications. You can´t stand upright in there and it is narrow and hard to access. Who needs a driveable bedroom? an escort?

[@devonbikefilms]

@@gshaindrich there are commercial van applications, minibus applications, executive coach applications. The problem with a lack of imagination is one never gets out of the trolls cave😂😂😂

[@CantPickTheNameIwant]

@@gshaindrich I'm sure that they won't sell many of these cars, you have said a lot, but to mention more: price will hit the roof, with all those solar panels, invertors will be much higher than regular camper. Plus usually you sleep night and drive during sunlight, but you cant recharge your battery for desecnt power during driving, so wtf costumer must pay for those basically useless solar panels? Good luck to boyz, but unfortunately it won't blow up

[@barrybegley5379]

ROBERT: As always, this show was "cutting edge". You have managed to, once again, produce a show that is not just entertaining but totally informative, and dare I say "Inspirational" in its context. Thank You for sharing. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

[@crashjump1849]

This is awesome the ability to travel and spend time outdoors using little to no fossil fuel!

[@Jethr001]

…at $.5M!!

[@andypatch1861]

Brilliant creation! I have dreamed of an independent solar camper for several years, 100% eco friendly travel! A positive retirement goal. Great job lads!!!

[@Charlemagne1367]

Apart from the thousands and thousands of gallons of fossil fuels to make the battery, running the minnig equipment, transporting the mined minerals, the waste water for the solar panel production, the waste products for the silica production, the open pit minning operations for the other precious metals, etc etc. Not even close.

[@teunlll]

​@Charlemagne1367 let's just pretend that that's not there. I mean it's electric, it has to be good for the environment... right...

[@charlesharper7292]

WOW! I like it. This for adventures, and the new Aptera for every day transportation.

[@orionpax435]

a teamup would be nice too. trailer package maybe charge the aptera and drive into town from campsites. also power lending could be useful between vehicles.

[@kylecramer8489]

I have wanted a solar electric RV for AGES! Let's hope they have success bringing it to market

[@eyeballengineering7007]

I was thinking about doing one myself. Use a smallish, lightweight RV and a model 3 powertrain or something of the like. Fold out solar awnings on both sides. 5-6kw possible. You could get 50-100 miles a day out of it.

[@roland9367]

It is technically possible, even to DIY with some money. The real challenge is the mindset. Because whatever you build, even this one from the video, gives you a certain driving range agter which you have to stop and wait for the sun. If you really want to drive on the solar power. People are typically not very good at accepting that and changing their behavior.

[@fabgeb667]

price: 250k XD

[@MrAdopado]

What makes you think they are bringing it to market? It's a university not a car company. Maybe a car company will benefit from these ideas but that's as far as it goes.

[@grahamstevenson1740]

It's a fraud It won't be successful because it doesn't operate as advertised ! It's not 'solar powered' at all. That's pure disinformation and deception. Robert Llewellyn needs to stop promoting this kind of fantasy 'junk science'.

[@carsonc1272]

I've talked about an RV like this being possible and one day someone will disrupt the RV industry by bringing it to market. It's cool to see it come to life. Can't wait for production versions someday.

[@dg115]

What would be clever is if it had the ability to plug directly into your house and make use of the solar energy when not in use.

[@pau1phi11ips]

I'd be surprised if it couldn't do that. That's what I do with my (diesel) camper. Only got 600W of panels but it provides over 30% of my house usage on a good day. The 60kWh of battery in this would power my house for about 8 days alone!

[@moladiver6817]

Not only that. Imagine parking at a camping spot, hooking up your vehicle and selling all those kWh's to the net as soon as the battery's full and for as long as you're there. That would more than offset the cost of the charges that got you there. And it makes for a very green vacation as well. All EV chargers should become two-way for that reason alone.

[@flyingpanhandle]

@@pau1phi11ips Interested in this, got any more details. I'm getting solar panels on the home, but also hoping to get a camper soon with some panels on the pop top. Being able to supplement the houses solar by using the extra panels on the van when on the drive sounds ideal.

[@alanjm1234]

It would certainly be doable. Some EVs, such as the new F150 lightning have the ability to run a house for a few days if there's a blackout.

[@pau1phi11ips]

@@moladiver6817 it would be a pretty ball baller food truck at a remote campsite where power was an issue.

[@ezilyen]

Finally, my future home! 🤩💖😍

[@koitorob]

BRILLIANT! Now then, the question is, will they be designing one that is powered by rain? You know, for the UK market...

[@terryhayward7905]

Just need a hydrogen / oxy splitter and run an ICE motor. :-)

[@ecoworrier]

The UK version is powered by negative emotion.

[@yips_way]

Hydro Electric - of course, with the UK rainfall it should be even quicker to charge ;p

[@koitorob]

@@terryhayward7905 " and run an ICE motor?" Is that new technology? Motors running on ice?

[@crackedemerald4930]

@@ecoworrier the car suddenly speeds up when raining, really dangerous.

[@lifeofmisery5360]

I love it when a company is honest in their product testing instead of straight up lying, saying everything is perfect. And it is hinestly a wonderful product. Well done.

[@rikkijohnson7165]

I love that it is reminiscent of the old motor homes of the 40’s and 50’s, with that smooth teardrop shape.

[@computerjantje]

and let's not forget it also looks beautiful. I LOVE it

[@Techning]

Such a great invention. Just think about how mouch more enironmental friendly this thing is with it's small battery compared to a diesel camper. The fact that you can drive it without ever plugging it in blows my mind.

[@davidvillasenor4444]

@chris murphywould it? In comparison to what? Driving 120 miles every day for free is great.

[@db7948]

@chris murphy why would it be shit? For just travelling around it would be great especially in remote areas. If it charges 600kms in 3 days thats plenty.

[@idjles]

@@db7948 I’m about to camper 2300 km in Australia in 28 days - this would be perfect!!!

[@roland9367]

@@idjles yeah thata great. But most people do like 4000km in 2 or 3 weeks or something. The problem is the change of mindset that is necessary

[@ZesPak]

@@roland9367 Then it would just require extra charging, no biggie. I've done 5500km in 2 weeks in an EV without issue.

[@boyinthemirror]

Insanely nice project!

[@niklaswejedal463]

I never wanted a campervan more! Looks just awesome and the tech is just what I want to see. Hoping for a huge success for the guys.

[@TheTanman412]

The Ioniq Electric utilized a similar shape, albeit less extreme. Incredibly efficient @4.5mi/kwh. But this beast is 6.21mi/kwh! The front end alone reduces so much drag. Really hope Tesla or someone capable disrupts the very outdated RV industry with stuff like this. Maybe a variant half the size? I’d live in it.

[@zaneenaz4962]

Absolutely agree !! Just the essentials and well integrated.

[@kmasse81]

Lol. Not Tesla. Anyone but Tesla.

[@alfnoakes392]

It does highlight the shape-shortcomings of the Electric Brands Ebus concept.

[@-whackd]

Tesla is not gonna do an RV, they're doing a Cybertruck so you can tow a travel trailer and cover it in as many panels as you want.

[@happyhelpfulhoovy]

Always love following Solar Team Eindhoven's progress. As a manager of a solar car team, this stuff isn't easy and it's always great to see fellow teams get the recognition they deserved. (still think Stella Era was their prettiest design though)

[@LawAbidingCitizen117]

Looks like this electric RV follows the Stella Era design languange as well.

[@kmasse81]

I remember thinking all cars would be solar powered by now 25 years ago. Sad that we're not there yet. The folks that built this have done an amazing job, they should be very proud of themselves. More of this please!

[@peksn]

Well current solar panels only have like 20% efficiency of solar energy converted into electricity so there's certainly a lot of margin to improve and I think it would even be possible to have solar energy being used in real tiem to provide 100% of the vehicle's needs and still have left over to charge it

[@UnboxingAlyss]

We are getting there. The Lightning Zero, Sono Sion (both European) and the Aptera (US) are real models for what SEVs could look like in the future. It's definitely possible, but we will have to overhaul the way we make vehicles. I see this being implemented far quicker in Europe and Asia, as oppose to here in the States. 😞

[@mrwess1927]

@@UnboxingAlyss we could also reduce industrial pollution and ecosystem restoration that will clear up skies giving more sunlight intensity for solar panels.

[@UnboxingAlyss]

@@mrwess1927 No disagreements here.

[@manoman0]

@@UnboxingAlyss Lightning Zero and Sono won't see the light of day. Europeans are behind in developing ground breaking technology for transport.

[@christill]

Generally speaking I’ve gone off cars entirely in the last couple of years, especially car ownership. But this is so cool. The way they’re thinking totally differently with the shape and the efficiency of it. There’s no real reason that all vehicles couldn’t look something like this. Taxis, buses, coaches, vans etc are all necessary in the future and we need to think about them in a whole new way. What we’re doing right now of making essentially the same things with subtle aerodynamic changes, if any aerodynamic changes at all, and putting batteries in them is not enough.

[@TobyCostaRica]

There are plenty of reasons cars don’t look like this. People don’t buy them. The Honda Insight looked a bit like this. Governmental crash regulations (both car to car and car to pedestrian), cost, repairability, production efficiency, etc. The same reason why concept cars look so different from production cars.

[@miepmaster25]

they're becoming more of a commodity nowadays i feel like

[@bertvleeuwen]

I love it. Now build the thing in mass production. I will surely trade my diesel campervan for it. Thank you Robert for praising this to high heaven, rightly so.

[@paulbennett4548]

An excellent proof of concept vehicle. As a avid campervan enthusiast I would like to suggest all wheel drive and adjustable ground clearance height. This would allow one to go from cruise mode to entering campground mode and also self leveling mode. One doesn't want to spill ones libation at the end of a hard day. :o) Great video Robert.

[@donaldpyper4627]

Self levelling mode is a fantastic idea

[@blitzroute66]

Leveling blocks are maybe 5kg? Self leveling is probably at least 120kg... All wheel drive either means carrying several hundred kilos of extra motors or drivetrain for switchable 2wd or a drivetrain that has 10% losses in a best case scenario? Manual ride height adjust with a hydraulic pump or something is probably the best you can do

[@deltonhedges9948]

With height control, 4wd or AWD are of limited benefit. Ground clearance is more than half of the advantage of 4wd vehicles. @@blitzroute66

[@JeffreyWitte-j8l]

I like it, looks kind of like a Prius.

[@piconano]

I love it. It's my dream camper van. Kudos to these young people for thinking big. The only problem is you need 2 people to role-up the window flap [3:50]! 😃

[@krashd]

Yeah that would be a deal breaker for me. 😂

[@rogerstarkey5390]

"Prototype"?

[@korcanatalay]

A campervan with 2 inches of clearance. Great idea guys!

[@zeeone4492]

Would need to be 4x4 for me in Lekki

[@jacobpaint]

I wonder if it has a mechanism to raise it or if that is something they have considered but not implimented yet. It’s a pretty obvious issue that we’d have to assume they are idiots not to think of and they clearly arent idiots.

[@korcanatalay]

@@jacobpaint prototypes are always stupid because they are easy to make.

[@korcanatalay]

@@jacobpaint also why isn't the host asking this quesiton?

[@jacobpaint]

@@korcanatalay well that is more concerning. He clearly wants to make a glowing, positive video about them. He could have asked them what other features they hope to add or the biggest issues they have found. He probably discussed the list of talking points with them before shooting it and there could be a lot of critical issues they didn't have good answers for so they didn't include.

[@StarBoundFables]

Wow, this vehicle's design is positively brilliant 😃 I think it'd be absolutely wonderful to see these epic, solar-powered campervans available in sunny parts of the world so that people can rent them for green vacations 💚

[@GudieveNing]

Or live in them and don't bother with an energy sapping expensive house! @lifemachine

[@sharonbraselton4302]

emtrcrb twant8n 85 ie tess cels 87 ioe eangr

[@-whackd]

We already put solar panels on our RVs... Lol

[@cmdrblahdee]

Hmm, with something like this, you'd need a very different route planner. I'm imagining you pick a destination, and it shows you camping areas along the way with a weather overlay. Weather can generally only be predicted accurately a few days out, but that's enough to let you know if you should stay put today to get more charge, travel a bit out of the way to avoid clouds, if you have enough charge to just tough it out, or if you should look for a charging station. Very cool though.

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

Check out the recent tiny home tours video of a van simliar to this. He was saying you kind of give up on the idea of going when you want, you're at the mercy of the sunshine, like sailiing and the wind. Land sailing if you will, and in that way i think i could enjoy this kind of travel, although id prefer to do it on some off road rather than a highway with cars flying by.

[@davidf2281]

Incomparably better idea than 'solar' cars with a near-useless few hundred watts' worth of panels on the roof. Superb concept!

[@20xx-mm-dd]

Aptera is legit a solar vehicle that's exciting to drive. It can get 40 miles of range in one day from solar, a benefit of being as efficient as it is. It's an odd vehicle but it fits a niche and opens up minds to the possibility of solar power. Lightyear One is a lot more expensive but it's similar in how efficient it is. Solar powered cars are 100% possible.

[@davidf2281]

@@20xx-mm-dd I agree they are _possible_ but I don't agree they're practical, economically viable or more desirable as a solution than simply plugging an EV in to charge.

[@samspencer7765]

@@davidf2281 I respectfully disagree just cause of phantom drain, even a hundred watt panel is enough to counteract that, but I agree that more solar is better hehe :)

[@davidf2281]

@@samspencer7765 I take your point, but with the low self-discharge of lithium-ion batteries you can counteract months of phantom drain with a few minutes plugged into a wall. To my mind there's an "area threshold" below which onboard solar becomes effectively worthless, and a car will always be below that threshold in my opinion. But hey, I'd love to be proved wrong in time.

[@samspencer7765]

@@davidf2281 Yup I getcha, for me it's like for example if you park at the airport for a few weeks, it's not unheard of for Tesla's to lose a couple of miles a day, which could leave you quite drained if it took you half your battery to get to the airport and then you've got to go and pay to plug in and wait for 20 minutes. The other would be like if you went camping, and your car had a 230v outlet. You could keep your devices charged up and still be adding a couple of kWh a day back into the battery. It's different strokes for different folks though and I respect that, I think for me I envision being away from the wall charger for days/weeks, and I really don't enjoy the petrol forecourt experience of paying over the odds to charge.

[@maxb.885]

I think this is amazing. Think of those kind of vehicles in the skandinavian or canadian summer, when the sun never goes down. And in the winter you can go to Arizona, Texas, Florida, Mexiko etc.

[@John.0z]

I love it! I could never afford one, but what a great vehicle for exploring Australia!

[@computerbob06]

You'll have to put a coal fired heater in there to keep Scotty happy!

[@PassportToPimlico]

You might be able to afford to lease one though.

[@pogo1140]

You'd have to put it on an actual van chassis.

[@robsengahay5614]

It would get extremely hot in there and I sense that you would need all of that solar energy to keep the cabin cool both when driving and to sleep at night. These guys travelled through southern Europe in springtime when the sunshine hours are high but temperatures are comfortable but I imagine using this in Spain in July. Love Robert but……..he rarely asks the difficult questions.

[@eyeballengineering7007]

@@robsengahay5614 you could easily cool that space with less than 1,000 Watts. Since the panels make 4kw unfolded and 2 KW folded, you could easily power around and gain battery charge while running the AC

[@thygate]

0:20 That Kryten gait

[@hammertlme]

This is a good effort. Anyone interested in this should definitely look into Aptera, which is slated to have a proper solar powered EV in production this year.

[@robertweekley5926]

This is Aptera's "Father!" 😁

[@Hans-gb4mv]

Another project that has a relation is of course the Lightyear One

[@hammertlme]

@@Hans-gb4mv it's overpriced and slow. Aptera sells the only solar EV that's worth buying and will be in production.

[@gbpg2016]

@@hammertlme let's wait until they start selling them before we say it's the only on worth buying.

[@TobyCostaRica]

Looking at their body sq ft available for solar, and knowing how efficient panels currently are x how much of the day they are producing power I don’t believe their claims.

[@joachim5264]

Absolute Spitzenklasse. Endlich eine Concept was sich von der bisherigen Fahrzeugform gelöst hat und zurecht den Ausdruck modern und innovativ verdient!

[@kevincourcey813]

I really needed an uplifting video today. Thanks Robert for your enthusiasm, and dedication to finding those pursuing a new direction for solar.

[@robertdavenport7802]

Like you, I've dreamed of the solar powered RV. When you look at the basic equations for rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag and then try to fit a campervan into the equation, this is what you get. It's not easy! A real engineering achievement from Solar Team EIndhoven to turn this dream that many people have into reality.

[@yt-paolo]

Wow, just wow!! 👍👍👍

[@passby8070]

I have been thinking about this for a long time, thank heavens that someone is taking it serious and turning it in to a reality. I am looking forward for an explosion of self charging campervan ideas and commercialisation. looking forward to travel around the world with such a vehicle.

[@craigknight2764]

Something in this form factor and with similar technology would be ideal for rural bus routes across Europe. So many services have been cut because its 'not financially viable'

[@alanjm1234]

I doubt the fuel costs would be a major factor though. Drivers, admin staff, insurance and maintenance would certainly be greater costs.

[@krashd]

@@alanjm1234 True, but every penny helps - saying that though the initial cost of building/modifying buses would use a lot of pennies. :/

[@rogerstarkey5390]

@@alanjm1234 Passengers need to stand inside a bus, so the roof format is a "no"

[@fenflyer]

Modec 15 year old electric vans been converted into solar powered motorhomes on U tube 😎👍 ( Modec Electric van , same as Robert drove way back when 🙄)

[@phoneixinvestor]

So proud for you all! Looking forward to seeing your progress and how you inspire others.

[@tomduke1297]

sweet stuff! that thing charges 100km a day even without the extended roof. my grandparents life 150km away, so when i drive up there on friday and back on sunday, the entire trip can be solar powered..... thats just nuts! i love it! ;)

[@44Bigs]

The front looks so cool, especially since it’s so low to the ground. And the efficiency is impressive as well!

[@LawAbidingCitizen117]

Brilliant for aerodynamics, not so much for going over speed bumps.

[@brk_can]

@@LawAbidingCitizen117 and also not very good for going to many camping sites.

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

@@brk_can And since you're going to camping sites anyway, you can just plug into the grid. What's the point of the solar panels?

[@Realatmx]

@@yarpenzigrin1893 yes but still most of the part of world we generate non renewable electricity.. So solar power is eco friendly

[@davesworld7961]

That could be a real game changer. It sounds like even if you don't extend the solar awnings you still can get about 100 km of charging a day. That satisfies a huge portion of daily drivers. Also with the right amenities this can replace a home for van dwellers and minimalists. I hope they can build it and sell it at an affordable price.

[@ahaveland]

Optimal design using nature and physics for inspiration -- Love it!

[@johnthomas6078]

Wow, I could definately buy something like this, when they are on the market and just live and work from the car all over Europe!

[@NicoSteinacker]

W O W. That‘s one sexy solar camper! Love it!

[@owainjohns2815]

this would start a whole new type of holiday, I want one!

[@mamadjun]

What an original idea! A vehicle which runs on solar power. Such a concept has never been tried before. Of course not and with our constantly sunny weather here in the UK, the range should be well over 6 km. and no issues parking it anywhere including supermarket car parks and the roads are ideal without a single pothole so no panel w'd ever become detached. Oh, I nearly forgot. We also have ample working charging stations all over the country where you can park and charge the vehicle for two days.

[@pau1phi11ips]

If they invented one powered by positivity. It'd be right up your street.

[@SnowingNapalm]

it could fit in your bus lanes 😏💜 and just upgrade parking 🅿️ infrastructure 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@sunilalexandercampianregis8874]

The aero dynamic design, and the modern look is eye catching, all in all it provides shelter , transport and energy inclusive of all the modern comfort.❤😂

[@thecooky7744]

I live in Florida and that would be great would like to see something like that in a production model

[@williamclark6466]

❤ Just kidding - Now you're not virtue-signaling, you're just showing off... wink, wink, nod, nod... 😂 I actually LOVE ❤️ that you are showing us this fabulous electric motor camper. WOW! I wish I lived there and could go camping in one of these. It is so sleek and airodynamic that I am certain it will cut through the air with ease...

[@WarrenBotes]

Now we need a 4x4 off-road version 🥵

[@FabriSlv]

Literally the first thing I thought! I guess we need a few more years of development for motor efficiency and lighter batteries to compensate for the extra weight/power needed, but that would be the ultimate off-grid vehicle!

[@rogerstarkey5390]

@@FabriSlv Motor efficiency is fine, there will be incremental improvements. Batteries, look no further than the 4680 form factor in structural form for the next step, then a chemistry boost as upgrades become available. Should give at least 10-20% density increase. . Then, "transparent solar" technology allowing thin film solar on the glass AND a body wrap. There's a lot more potential (pun 😉)

[@gerrimanderingi9427]

It’s a great concept solar powered RV, but the interior need to more space conscious, like the front seats need to swivel for maximum usage.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

"prototype"?

[@ProfessorHamer]

I think it would have been a good idea to compare this to the alternative, which is packing a deployable array in the trunk of your ev. The military developed a long time ago large tents with thin solar panels on the fabric roofs. You can also just buy the thin portable panels and lay them out on the ground and bring a tent, cooker etc. Also, for evs the type of tent that attaches to the rear hatch of your car suddenly gets an additional benefit since you can heat and cool the tent.

[@limahortumsanayi873]

Just perfect! i imagine the all finished product will possibily change the way we look to RV and other motor homes. Everyone needs to unplug themselves every now and then, so this will hopefully be a perfect way to escape. A big shout out to those young engineers in the Netherlands. Keep up the good work...

[@jamesswaller]

Way cool. Great for good roads, might need more ground clearance or airlift suspension for bouncing into campgrounds around mountainous areas. Gas mileage for ICE version of this truly horrible.

[@nr5494]

Superb! I love it. The styling is spot on, & the side opening doors so practical. What a way to travel the continent, with zero fuel bills. Make it. Now!

[@WilliamDaviesDev]

now thats what life should be like

[@bikerchrisukk]

The people that designed and built this should be proud. I actually like the exposed tubular structural beams.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Very "Colin Chapman"?

[@bikerchrisukk]

@@rogerstarkey5390 For sure (and yes of course I had to look up Colin Chapman).

[@WyndStryke]

It'd be interesting to know your take on Aptera. It seems similar to this one in some ways. For solar powered vehicles, I think the important factors are the wattage from the panel, and the WH/KM efficiency of the vehicle itself - i.e., there'd be no point covering a Hummer in solar panels because it burns through the power too fast when it is driving, whereas this experimental vehicle, and also Aptera, seem to be able to practically use the solar energy.

[@richardryley3660]

That's what I was going to say. "No one has ever seen a car with this shape". I've seen a car with this shape, and it seems to share a lot of the philosophy. Lightweight design, aerodynamics, and efficiency. I would suggest the creators contact Aptera. They're not going to be doing anything but getting the Aptera to market in the near term, but these two companies could pool their resources. If nothing else, this camper could provide a roadmap for oversized vehicles to be just as efficient as smaller ones. Make fold out panels that can be used to charge the larger batteries, and use lightweight materials, with crash protection only where it is needed. (A roll cage is kinda blatant, but the passenger cage could be built into the body, like in the Aptera)

[@a1yallop]

Absolutely brilliant, sheer genius by those young students. It's the future for camper vans.

[@jakequinn31]

Been looking forward to this one!!

[@marcdeckard7064]

If you could raise the body with hydrolics for rough roads, it would be fine, otherwise you'd be limited to camping in parking lots.

[@IrenESorius]

I want waant waaaant one,, 🥰 Cheers from Sweden,, 🍻😎👍‍‍👍‍‍

[@BrianThomas]

This is an amazing piece of technology however I strongly feel with projects such as these really really need to be paired with a gasoline hybrid engine. Or provide the ability to charge the battery whilst driving. Currently I don't foresee the ability to do that while it's putting more power into the battery that's being drawed from the battery as you're driving. The only way I can foresee that happening is with the gasoline hybrid engine as a generator or as a secondary engine when the electrical engine is not running

[@hamshackleton]

Interesting camper-van. Two things come to mind - is it 4wd, (for muddy UK fields) and it could use more ground clearance.

[@roland9367]

4wd is heavier so it will be 2wd, and increasing ground clearence increase airresistance.

[@pogo1140]

@@roland9367 You need the ground clearance if you want to camp somewhere other than a lawn or a parkinglot

[@gothnate]

@@roland9367 Unless they had a lift that would give increased height when air resistance isn't a factor. Like going 25 mph or slower. There's really no point in it being that low going at slow speeds. The entire purpose of a "camper" is to get away from civilization, but being restricted to pavement kind of negates that.

[@terryhayward7905]

Easy to add adjustable ground clearance with air lift suspension, and if it uses powered wheels rather than a central motor, then switchable 4WD is simple as well.

[@roland9367]

@@pogo1140 Of course, I know that, I do a lot of offroad bushcamping. But this is an efficiency study. To achieve range and maximize solar driving. But yeah it is very low.

[@thecorbies]

Nice project, but would have been nice to have some tech info like: aero drag figures, chassis construction, transmission/control, solar panel construction/set-up, expected accommodation layout etc. No wonder it's so light. It's basically a pop-up tent on wheels. Mark in the UK

[@frozenyogurtist]

I love it! I want one :-D

[@ajbarrett857]

Love it! One caveat for the American market: it will need better ground clearance, because we like to "boondock" off of some pretty rough roads. That said, hope to see this van & more like it here!

[@Martin-se3ij]

Try driving down 9th Ave. in New York city it is worse than some third world countries.

[@gnomad42]

I would love to see this do a road trip up the east coast of Australia! That would show the EV doubters in the Govt how it's done!

[@kenmcclow8963]

This is nearly perfect. With the light weight you get better range and faster charging if you plug it in. Since the best camping is often down a bumpy road, I would give it some kind of lift at slow speeds so it wouldn’t get stuck. I really like the two side doors so you could store bikes inside while driving so they don’t mess with the aerodynamics

[@Small_Boxes]

Just a quick comment on the video production - who mixed the audio levels on this one? I've never come across a more jarring imbalance between the dialogue and music links on any of your videos before this and it's enough to put me off viewing. See you next video anyway 🙂

[@drankfrebin]

Turn it off and put subtitles on then moaner

[@Small_Boxes]

@@drankfrebin I feel it's a valid point to make, so if you disagree then well done you; I bow to your superiority 🤔

[@drankfrebin]

@@Small_Boxes good

[@marcdeckard7064]

If it had about 10 inches of ground clearance it would be formidable.

[@sirskullington9213]

Quality programming guys. Keep it up, this stuff should and maybe will go terrestrial tv 👍

[@victorsvoice7978]

The ultimate in green transportation is the solar powered vehicle. It has been the stuff of science fiction, but now a reality. Congratulations to the researchers, and keep up the good work. The future belongs to you.

[@J--.--]

Looking like a good first step! But I want to see the focus on turning this concept completely into a permanent home option rather than hobby/ recreation! Needs way more ground clearance, at least twice the number of panels that fold out, and let them secure to the ground firmly. Add solar panel sheets inside every single window/windshield that can optionally act as blackout curtains, or stowed to let more natural light in as desired. Lightweight is fine, but durability and longevity would be way more important, as well as having the inside designed to be modular with points to secure so that normal furnishings can be added and not have to come built in. Leave room for battery expansion and easy electrical customization!! Many steps to improve the concept can be taken, and I'm excited to see them!

[@xFD2x]

The whole thing is one big compromise. Everything single thing you want changed would result in another compromise. Not better, just different.

[@andrewfrodo2086]

A very big fan of the music even before anyone spoke. Then the main course. Perfecto! WoW what are kids are going to be driving is AMAZING!

[@MikeYoungeasytravel]

Way to go TU Eindhoven! More EVs = less ICE vehicles, and less money for Foreign despots, oil cartels and the corrupt oil and gas industry! Remember, it’s about thinking what’s possible, instead of wearing red ball caps and saying nothing is possible!!!

[@us3rG]

You must be empty in the head if you think Evs will hurt oil lol

[@Votoyar]

If you think lithium and cobalt industries are less money for foreign despots, cartels and corruption, think again my friend.

[@attiliobastosguarnieri5416]

Aqui do Brasil só apreciando essa engenharia e design sob rodas. Keep on !

[@Nasfrance]

I want one, these will sell like hot cakes in Australia

[@Zoza15]

Australia would be ideal due to the climate yeah.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

What would we do without lovely and clever dutch guys!? Simply beautiful stuff!! :-)

[@BMWHP2]

I will never understand, why people in the US need to ride in huge 2 or 3 metric ton vehicles that have to do 0 to 60 in 3 sec, and call it environmentally friendly. Build smaller lightweight EV's. 95% of the time there is only 1 person inside anyway. Good to see those Dutch guys can show how it should be done.

[@andyphillips7435]

Well they will until people point and laugh, and then they won’t.

[@anomuumit]

Economic culture for households in the US is based on abundance. Everything needs to be abundant or it is seen as a failure. People drive enormous vehicles, live in enormous houses and have to have everything imaginable or otherwise their lives are seen as a failure. "Good enough" is something that is avoided instead of pursued. There is so much energy and material waste in the way of life in the US that it is just absurd. It all adds up into one of the or if not the largest environmental footprints that there is on this planet.

[@kathyfann]

We all need these Solar powerful camping vans. Please oh market these in the USA also. Thank You for Helping us all get away without worry about the gas ⛽️ prices

[@LitonSarkar48]

no ground clearance and bad looking.... They need good Designer and Engineer in their team...

[@BarryMambo]

I think the design is not so bad, it follows function - but that car definitely needs very very good roads in order not to get damaged. Which is not very useful for a camper van, when you want to be in nature. It might be very frustrating when you have to stay near a big and noisy road overnight Just because your vehicle ist able to use a gravel road to a lake or mountain.

[@IMborg007]

An expensive WalMart parking lot camper? Not a lot of campgrounds where this wouldn't bottom out repeatedly. Hopefully they can add ride height adjustment and review it again.

[@agungprasetyo2665]

Why its so unpractical in real life

[@luboskladal6101]

I love the design as well as the idea behind it all. What a great machine. Thank you guys, well done you! Wish you all the best and go far with your project.

[@SHOdown13]

Amazing project. Not all solar/battery powered vehicles need to be lightning fast, just like all gas powered cars don't need to be quarter-mile killers. So many variations of this camper idea can done in the future. Kudos to the team at Eindhoven.

[@seanmcdonald5859]

A VERY attractive vehicle indeed. Lots of comments about ground clearance and interior space whilst forgetting that rhis is a PROTOTYPE and EXPERIMENTAL: its not gonna tick all the boxes for campers and sales reps yet but the potential is there.

[@Freedom384]

Where can buy ?and how much can buy ?🤔👍

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

I'd be interested to know what the power usage per km was down to in Spain in the sun.

[@poerava]

Brilliant design. One of the best I’ve seen in the past 5 years.

[@samlook]

When technology becomes art, it looks like this! A truly fabulous machine.

[@HearturMind]

The big trough in the design is genius. Put whatever floats your boat in it and cover with a countertop. But the whole thing is great!

[@LetsgowithHyro]

Wow, one of the best reports ever! Compliments to my fellow Dutch boys👏🏼

[@capitanothegreat3994]

What about covering all the walls with Solar Panels? I know there will be sides that doesn't get Sunlight when Driving but also they will be sides getting sunlight hence increase the mileage. Second Question is - are the Panels soo Heavy that if you cover the whole Vehicle with Solar Panels it becomes Inefficient and Expensive?

[@Pestsoutwest]

my wife is obsessed with the idea of a self driving camper. Think of going to sleep in the camper and waking up at a new location. Sleep through the drives and just enjoy the destinations.