Solarrolla Napkin Series 5 - Solar-Powered Fully Electric Campers!

[@briseboy]

One thing learned in mexico , in all deserts and mountains of North America is that CLEARANCE is more important than 4 wheel drive. Though I had a Volkwagen kombi looking every much like yours excepting only tht the interior had been modified t be over 6' standing room (I forgot the custom company that made the camper with its top (it allowed for a small bed at normal kombi roof level, but we used the area to safely stow surf and windsurf boards sails, etc.)), and was comfortable for two weeks at a time, which was about the financial limit for traveling . It was always confortable, and only the necessity to fuel up life with more cash limited duration. I also had a Mazda 6 ft bed pickup, so light that it flew inadvertently over bumpy dirt roads. That style convinced us that clearance rules. As a 2-wd vehicle that model had been superior over Baja California's "1000" mile races to the competing 4-wds. it looks as if the Solarolla has the requisite clearance. I had NEVER had to dig out my own vehicle, though often rescuing stranded Canadians and US residents who had never had either experience or attention in driving in sandy and other areas where one cannot stop and start. Lower clearance vehicles damage whatever s hanging low, and though duct tape and shoe goo got me several hundred miles back north in a VW diesel golf, those items cannot be expected to replace an oil pan - not a consideration in EVs. WHAT are projected prices for the Solarolla?

[@Mr.RGBiggsGuyRGBG]

I work at a big American(Tesla?nope) electric vehicle company building the battery mods and packs, I started building my own packs several years ago then started working there. I wish It was like this tho…This is my dream vehicle realized…Ive built Amazon trucks and they are very similar shape to this minus the panels….awesome stuff…I should be there instead…sigh lol

[@Tore_Lund]

I followed the trip and the dramatic end in Mexico . Glad to you are all well and the idea lives on.

[@GaiaCarney]

It is my dream as well, to ‘Cruise on sunshine’ 🌞 I love what you’ve created, Solarrolla! A tiny home powered by this rig and the freedom to travel with it as well - __AMAZING_ ☮️

[@jezthomas4402]

Love your principles, ingenuity, and drive - all power to you!

[@iancox506]

Outstanding! We love to see this happening.

[@willm5814]

I’m soooo jealous! You guys are pioneers- working on something that matters!!

[@jonathansheward7965]

LOVE what you are doing!

[@___Tom]

Great Projects, great vid! Thanks for pioneering!

[@teagueman100]

I really like the graphics. Good quality and my kind of style.

[@davidharris453]

Excellent video and electric vehicles. This wasnt some computer simulation of what could be. You guys have and are living and breathing this real life revolution in vehicular possibilities and you did a very passionate and accessible video sharing your personal evolutionary experience of the whole process. Excellent and wonderful, good luck in the future and thank you for so personally sharing it with the rest of us mere mortals!

[@solarrolla]

@davidharris453 thank you for the kind words!

[@davidharris453]

You are welcome and you deserve it!

[@dillonrohe4988]

Wow - love these all electric campers!

[@myself248]

This is wild, I'm in line for an Aptera 3-wheeler, and now suddenly I imagine it as the runabout vehicle accompanying a camper like this!

[@nrrajedsolutions]

very impressive guys. excellent quality fabrication

[@SolarHarvestSolutions]

Been barking up this tree for 20 years, I have my own prototype solar Polaris ATV … very nice work guys

[@brettbelan4937]

Great job!

[@you_aint_seen_me_right]

Love it. Just completed a Nissan eNV200 camper and taking off to Europe in it tomorrow. Solar and a larger pack are the next step. I've seen these vans in the UK at GoinGreen near London years back and always thought they'd make great recreational vehicles once the internals were swapped out, I seem to remember they were UPS trucks perhaps? I'd imagine you could pick one up for next to nothing now...

[@scopwicknewyear5531]

That is very impressive. Byd is the way to go. Much better thermal regulation and safer. Not perfect but better. You are building my dream. Well done.

[@silviuflorescu6838]

Why not using EVE 304Ah LFP prismatic cells ? You get 970 Wh for 5,5 kg, while with these lamelar BYD you get 650 Wh for 3,9 kg. 176 vs 166 Wh/kg. For a total of 200 kWh of battery, it can safely be charged and discharged with 100 kWh, even double.

[@mmuller2402]

Why do you recommend a firm instead of a specific cell? China bot you are? 🎉🎉😂😂

[@iandale]

Love what you’re doing here, at work in a big company I attempt to remove “cottage industries” but in this space I think your cottage industry is a thing of beauty.

[@brettbelan4937]

Appreciated!

[@shelby371]

I would love to make a food truck version of that! The idea is fantastic that you have going!

[@nixable_gaming]

I love getting into these fun subcultures. I'm really considering building or buying something like this... eventually.

[@phillipramplin1203]

Now this is some exciting shit😮❤❤❤love it ,G'day from Australia

[@jedics1]

This is the kind of project Ive been waiting for, subscribed. That platform does look like the best starting point Ive seen, atleast until the amazon vans start to hit the second hand market. Been living in my diesel truck build 5 years now and I love it but full electric is obviously the next logical step although it will be hard to give up all the extra space I have with mine.

[@JoeGo101]

exciting to see vehicles like this coming into fruition

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste .. 🙏🏻 😊 ✌ ☮ ❤ 🕊

[@SmallVansBigWorld]

Really love the aspirations because what you gius are doing! Let us convert the interior of one of these for you guys!

[@crypto-city859]

Woot woot! Subbed. 😁

[@zer0nix]

Does the rounded roof reduce drag? Can you walk on the roof panels (you can walk on top of marine grade panels). What is the coefficient of drag for the base estar and how does it compare to an electric ram promaster or sprinter? Have you considered adding a tapered box to the rear or do mirror deletions (replaced with cameras) to further reduce drag? Can we get a look at how you've arranged the water storage, since it has to share space with the batteries? Have you considered adding a pop top to this model as well? Finally, have you considered using water sprayers to cool the panels (you'll need to use deionized water or else it may cause mineral buildup)? I love the idea! Unfortunately I can only contribute ideas. Edit: ah I commented before the end. Pop tops and slide outs is super exciting!

[@KyleRuggles]

I was just thinking about this! Saw this on your channel a few months ago when this wild crazy and cool KZbinr was raving bout it heh. I gotta see how he upgraded it. Edit: Appreciate everything you do! I wish I was a millionaire, you'd be a company I would love to invest in, like just 2 million, do your thing, grow.. I'll help when I can but you keep the profits, just wanna see you grow and help the world. Hi from the 3rd floor, eh!

[@sennlich]

YES ! You are Great!

[@13thbiosphere]

The motorhome industry sells more than 100,000 units per year it's inevitable that eventually at some stage in the next ten years they'll be commercial operations .... sooner the better

[@zbigniewteterycz1571]

SUPER IDEA . POZDRAWIAM .

[@danjamesking]

Chucking my napkin idea into the mix. Teardrop rear, with canvas pop top when stationary, hinging off the back of the originally van. Like the trunk/ tent on the Aptura? Reach out to local boat builders to look a creating carbon composite parts for the framing of the panels too, to save weight

[@mrwess1927]

😊space, outer space

[@roypateman470]

Nice guys looks great 👍 good

[@fulunty]

Use of micro and macro-vibrations in a driven vehicle seems to be very much overlooked whilst providing huge potential for free kinetic energy. Combined with solar makes a ride self-reliant and limitless, in terms of distance and energy.

[@johnbullers8647]

I might have missed it, but does it have high speed DC charging. On longer trips that you want to save time, it would be nice to have. I could see parking this by your house, plugging it to your house, and use it as your solar and battery back up.

[@gmankono]

Looks pretty rad! I REALY look forward to seeing what you guys do once some of the Rivian delivery vehicles start becoming available for this kind of build & conversion. That and what kinds of kits you might be putting together to go on a VW ID Buzz. 🙂

[@charlesplewes48]

Replace the side mirrors with cameras will add 10% to the range.

[@macbook802]

Also lowering it, remove the mechanical brake system from the rear wheels, and skinny tires

[@Tore_Lund]

I was wondering about those mirrors too. Though trucks have different legal requirements for mirrors.

[@Brisingirraudhr]

Awesome build! You should include a better charging port though, in case you want to drive further in one day!

[@dannypercussionman]

Cool👍

[@gordienj]

That square, flat back has to suck. Maybe have a tapered garage and/or bath module. I have been imagining a lowerable top to decrease wind resistance. What an exciting project - wish I lived near you.

[@solarrolla]

Yes, that has been a big topic of design for future builds with full interiors.

[@heymike7037]

My partner and I have been thinking about exactly this. Our wishlist would be BYD blade LFP batteries for their robustness, 500 km range, all wheel drive for light off-road/winter traction, smallish form-factor to blend in on city streets (she has a ProMaster now so in that size range), all electric with enough solar generation to make a difference and possibly charge the actually traction battery. You next build looks awesome but I'm concerned about being able to source eStar bodies and parts given they had such a limited production run. Also wouldn't be interested in the side bump-outs but the second story might be interesting. The solar tracking is super cool.

[@clasico2.044]

Perovskite solar film awnings retract (roll up) automatically when wind speeds exceed safe levels. Your design ideas are very creative given the juggling act of function, weight, size. Pop ups & slide outs made from super strong, lightweight carbon fabrics optimal. Some are towing customized utility trailers that use unit powered regenerative edrive wheels for enhanced towing, downhill charging and off-roading. All the best to you guys 🫡🇺🇲

[@IncrediblyDaniel]

I’d love the 4x4! How much would one of these builds run?

[@davidcoffey6413]

Way cool...

[@Jaspisavant]

Super cool! I have an old coach built tv van that 4wd chassis would be amazing under it. It was built on a gmc short bus chassis 163” wb

[@paulogden7417]

I think this is a bold experiment. There is no reason every RV can’t have solar roof and awnings. However we also need EV charging infrastructure in our national and state park campgrounds to get this idea over the hump and jumpstart the EV RV revolution. Our parks should be the epicenter of climate change awareness and response, not showrooms for PM 2.5 spewing diesel rigs!

[@paulogden7417]

Our National park campgrounds should be shaded with solar panels tied to megapack batteries and charging outlets. Charging does not need to be free either. Priced right it would pay for itself while still being cheaper than fueling an RV!

[@brettbelan4937]

Couldn't agree more!

[@moparmarley]

I think you should steal my idea of mounting the solar panels on a rotating mount so you won't have to worry about parking the right way. Make a quick release to spin as needed. Keep the tilting also and try and make it track the sun, so you font have to worry about it as much. I would love to build my own bicycle sized camper to live in.

[@Greenereener]

Really cool stuff guys! I agree that additional space is a bigger gain to make than even more charging or electricity storage capacity. Happy to follow these developments! Keep it up!!

[@antonygilbert9695]

Hello !!! So AMAZING ! I'm currently building a 100% custom catamaran and I'm amazed by your electronic display... What did you use for that ?

[@solarrolla]

@@antonygilbert9695 Hi, we used the AEM C7 display along with an arduino board built by an engineer Brett when to college with.

[@antonygilbert9695]

@@solarrolla THANKS for quick reply :) !!! is this a CAN Bus connexion ? and are your motors in 48V ??

[@seekerstan]

I currently live in my 19' Roadtrek, it still runs great, but my long-term retirement home, I hope, will be a similar sized Full Self Driving Tesla delivery van conversion with as much solar as possible. Of course Tesla will have to build such a van and my TSLA stock will need to make the long awaited moonshot. Fingers crossed.

[@danmaupin-ahern2373]

You guys are doing some amazing things, say hi to Brett and Kira for me

[@brettbelan4937]

DAN!!

[@tlc1of3]

I love what you are doing with solar! Would adding wind to a vehicle be an option since you generate wind when driving. I'm curious if you've considered wind as an addition to the solar. Thank you. Love your videos!

[@airtime89410]

awesome. would love to talk with you about the EStar.

[@trcackett]

Great project. But I would like to be able to charge from external charges too, to enable long distance travel.

[@solarrolla]

You can charge it at any level 2 charging station or RV park. Future models can have fast charging capabilities if the customer wants it.

[@Scubongo]

I've been dreaming about a vehicle like that for a very long time. Total freedom. I love it! I do not understand why they aren't everywhere yet. So good job! But does it come with a charger? If you want to drive a little further, you should be able to charge them from the grid as well. And how big is the battery? How many days of energy can they hold? Because I'm sure people won't be traveling every day. Longer charge time, more distance.

[@brettbelan4937]

Yes for sure chargers

[@leafnutz2341]

A rear slide with a king size bed like a Jayco X213 would be awesome!!!!

[@Ken.Howard]

From Australia: Napkin Series LOL - just so you know, Napkin means something else here!

[@k1ng401]

I’m Australian and as far as I know it means exactly what these guys use it for. What do you think it means?

[@dennisfarris4729]

Inflatable beams might be effective to support guyed down panels.

[@Melhisadek]

Go for it!

[@yurik1608]

200 miles it's good but not always enough. Did you though of the BYD idea by adding a small engine (diesel/gas ) as a generator and calling - "extended range ev" ?

[@xiaoka]

i guess you could drive after dark and charge in the day time.... and maybe cheat w/ some plug in charging in the middle of the night.

[@doobryw538]

Thought about a collab with Rivian? Turning one of their vans into a solar camper could be the start of something beautiful that you could sell all over the world..

[@briseboy]

Ford has owned Rivian for some time.

[@stevebergman6747]

I'm so impressed with what you have accomplished! Having said that, and understanding that solar is your jam, have you considered equipping these vehicles with fast charge capability so that if someone wants to take a longer trip in the course of a day or several days, they can bypass the solar and fast charge in order to put more miles under their belt until they get to their destination?

[@brettbelan4937]

Fer shure!!

[@TheKillerman3333]

In rockets, there is a thrust to weight ratio. Or something akin to that. Have you considered a battery weight to distance ratio to limit weight and maximize distance? Does heavier batteries give diminishing returns even though you have more energy storage?

[@omgThink4uRself]

Awesome, love the ideas! Can it plug into a Tesla charger for longer road trips? Waiting 16hr or 2 or 3 days for a charge for only 200 miles of range is a huge draw back in my book. Otherwise you'd sell them as fast as you make them!

[@cypvh74]

Yeah, using the NAC J3400 standard for a charging port would be cool.

[@steveeparsonsjr7929]

To do something like this is pretty cool, but that charge time and the foot print of the solar array is pretty big. I understand the whole purpose, but I would follow some other paths also only due to you're not promised fast charging everytime you're charging which is understandable however I would also buy a nice size generator for the worse of the worse problems occurring. I follow Murphy's Law, if it can go wrong it will and I would surely make it effective and try and cover every problem before it has a chance to sneak up...

[@vitaliy1376]

Have you guys considered to put thin stickable solar panels on the side walls? That should help to charge batteries while driving

[@RandyZimmerman-pp5wj]

Wow wish I had the money to buy it

[@kenyahawkins2472]

The solar panel extensions on sides could also fold down against van body..as at back..to be hinged up with supports?

[@richardservatius5405]

I'm hoping to buy a Tesla Robovan, pulling a light trailer loaded with solar panels to keep it charged. I'm thinking of not only putting the panels on the trailer, but also pulling out vertically stored panels to mount on the ground nearby to provide even more power when camping or at parks. The pain in the neck part is solar connectors...they are easy to connect, but a real pain to take apart. Do you have a suggestion on what to use for the connectors?

[@captainnutzlos3816]

Nmc cells !!😲😲 Hope it didnt burn ...

[@RomanChaar]

How many watts can be captured in a day with the new setup?

[@brettbelan4937]

60 plus kwhr

[@johnfrancis5673]

I always had this idea (even though I am not an engineer or mechanically minded) and wondered why they (EV manufacturers) don't put small wind turbines under the bonnet (I think you call it the hood) or even underneath. I mean you only need put your hand out of the window at 30mph to feel the wind force (imagine that being funneled into a small wind turbine or multiple wind turbines). Would always be generating some electricity when driving & even when stationary on windy days would potentially produce a small amount. I realize it would create drag but thought the amount of electric it would generate would still be a substantial net +. electric gain. Obviously combined with solar & regen brakes for max all round off grid potentially unlimited capability. At least in my mind I thought it was possible & assumed it isn't being done because the powers that shouldn't be don't want people having free electricity esp on a vehicle that has potentially unlimited range (or could act as a mobile charging station for other devices/vehicles). PS great job here with the solar campers

[@John--qh9xl]

How much is a Solarrolla?

[@solarrolla]

@John--qh9xl we build fully custom so prices will vary depending on what you want. Email us at [e-mail] for a quote.

[@PirateKayaker]

Are there that many of the original vans available that you used in the video?

[@Nosaesoh]

Are you still in touch with Josh? Followed him to Mexico (The wind damage), but fell off KZbin not long after that.

[@scottstormcarter9603]

Great vehicle! How many of the estars are even available?

[@sydneymarkalford9239]

I was watching your motor home 🏡 it's a great idea to go electric I am from India can you share your technology with me.

[@eugeniobb]

Excellent work, I was surprised by the 1kWh/mile you experienced, that's 4 times my model 3 average (70% highway), even considering weight and drag, it seems too high...

[@brettbelan4937]

It is high, at 75mph, can drop to 600 when cruisin easy 50-55mph.

[@WANDERER0070]

Why not use FLEXIBLE panels to save weight ??😊

[@peteroffpist1621]

Impressive

[@xxwookey]

Really interesting. Is 1mile/kWh as good as it gets on this vehicle? The (much smaller) Buzz gets 2.7 miles/kWh 3 if you don't drive too fast. I don't know how much the modec with 200kWh battery weighs but it feels like one could do a bit better than that? Blade cells in these looks interesting.

[@PeterDMayr]

Adding movable side solar panels that can be placed vertically on the side of the camper part would help, either hard or soft. No?

[@666777kenny]

Why not to stick flexible solar panels to the sides(not just roof) so get extra juice on the move?

[@texasgreentea1]

Could it tow if you added a hitch?

[@katleman]

Thanks for the update, how long does it take to charge that 200 miles on solar?

[@solartime8983]

🌅Specs (from Solarolla website) E-star "2-3 sunny days = 200 miles". * of course, charge depends on latitude & range varies with terrain🤓

[@cypvh74]

What would you think of decking out a GM Brightdrop van?

[@s13kuminachu]

We have foldable phones now. I know there are flexible solar panels. How far are we from a roll up awning made from solar panels?

[@michaellowe860]

I have been waiting for something like this for a very ling time. Soo... could one add a back up generator and use it to extend the range/charge the batteries? If so what size generator would be needed?

[@cch201992]

I want to hybrid my promaster van I wonder if there is a kit available

[@vitaliy1376]

Has Rivian seling their vans to the public?

[@beginnereasy]

Yeah, I'm a serious buyer who's willing to do a deal on any live in Van that's electric and that can run purely off solar

[@vidzilla1]

I remember seeing your shop I believe it was on North Main, where an old gas station used to be. Where are you located now? I’m in Medford.

[@phillyvoodoo]

How much for the basic build..... Can it be done with independent drive motors on each wheel rather than a rear differential

[@SeanLinsley]

While I absolutely support the DIY and easily repairable aspects of your builds, you should really look into improving the efficiency. Out of Spec Reviews for example has the Mercedes eSprinter getting 1.6 miles per kWh at highway speeds, compared to the 1.0 you're seeing with the eStar.

[@evstafievcoach]

Esprinter just became available, hopefully Solarolla guys will get one and convert to solar powered camper

[@cypvh74]

Was the E-sprinter a fully decked out RV with as much range as the solarrolla build?

[@pan6593]

@@evstafievcoachthe beauty of this is the eStar !

[@SamFigueroa]

It was mostly empty kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3W4lJp6nrVjmck

[@niffrig]

People write garbage withu any understanding. Solar adds weight and drag. Why compare a naked Estar to a fully kitted out solar build.

[@veritasvalere88]

How would you compare this to say the Aptera 1000 mile technology?😊

[@melusine826]

Always wondered how this passes roadworthy? In Australia i dont think this would pass

[@AndreC240]

It’s a real shame that Australia has become the land of bureaucracy and authoritarians. They had so much potential.

[@evstafievcoach]

Are you planning to work on esprinters?

[@kaiwheeler64]

If both extending roof solar panels were to slide out from the same side you would have a much bigger awning. Unless the panels are directly facing the sun there's no advantage in them tilting. Imo.