The Case for Converting an Electric Van into a Motorhome in the U.S.

For as long as most of us can remember, American vans have run on diesel and gas. People have been bolting high fiberglass roofs, long wheelbases, and dual-battery setups onto Ford and Dodge vans for years, and it worked. Lately, though, a different kind of build has been showing up at campgrounds and trailheads: the electric van conversion.

Ford, Ram, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Rivian all have electric vans on the road now, and the battery packs keep getting bigger. A small but growing group of American converters, coachbuilders, and weekend DIYers have started turning these vans into fully electric motorhomes. You give up the engine noise and some of the range. In return, you get a quiet, smooth ride and a whole new way of thinking about power on the road.