XBUS: The ‘Perfect’ EV Camper
Electric Brands is a successful e-scooter maker in central Germany. But now it is broadening its horizons to take a stab at electric RVs. More like a mini-RV camper van. It is currently making the rounds with its small XBUS RV that turns into a camper with ease. We covered it a couple of years ago when it was called the eBussy. Since then, it has improved, with deliveries to begin in 2023 in Europe. We think.
Who is Electric Brands and what is its XBUS camper van?
As with many EV startups, it has been a long slog. From being introduced in mid-2020 to its first prototype shown at the 2021 IAA Mobility show, it has been in the works since 2018. But it’s got the look and the technology that, if it actually happens, would make for a fun little camper.
The XBUS is considered a light electric vehicle or LEV. It is actually side-by-side quadricycles. That helps the camper van be modular. It has 10 different modules that are interchangeable. Eventually, according to its website, there will be accessories to tie into each module configuration.
The XBUS camper van is modular, what’s that?
All of the modules make it many things for many needs. Cargo hauler, people mover, cheap daily driver, fun camper; it could be everything you ever need. But for now, let’s look at the camper.
It is the most expensive configuration, priced at $30,600. With the off-road option, that goes up to $32,850. But with it you get sleeping for two, a small (well, very small) kitchen, water tanks, and additional rooftop solar panels to extend the XBUS’s range.
How much range does the XBUS have
Speaking of range, it’s 125 miles between charges, with the standard 10 kWh battery. Upgrading to the 30 kWh battery, the range jumps up to 375 miles. A manual pop-up roof and rear slide-out are new features not seen in previous iterations. That pop-up is over the kitchen, so the cook can stand upright while making meals.
The kitchen of the camper van features a single burner, a small fridge, and a sink. There are also extensions that fold away for a larger meal prep surface. Next to the kitchen is the bedroom. Or rather, mini-bedroom.
Is there a lot of room inside?
The bed is 83 inches long, and 51 inches wide. That’s not a huge amount of sleeping space, but it beats a sleeping bag on the ground. And that’s the thing. It isn’t claiming to be one of those monster RVs with sleeping for six, a separate living room, and a kingsize bed.
It’s just a fun, lightweight, honest camper. Or, if you opt for one of the other modules, an honest cargo van or grocery getter. The big question is if it will get enough reservations to jump-start production. And that’s the question for all of the EV startups including (take your pick) Fisker, Canoo, Lordstown, VinFast, Alpha, and so on.
