All Electric Campervan

My self-built campervan is an all-electric affair; meaning that it has no gas at all. All the cooking is done via a 2000w inverter powering two 230v sockets, and I used a combination of Hytricx electric pans, a toasty maker and an omelette make along with the usual kettle.

All Electric Campervan - The Setup

I made a conscious decision NOT to skimp on the electrical system when building it; something that I realise other people may not have the funding to do. That said this is what the campervan has:

• 410w Solar Panel
• Victron MPPT 100/30
• Victron Orion 30a DcDc
• Victron Orion 30a DcDc
• 185a alternator on the van engine
• Renogy 2000 Invertor
• Fogstardrift 460ah LiPo4 battery

Please note that the van does NOT have any electric hook-up at all. I just didn't bother installing it, and on reflection I made the right decision.

Overall I had no real issues, although being that far north in the shoulder months meant that the solar panel produced a lot less than I thought I might!

Victron Orion Problems.

The Victron Orion 30a DcDc were configured via switches so that ~I could turn both on or off or have on on and the other off when required. The summer months in Wales I turned them both off; just didn't need the power as the solar panel produced more than enough. Scotland was a different problem as I'll explain further down

What was left on overnight?

• Two dog fans on
• Dog light on
• Red light kitchen on
• RUTX50 (WiFi)on
• Fridge on

With the inclusion of the diesel heater that was left on for most of the trip meant that I was losing about 8% - 9% every night.

This was worrying as the lack of solar due to the crappy weather and far more northern aspect meant solar wasn't pulling its weight. I didn't go lower 68% battery and the battery was usually around 77% average at the start of driving the next day after a cooked breakfast and numerous cups of tea and around 86% average at the end of a cooked dinner and bedtime.

What did the 410w solar panel bring in?

As I mentioned not as much as I thought it would!! Throughout the whole 25 day trip the solar panel produce 1.5kwh of power, or about 615wh per day and an average of 51a per day - a little over 10% of battery charge.

Dual Orion DcDc 30a chargers

I don't have any of the Victron kit networked, so they don't talk to each other.

This strangely meant that even though the LiPo4 battery was below 80% and should have had both in 'bulk' mode; one went onto 'bulk' and the other into 'absorption' meaning a slight and continuous reduction in charging for the leisure battery. However, this only seemed to happen at low speeds; and my whole average MPH for the trip was around 25Mph over an1,800+ mile trip.

When I was on the motorway or major A roads (A9, A1 for instance) both Orions went into 'bulk' and stayed there until the battery was around 95%.

I'm glad of the low speed though, as that extra time meant the batteries got a decent charge most days, and driving slower also meant that I enjoyed the drive, enjoyed the stunning scenery and was able to stop off when and where I wanted for breaks, photos or walks etc.

I did get so concerned towards the end of the trip that I ordered a Victron XS50, a 50a DcDc charger, and installed that the day after I got back! This supposedly will produce a more consistent 50a charge to the battery as opposed to the Orions which thermally throttled back a whole lot more than expected. Time will tell.

A side not on the thermal throttling. Both DcDc chargers were installed under the passenger seat of the van, loads of open space and airflow with an aluminium plate underneath each to help with the heat dissapation.

All Electric Campervan - What would I change?

The DcDc charging and I've already done that! Honestly, I thought the dual 30a DcDc would bring in enough but they struggled, mainly I think due to thermal throttling and the strange 'absorption' / 'bulk' thing.

I'd also look at more solar, and whilst I could do that and add about 50% more wh it would spoil the cleaner lines that the current van has got, so not 100% sure if it's worth it or not.

All Electric Campervan - What would I keep?

The Fogstardrift LiPo4 460ah battery is outstanding and was a fantastic buy.

I'd consider getting the Fogstardrift 608ah in my next build...but I'm also conscious of charging something that size.