Derby-based Hillside Leisure has converted the new Nissan e-NV200 electric van into a zero-emission camper. This is thought to be the first electric camper produced commercially.

Electric cars are now a sales success story, with 10,000 electric cars sold in Britain to date. Motorway service stations now offer superfast chargers for electric vehicles, plus consumers are discovering that electric vehicles are up to four times cheaper in fuel costs than diesel vehicles. Running maintenance costs should also work out cheaper, because there is no engine oil, gearbox or clutch and there are no belts to replace. So Hillside Leisure has decided the time is right for emission-free, quiet-running, vibration-free campervans.

The new electric campervan from Hillside Leisure has a 106 mile range and a top speed of 76mph. Inside you will find a multi-function display so you can see the fantastic efficiency achieved at the same time as checking whether it’s time to charge up the battery again. There is a pre-heating control which can be remotely operated via a smartphone. You can also get a battery charge app for your smartphone. There’s an electric air conditioning system.

In the campervan kitchen you’ll find a two-ring hob and a 39-litre fridge. There’s a proper water tank on board and the camper uses low voltage LED lighting to make the most of the battery power.

The front passenger seat rotates. The rear seat converts from a seat to a bed in a few seconds. You can specify one to four berths when you order your campervan from Hillside.

Mark Cross, director of  Hillside Leisure said: “We believe this conversion will be a first in the industry, indeed in the world, and the start of the electric revolution in our market. We went to great lengths to ensure delivery of the brand new Nissan e-NV200 electric van, which is the first one in the country, and we’ve used our in-house team of highly skilled craftsmen to create our unique campervan conversion. We can’t wait to unveil it at the show, in Hall 11, and look forward to putting it into full production in 2015.

 “You’re probably thinking about the practicalities of having an electric vehicle as a campervan and will be curious about charging points. If you haven’t experienced an electric car then you’ll be pleased to hear that there is a fast growing network of charge points and technology already exists to help drivers find their next charging point.”

You can find more than 7,000 charging points in Britain, using Zap-Map. The camper can be recharged to 80 per cent in half an hour, using a dedicated CHAdeMO quick charger. 

Hillside Leisure also makes excellent diesel van conversions. Read our reviews of the 2014 Hillside Leisure Buxton campervan, an excellent camper that made it to our Motorhome of the Year Awards Shortlist this year. Head for Hillside Leisure’s Stand 10 in Hall 11 at the Motorhome and Caravan Show, held at the NEC Birmingham from 14-19 October. 

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2014 promises all kinds of treats. Read our Top 10 things to see at the NEC Show here and buy the November issue of our magazine to read our Top 50 things you must see at the NEC. On-the-door show tickets cost £9 for seniors (60 +) and £10 for adults, with children under 16 years admitted for free. All tickets include free parking and a free show guide (subject to availability).

There’s also an exclusive Practical Motorhome ticket offer – you can save money on your ticket with us*! Adult tickets are just £7.50, seniors £6.50, using our code PM5 when booking. Tickets include parking and a show guide. Doors open at 10am and the show closes at 6pm. Just click here, or call 0844 338 7799, and quote the promotion code PM5 to book and save money on your NEC show tickets. (*The ticket offer ends 23:59 hrs 13 October, 2014).