Solar-Powered Eco Camper Lets You Take Sustainable Roadtrips
Camping season is coming to an end, but you might want to start thinking about saving up cash for the $129,000 Verdier Solar-Powered Camper. The RV is based on the classic VW camper style, and contains a 4 cylinder hybrid engine, a 170 watt solar system, and a GPS system to orient the solar panels. If you’re stuck on a cloudy stretch of road, the RV can also use regular gasoline.
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And just because the camper is environmentally-friendly doesn’t mean it lacks in luxury— the eco-RV comes with an on-board computer, a projector, 6 speaker surround sound, and a roll-down screen. It also comes with built-in trash containers, composting and recycling, and a refrigerator/freezer.
The RV isn’t for sale just yet, but Verdier is taking reservations for its summer 2009 release.
Photo Credit: Inhabitat
Do you *really* need GPS to know which way is South? Is our culture that blind to the celestial sphere that finding the ecliptic is a challenge?
Mind you, the GPS would be handy for avoiding wrong turns (and their associated wasted fuel), but why invent phony justification?
Why not a compass? You could even have a sign: “Park facing East.”
That thing is badass. I could do some serious Tailgating in that van for sure. Or I could get all my friends high in that thing too! Im all about it. Sick van. GPS me to the moon!!
[...] hard enough to construct viable solar powered vehicles, let alone airplanes. Nevertheless, the first solar-powered plane trip around the world is now one [...]
Way cool.. It’s the ultimate hippie blogger vehicle!
@Jennifer - Totally. Maybe they’ll be available to rent one day…
I want one!!!!!!
This ‘Eco-RV’ was recently featured along with 2 other ‘Environmental Pioneers’ in the industry in The New York Times. Check out more more information at http://www.wonderexplorebelieve.net
I’m guessing that, after accounting for the production energy put into making this camper we’d find it to be about as bad as a regular camper. I’ll stick with my tent and rent a small vehicle (since my bike won’t cut it)… not only will these trips emit far less CO2 but I will also pay less.
I’m all about sustainable products but we have to consider production emissions in addition to the emissions we see with our own eyes. Otherwise what’s the point?
David - I don’t think anyone is saying this ‘particular’ vehicle is going to replace the current rental cars! Step in the right direction though.
Think I’d prefer it if it was aimed less at the hippy market to be honest. The camper styling is a bit much for my liking!
I think the GPS could be linked to the panels so they automatically adjust as you drive, not just so you can park facing the sun.
David,
That makes sense if you live in a bungalow by the beach, where it’s like camping every day. (inside joke?)
Jokes aside, I agree to a point. The question boils down to not only production emissions, but potential life span of the vehicle. Was it engineered with the goal of lasting 30-40 years or more, or is planned obsolescence part of the equation? I drive a ‘69 VW camper, so I am all for this project if it will last that long while putting out a fraction of the emissions of my trusty old friend.
Vince