Dethleffs exhibits production-ready hybrid campervan

German manufacturer, Dethleffs, has revealed its new Globevan e.Hybrid – the first campervan with plug-in hybrid technology that is suitable for volume production.

The base of the e.Hybrid is a Ford Transit Custom with axles driven by electric. The rechargeable battery installed in the van provides a range of up to 30 miles using electric power.

However, it also offers a greater range using the built-in Range Extender – a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that serves as a generator to charge the battery.

Braking and deceleration also generate additional power through energy-recuperation technology.

The 1.0-litre engine always runs in the optimum speed range with maximum torque to supply the battery with power, which, in turn, supplies the electric motor, giving the Globevan a maximum total range of 300 miles before refuelling/recharging (or both).

The maximum total output of the motor and engine is 126bhp.

The hybrid technology makes the Globevan, which is suitable for everyday use, attractive to buyers living in cities with zones prohibiting vehicles that emit exhaust pollutants.

The batteries can be recharged in under five-and-a-half hours from an ordinary household socket or within three hours from a fast-charging power supply.

The hybrid ’van, which is almost five metres long and two metres wide, fits into standard parking spaces and has an automatic gearbox as standard.

The pop-up roof contains a 1.90m by 1.10m bed with a mattress and plate suspension.

The layout is typical campervan with a side kitchen, which has a two-burner hob and sink, as well as a 16-litre compressor fridge.

Since the gas bottle, fresh water tank and waste water tank are not located in the kitchen unit, the compact kitchen features a practical drawer and plenty of storage space.

Meals are taken at the table, which is attached to the kitchen unit when required or attached to the rear storage compartment when not in use.

Thanks to the standard twin swivel cab seats, four people can make use of the front lounge area.

Additional storage is available in the overhead locker (above the tailgate) or in the compartments in the rear furniture unit. The rear two-person bench seat converts into the second double bed.

This bench seat can be moved lengthwise and can also be removed completely, if required.

“For our first hybrid vehicle, we opted for a version of a motorised leisure vehicle suitable for city and daily use because the vehicle’s concept and drive are designed so that you can cover 50km exclusively using the electric drive system,” says Dethleffs MD, Alexander Leopold.

“This is a distance that many people travel every day in their vehicles, primarily in urban areas. Our Globevan is therefore able to serve not just as a holiday companion but also as a versatile first vehicle thanks to its compact dimensions and multifunctionality.”

Prices have not yet been confirmed.