The Different Ways to Camp Using an EV

Camping and road trips — they go hand in hand. You pack up your vehicle and head out for an extended adventure. These days, as the range of EVs keep getting better and more and more people are using EVs as their primary vehicles, we’ll see the use of EVs for camping increase as well.

In this article:

What should I know about using an EV for camping and travel?
What are the different ways to use an EV for camping and travel?

There are so many reasons why it would be advantageous to use an EV for camping trips:

EVs offer fuel saving. When gas prices shot up in 2021-2022, EV owners didn’t have to worry as much as ICE vehicle owners about the cost of going on a road trip.
EVs are typically great to drive. The combination of instant torque along with a heavy, low center of gravity often make for a speedy, but grounded feel. And because EVs are fairly new and technology driven….
Many EVs have great driving assistance technology for long road trips. Like Tesla’s autopilot.
EVs are giant batteries that can charge electrical devices. Not that you need to power an outdoor projector or cooktop, but you could.

What are some of the cons or things to consider about using an EV for camping:

EVs are dependent on range and charging. This could be a limiting factor as both range and charging limit how far you can go before you need to charge again AND how much time you’ll need to consider to wait while your EV is charging.
Towing capacity. If you have dreams of using your EV, specifically a truck or van, you’ll have to be cognizant that towing anything behind you will affect your range (and time). Though your Rivian truck my tow 10,000lbs, it can’t tow it very far.

What is the most important thing to know about using an EV for camping or travel?

It’s all about you and your needs. Too often we can read reviews or watch YouTube videos about other people and think we have to copy what they are doing.

The most valuable piece of advice is intentionally think about what your needs (and wants) are regarding EVs, camping, travel, etc… and then make the best decision that matches you.

For example, though I might want a Tesla Cybertruck, it’s totally impractical for me. It’s way too big and it costs way too much. I don’t have anything to tow with it.

What’s your current life situation? How much can you budget towards an EV purchase? How much range do you need on average?

Remember, this will most likely be your primary vehicle so think about how many passengers you’ll carry regularly.

Do you need extra storage? All of these kinds of questions can you help you determine what EV works best for you.

What are the different ways you can camp using an EV?

Car or Tent Camping

Let’s start out with the most straight forward type of camping there is.

You drive to a spot and you either put up a tent OR you sleep in your vehicle. This is probably the most economical option that doesn’t require a ton of expensive gear.

If you are sleeping in your car, you’ll want to make sure you purchase gear that helps create privacy in your car. Also, several EVs have a “camp mode” with climate control so be sure to check on that.

Check out our lessons learned from sleeping in a Tesla Model X at an off grid campsite here.

For tent campers, there’s nothing too different than what you would have done with an ICE vehicle.

Depending on your trip, you may want to splurge and get a powered RV site in stead of a regular tent site so you can charge your EV overnight and start on a full battery. This can be extremely helpful if you’re camping in a rural area where fast charging may not be as available.

Roof or Truck Bed Camping

This is a step up from using a tent or your car to sleep in. Using your vehicles roof (with a rack system) or a truck bed, you can purchase an aftermarket tent that unfolds and sets up after you arrive to your destination.

Though the rack and tent systems can cost several thousands of dollars, many users like that it gets you elevated and can be stowed away for travel. Though it might have some affect on the range of your vehicle, it would be negligible compared to towing an RV.

Remember, this option could work with an EV that has a roof rack which includes cars and SUVs.

Towing an RV with an EV

So this would be the dream set up — to be able to tow a full size RV with your EV.

Imagine if you had an RV with solar power and a battery set up that you could charge your RV and run your RV’s electrical needs at the same time. You could arrive at your destination and potentially, never have to stop at a charger.

That would be amazing.

But don’t get too excited. Towing a heavy RV with an EV still requires a lot of energy and can cut range significantly, regardless of the size of the RV.

But size matters and so the best combination at the moment is a larger SUV or truck EV with a lot of range combined with a small, lightweight/aerodynamic RV. Some thing like a Hummer EV + a Happier Camper.

It’s important to remember that this option is the most expensive way to camp with an EV. RVs are expensive. EVs are expensive. Put them together and you could be looking at a setup that may not be reasonable for most people.

It’s fun to dream. But actually, plenty of people are making this work in different ways! Read our case studies from readers who tow a travel trailer with an EV here.

It’s important to note that as the market gets more competitive and technology gets better — the options for camping with an EV, especially towing and RV will get better and better. At the moment, we’ll probably start with EV car camping and maybe one day we’ll be able to afford an EV truck with an off-grid SUV.

Current dream setup: Rivian R1T and Happier Camper Trailer

Final thoughts about Camping with EVs

Since all EVs are affected by range, any travel plans or purchase of an EV should consider the charging infrastructure.

This is why Teslas are so popular. They make pretty good cars, but what they did well was creating a vast charging infrastructure that takes a lot of the stress out from planning travel.

The same can’t be said for the DC Fast charging network that hasn’t quite caught up and is cumbersome because of all the different charging companies to work with.

It’s similar to the conversation of purchasing an iPhone or Android. Apple’s closed system can be a lot more painless and seamless compared to Android’s vast experience with lots of different companies having their own systems.

What is your preferred way to camp with an EV? What questions do you have about EV camping? Let us know in the comments!

You might also like:
EV vs. PHEV: Which Type of Vehicle is Best for Road Trips and Camping?
New All Electric Travel Trailers You Need to See
What is the best electric car for camping today?
Can I go camping in a Tesla? A Guide to Tesla Camping