Dutch camper specialist Vantrack will open reservations in September for a modular camping conversion of the electric Kia PV5 Passenger. Priced from €65,000 including the vehicle, the LightCamp promises to undercut most complete electric campervans currently offered in Europe.
Its public debut is scheduled for the Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs in Utrecht from 30 September to 4 October. However, Vantrack stresses that the LightCamp remains under development. No demonstration vehicle is available yet, and individual viewings are not being offered.
The Rotterdam company has based the conversion on the passenger version of Kia’s electric van rather than the PV5 Cargo. The interior includes an extending 130 by 190 cm bed, an 18-liter compressor coolbox, a removable induction cooker, an 11-liter water container, and 195 liters of rear storage.
A large roof hatch provides access to a 200-by-130-cm rooftop tent, bringing the total sleeping capacity to four. Kia’s vehicle-to-load system can supply appliances with up to 3.6 kW of power, while Camp Mode keeps the electrical system and climate control operating when parked.
More microcamper than California
The relatively low price comes with compromises. There is no fixed kitchen, sink, wastewater tank, toilet, or shower, and occupants cannot stand upright inside. Vantrack also says that approved swivel-seat bases and a conventional lifting roof are not yet available for the PV5 Passenger in the Netherlands.
The rooftop tent is included in the complete LightCamp package, although Vantrack has not published its separate value. Comparable premium rooftop tents alone generally cost more than €3,000, before the dedicated roof rack and access hatch are factored in.
The LightCamp is therefore better described as a highly developed electric microcamper than as a direct alternative to a Volkswagen California. Its lightweight, partly removable equipment should, however, keep the PV5 practical as an everyday family car.
The advertised price is based on a PV5 Passenger Essential, but Vantrack has not stated which battery is included. Kia charges €39,995 for the Essential with the 51.5 kWh battery and €43,995 for the 71.2 kWh version, suggesting that a long-range LightCamp could cost about €69,000 rather than €65,000. That matters because its official range rises from around 295 to 412 km.
Competition is growing
The PV5 is already attracting other converters. British company Sussex Campervans is preparing a more conventional version with a pop-up roof and a 71.2 kWh battery for £68,995 (approximately €80,900), although customers can currently only register their interest.
Most electric campers already available are based on Volkswagen’s more expensive ID. Buzz. Dutch company Outbase offers a four-seat conversion with an electric lifting roof, swivel seats, and a rotating kitchen from €84,490.
Ventje charges around €95,000 for its eVentje, while Tonke also offers Trail and Explorer conversions based on the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz.
Full-size electric campers remain rare. The VAN-Jorn Charge uses a Peugeot e-Boxer and starts at €85,000, although complete layouts with a bathroom, kitchen, and fixed bed approach or exceed €100,000. It offers standing room and a claimed real-world range of 350 km, but is much larger and heavier than the Kia.
Range versus relaxation
The PV5 is one of the most convincing electric camper bases so far. It was developed as an EV from the outset, measures only 4.70 meters long, and has a low floor and up to 3,615 liters of luggage space with the rear seats folded – the 71.2 kWh version charges from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Its traction battery also reduces the need for LPG or a separate leisure battery. Cooking, refrigeration, and charging bicycles or laptops can all be handled through V2L.
Long-distance travel nevertheless requires a different rhythm from a diesel camper. Roof equipment, passengers, luggage, motorway speed, and cold weather will reduce the official range, making the smaller battery difficult to recommend. Even with the long-range version, drivers should expect regular charging stops rather than 600- or 700-km motorway stages.
For travelers who stop every two or three hours, use campsites with dedicated chargers, and also need the vehicle during the week, an electric microcamper makes increasing sense. It is quieter, cheaper to charge at home, and can enter low-emission zones without restrictions.
The main remaining questions concern the conversion rather than the electric drivetrain. Buyers should ask for the completed vehicle’s weight, remaining payload, axle loads, homologation, and warranty conditions before ordering.
With a gross vehicle weight of 2,600 kg, the long-range PV5 Passenger offers about 530 kg of payload before adding camper equipment, passengers, and luggage.
Vantrack’s LightCamp could become one of Europe’s first comparatively attainable electric campers. But until a finished vehicle has been weighed, tested, and homologated, its €65,000 promise remains an attractive starting point rather than a proven vanlife bargain.
