eVentje Looks Like a Minivan, is Actually an All-Electric Camper Van

Tucked discreetly among the rows of ordinary family minivans at a small European auto show, the eVentje arrives quietly. Built on an electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz, this thing just fits right in, with its rounded design and sliding doors that match in with the rest of the everyday minivans. Ventje, a Dutch firm, produced this as a follow-up to their previous model based on the iconic VW Transporter, but instead of continuing with the old ways, they went electric, which has opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

Closed up, the eVentje is little more than 4.7 metres in length, which is identical to its base vehicle, and has a height of 2 meters, including the optional pop-up roof. Park it in a normal location and no one will notice it; it charges up like any other EV at a public station and will get you roughly 375 kilometers on a full battery, ideal for a weekend excursion across the countryside or those windy country roads. However, when you open the side door, things become much more fascinating. More than 100 magnets hold everything in place, from seats that simply lift out with a tug to panels that glide and snap into various places. Then there’s the wood trim and sheep’s wool insulation inside, which keeps most of the road noise out and makes everything feel extremely comfortable inside – blackout curtains in bright colors to keep the light out, and an active ventilation system to keep the air fresh even on hot, humid evenings. There’s a multi-rail at the top of the roof where you may sling a tarp for some shaded lounging when the weather cooperates.


When you enter inside, the first thing you’ll notice is the lounge area, which is a creative L-shaped design constructed entirely of the back seats. Simply yank the back of one of the seats, spin it about, and it forms a sofa facing a dinette, all locked in place by those magnets that feel rock strong. Add in some ottomans that double as storage bins, and you’ll have enough room for four people to stretch out and get comfy, whether they’re chatting over coffee or typing away on their laptops with the table brought in close. Then, when the night comes, simply fold it all flat to create a double bed that is big enough for two people to sleep without bumping into each other. Up above, the pop-up canopy conceals another bed – not standard, but accessible with a hand-turn crank, transforming the entire rig into a genuine four-person retreat. The tent section’s blackout fabric blocks out the light, while the mesh screens keep bugs out and allow for a refreshing breeze.



Cooking takes place out back in a small kitchen snuggled up against the tailgate. An induction cooktop heats up quickly, drawing directly from the integrated battery with minimal trouble; simply turn it on and let it rip. Next to it is a fridge that keeps drinks and leftovers cold; it’s also rather huge; if you pack carefully, you can fit a week’s worth of goods in there with ease. The drawers slide out from both sides, allowing one person to chop vegetables while another grills outside, with the tailgate propped up like a shelf and ready to go. The cabinet doors open to provide a cutting board or additional counter space, and a tiny bin pulls out for scraps. There are no gas lines or propane tanks to worry about; everything runs on electricity, which is fed by a 350-watt solar panel on the roof that provides a continuous flow of power when the sun shines and the car moves. A 2,200-watt inverter handles the load, with a 2,160-watt-hour battery as backup and a connection for shore power if you hook up at a campsite.


Storage is woven throughout the entire van without taking up any space in the living area. The kitchen drawers are packed with pots, utensils, and dry goods, with a particular place for cutlery to keep knives from rattling around on bumpy roads. Sleeping bags and jackets may be stored under the seats, while a front cabinet hides a set of folding chairs and a table for picnics. Even the pop-up roof includes a foundation for storing goods such as rain coats or a first aid kit. Having some access points outdoors means you may grab a snack without having to unload the whole vehicle. The fixed toilet tucks in behind a seat and drains into a small holding tank for quick stops on the go.


Power flows effortlessly for off-grid trips that last more than a day. The solar setup recharges the house batteries during the day, allowing the lights, fridge, and even a tiny fan to operate into the evening. Connect to a campsite and everything charges overnight, while the main EV battery remains undisturbed for driving. Ventje built the system to use energy efficiently, thus a full charge should not deplete the primary battery even if you cook for four people. In mixed conditions, range remains rather stable at 233 miles, with just a slight decrease due to the weight of passengers and gear on board. If you need to travel a little further, rapid chargers are available throughout Europe, making what was previously a pit stop a quick top up.


One of the features that allows owners to personalize the eVentje is the ability to choose the outside paint color, which ranges from deep forest green to bright sunny yellow, and then match the inside panels to your own personal style, whether minimalist or whimsical. You may also put a bike rack with two wheels out the back or a cassette awning that rolls out in seconds. The standard model costs around €95,000 (approximately $109,500), however prices and delivery periods are currently vary; however, you can supply your vehicle and receive a discount. And, to make it even more special, each one is handcrafted at the Ventje workshop in Holland, with feedback from the particular owner to ensure it is ideal for them.