Mercedes-Benz turned its fully electric van into a $75,600 camper RV with a pop-up roof see inside
Brittany Chang
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept.Daimler
- Mercedes-Benz Switzerland and a Swiss vehicle outfitter have turned an electric van into a camper.
- An EQV van with the full conversion — a bed, kitchen, and pop-top roof — starts at around $75,600.
Environmentally conscious RVers finally have the camper van of their dreams and the future: Mercedes-Benz has turned its electric EQV van into a tiny home on wheels.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Sara Keller Photography, Sortimo
The electric RV market has yet to see an influx of outstanding contenders from recognizable brands.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Sara Keller Photography, Sortimo
But now, Mercedes-Benz is testing the space with the help of Swiss vehicle outfitter Sortimo.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Daimler
Together, the team has turned the automaker's electric EQV van into a tiny home on wheels with a bed, kitchen, and pop-top roof.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Sara Keller Photography, Sortimo
"The future is electric, also in the motorhome industry," Klaus Rehkugler, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes‑Benz Vans, said in a press release.
An EQV being charged. Daimler
Source: Daimler
The automaker already has a strong hold in the camper van industry.
The Airstream 2022 Interstate 24X Touring Coach. Airstream
Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter van has been a favorite among do-it-yourself camper van converters and van conversion companies, along with the Ford Transit and Ram Promaster.
Sabrina Mazzotta and Nick Bollen's Mercedes Sprinter van purchased in 2020. Sabrina Mazzotta (@livingonbreeze).
And Mercedes-Benz already has its own camper van: the Marco Polo.
Mercedes-Benz's Marco Polo. Daimler
Source: Insider
But now, it's looking to carve out a new, electrified market for life on the road.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Daimler
The EQV 300 has a range of about 203 to 226 miles, while the EQV 250 can run between 132 to 147 miles, making the van and its new conversion concept a contender for short camping excursions.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Daimler
Source: Daimler
Sortimo created the concept with Mercedes-Benz Switzerland, Roger Mosimann, Sortimo's marketing specialist, told Insider in an email.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Daimler
For now, the conversion is only available via Sortimo Switzerland.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Daimler
The outfitter just completed a second prototype for Mercedes-Benz Germany, and it's now working on a third for a customer.
Inside the Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Sara Keller Photography, Sortimo
The modular conversion doesn't turn the EQV into a massive RV, but it still provides two major "rooms": a bed and a kitchen with luggage storage.
Inside the Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Sara Keller Photography, Sortimo
Source: Daimler
The kitchen — which extends out the rear of the van — has a sink, a two-burner gas stove, a refrigerator, and drawers for utensil and cutlery storage.
Inside the Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Sara Keller Photography, Sortimo
You'll have to eat where you sleep in the EQV: The foldable bed sits above the kitchen unit.
Mercedes-Benz's EQV with Sortimo's camping conversions. Daimler
The conversion also has amenities like USB ports, additional lighting, driver and passenger seats that can swivel, and rear windows that've been darkened for more privacy.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Sara Keller Photography, Sortimo
And Sortimo can install two solar panels to help power these add-ons.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Daimler
At an additional cost, the conversion can also come with a pop-up roof, extending the height of the camper.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Daimler
The EQV in Germany starts at around $64,800.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Daimler
Sortimo's camper conversion with or without the pop-top roof starts at about $10,800 and $5,180, respectively, Diana Boch, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Vans, told Insider.
Mercedes-Benz's EQV with Sortimo's camping conversions. Daimler
Combined, the full EQV camper conversion with a bed, kitchen, and pop-top roof has a price tag of about $75,600, which is cheaper than the over $200,000 Sprinter camper vans from RV makers like Airstream and Jayco.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept. Sara Keller Photography, Sortimo
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