Verdier BioDiesel Hybrid Solar Eco-Camper

If you are thinking this is just an updated VW bus from way back (before i was born) then you are in for a big surprise. We aren’t talking dirty old bus camping, his takes mobile camping to a whole new level- a stylish and green level. Verdier takes the Westfalia VW van light years into the future- with so much going on, where do i start? First lets start with style. This looks like one of those car show prototype vehicles, a clean futuristic design with functionality you would expect from a 2001 Space Odyssey ship computer. The kind of vehicle that everybody drools over, but never quite makes it to production. An interior that is minimal, but not lacking, and carries the comforts and coziness of home. The clean lines and eye catching details that keeps turning heads for years to come. This sharp looking van comes in 5 different trims, from a fun yet classy retro woody, to a very clean, very chic deep black metallic.

All that AND its green you say? Yep, and we aren’t talking Hybrid Cadillac Escalade ‘green’ either. This is the real deal with a 4 speed automatic turbo BioDiesel Hybrid drive train, so when you aren’t on electric, you can be running on recycled cooking oil (not to mention the inherent superior mpg of a diesel engine). Combine that with integrated Sun Tracker solar panels on the roof (they use GPS and an onboard computer to calculate the optimum charging position of the panels), and you can charge up your batteries without fossil fuels and may not even need that diesel engine at all! It really is a self sustaining camping system.

The features and gadgets on this masterpiece will keep even the most ‘ADD’ of us occupied and happy. The ride height is adjusted pneumatically 3 to different positions for maximum comfort and just plain looks cool in camping mode. Two generous size gazebos pop out of each side, with matching folding furniture housed in a special compartment in the rear of the van (out of the way, so as not to clutter your living space). A swivel table with a cooking range and table are integrated right into the side of the van to give you an ideal outdoor cooking area and a fridge and freezer complete your kitchen. A projection home theater with 5.1 surround sound can be viewed inside, or reflected out a side window to create an impromptus drive-in theater for the whole campground to enjoy.


Now to the scary part we are all waiting for, the cost. For the full featured camping version with the Sun Tracker system, you are looking at $129,000. They also offer a ground power version which retains the solar cells and the hybrid drive train and seats 6 for a more affordable $69,000 if you don’t need all the camping features. With all the wealthy post internet boom hippies out there, i suspect you may see one of these coming soon to your local camp ground.

via [eco-chick]

Comments 10

  1. Your web site is clever and trendy but for the not so suficiated surfer not easy to use.
    Your bouncing buses in particular are anoying and once locked in there you can only close out in hopes of finding real info as such as HOW IN THE HELL CAN I BUY ONE.
    To wit: I am a lifelong ardent westfailia fan and still own a restored 81. It would be wonderful go fly down the road at speeds exceeding 45 MPH.
    I would like some info on the less than 129 grand models and I am a serious buyer.
    thanks,
    Larry morgan
    -phone number removed –

  2. Is there a less upscale version of this? It’s seems you could make something similar for a good deal less using Toyota Prius type hybrid technology including the plug-in option. If you wanted solar recharge, you could add a solar stik option. Any thought on using the wind energy from acceleration for electric generation?

  3. Pingback: Camper Van Europa: VW Enthusiasts Gear Up for Vanfest 2011 ยป Westfalia.org - The VW Westfalia Camping Van Site

  4. Hi
    I’m very interested in your Verdier’s Stylish Solor powered eco camper.
    Are you still making them? I’ve never seen any of them on the road or at national parks or any campsites.Dose anybody own this vehicles ? I would like to talk to some owners to see how they run.

    Are you interested in having people test drive these vehicles? I am planning a trip to all the national parks in United States Canada and Alaska . I would Like to test drive this vehicle and then advertise it where ever I go if it is what you say it is . I feel it’s absolutely an amazing vehicle. We need to change to more sustainable ways of travel if you are interested you can contact me.
    Thank you
    Lora Hazen

    1. Post
      Author

      Hi Lora,

      I don’t believe these ever made it into production, but there are several other companies that are attempting a similar thing.

      Good luck with your trip!

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