The waterdrop-shaped Ecco features a stylish, futuristic design
In many foreign rural areas, camper vans are very popular. However, many camping enthusiasts complain about them due to their cramped space. A Swiss company is developing a spacious, stylish, futuristic, and zero-emission electric camper van, which is expected to hit the market as early as 2014.
The camper van is named Ecco and was designed by the Swiss NAU company. It is 4.6 meters long and can accommodate five people, featuring a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge. It abandons the traditional boxy design of camper vans. Its waterdrop shape might make one think the space is small, but in reality, it is twice as spacious as traditional camper vans. Its design concept is inspired by the Swiss Army knife, so the walls and seats of each room can be detached and folded, making the space more flexible and practical. Passengers enter the vehicle via a large staircase at the rear, which then folds up onto the roof. Thanks to the large, round windows, both the driver and passengers can enjoy the stunning scenery while camping.
Of course, another selling point of Ecco is its alignment with eco-friendly trends. It is a zero-emission, zero-pollution electric vehicle, with solar panels on the roof for charging. Just eight hours of charging provides enough power for 24 hours of driving.
Volkswagen camper vans hold a prestigious position among campers. A spokesperson for NAU admitted that they hope Ecco can achieve a similar status. “Ecco has a bit more space than Volkswagen, is more aerodynamic, and has a lower body, which not only reduces driving noise but also allows all passengers to enjoy better views.” NAU expects Ecco to be launched in 2014, but the price has yet to be determined.