If you’ve ever looked at VW vans in longing for that seemingly carefree life, but cringe at the thought of how much you’d spend on gas, you’re really going to covet this. Eco Chick called our attention to the sweet new Westfalia Verdier Solar Power VW Van, which is way more hip and well-appointed than those Westfalias from the ‘60s. The sleek new design of this hybrid camper features solar panels that provide electricity for the on-board accessories while the vehicle is stationary, an on-board computer and a GPS system that calculates the best position for the solar panels.
From Eco Chick:
Some other improvements from the 1960’s version include, a pneumatic suspension, which lowers the vehicle and sets its structure on the tires for improved comfort and a better stabilization in the stationary position. The sliding half-door on the passenger side has an integrated folding staircase which makes the second stage area accessible from outside the vehicle. The passenger seat is transformed mechanically into stairs so that the second stage area (top level) can be easily reached from inside. A swivel cooking range makes it possible to cook outside as well as inside. And of course, there’s a multi-media computer with a wireless Internet connection.
Official EarthFirst Drooltime Hour. That thing is amazing. Oh, how I’d love to hop in this thing and take a driving tour of some of my favorite parts of the country, like New England and the Pacific Northwest. All those windows! Solar power! Of course, if you’re solidly in the middle class like me, buying this thing would mean permanently moving into it – it costs a cool $129,000. It’ll be available next year, and reservations are being taken now.
Check out this YouTube clip to see all the features:
