Looking for a spot of outdoor adventure, but don’t want to sacrifice a spot of five-star luxury? Well check out the new Renault Hippie Caviar Motel.
Based on the Renault Kangoo L2 E-Tech Electric, the machine is actually the second entry into the French firm’s Hippie Caviar concept range, following the Trafic van-based Hippie Caviar Hotel that was unveiled last year.
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As the name suggests, the Hippie Caviar Motel is smaller, and is described by the firm as a “roving, versatile and sprightly shelter for adventure and sports enthusiasts”. Basically, it’s a Kangoo small van kitted out with a bunch of kit.
The inside features a number of what Renault calls ‘smart storage solutions’, while a bench folds down into a single bed. There’s also a panoramic roof, above which sits a roof rack that can be used to hold skis.
Renault claims the interior fittings showcase its efforts to reduce carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of a vehicle, including shelving and a floor made from recycled tyres and cork.
The Hippie Caviar Motel has an official range of 177 miles, and Renault intends it to function as a “mobile base camp” that you can drive from one location to another.
While Renault hasn't given full technical details, it likely retains the 45kWh battery from the new Kangoo. That machine has a range of 186 miles, which is likely reduced somewhat due to the extra weight of the camper fittings. It likely also shares the 90kW motor of the regular van.
The Hippie Caviar Motel is set to be revealed in full at the IAA Transportation event in Germany on September 19.
The show car joins a rapidly growing line-up of electric camper conversions, including the one-off Skoda FestEVal, which is based on an Enyaq iV SUV. There’s also the ultra-cute Xbus Camper concept, and Volkswagen is working on an official California camper version of the ID Buzz MPV.
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