If EV Camper Vans Are the Future, the GridRunner SEMA Build Is a Sample of That Future

Camper vans are seen by many as the ultimate adventure vehicles due to their convenience, freedom to explore, and immersion in nature they afford. However, as the global climate crisis worsens, we need to acknowledge that vans are heavy emitters.

Luckily, awareness around the impact of our choices on the environment grew among outdoor enthusiasts, so we've already started to see electric camper van concept vehicles emerging, offering an alternative to fuel-powered builds. Sure, the electric camper van market is in its very early stages, with just a handful of manufacturers and van outfitters exploring options and testing prototypes at the moment, so very few models are actually available to purchase.

But as battery technology advances and people get more familiarized with electric vehicles, more companies begin testing and building e-RVs. One of the brands lining up to revolutionize road-tripping is Rogue Vans. The San Diego-based van outfitter has created a fully electric, modular adventure van designed to be an entirely self-sufficient home on wheels for both weekend getaways and off-grid exploration.

Based on a 2024 Mercedes eSprinter 170" with a high-roof configuration, this one-of-a-kind build is called the GridRunner and everyone on the internet and in the camping realm is buzzing about it after the company presented it to the world at the 2024 SEMA Show. Rogue Vans has chosen this van as a base for its electric adventure camper because they believe it represents an exciting development in the world of vans and that it has the potential to really change the camping landscape.

Powered by a 150 kW (201 hp) motor outputting 295 lb-ft of torque, the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter comes with a 113-kWh battery and offers an estimated range of up to 240 miles, depending on load, driving conditions, and battery configuration.

Now, the team at Rogue Vans is known on the American camper van scene for creating unique, rugged and luxurious mobile homes, as well as prioritizing creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and the new GridRunner eSprinter concept is a perfect example of their unwavering focus on innovation and functionality.

The idea behind this groundbreaking concept build was to explore what kind of things you can do with a van offering around 200 miles of range. As such, Rogue Vans created a camper van with a modular interior design that allows for easy customization. Thanks to the inclusion of the SmartFloor from RRE-Global and an L-track mounting system, the team managed to create a floorplan centered on versatility and functionality, with the possibility for multiple configurations, from work van to mobile studio to home on wheels and more.

What's more, to keep weight in check, the team used aluminum framing and custom modular cabinetry with bungee cords instead of solid fronts. The aim was to maximize payload while maintaining durability for heavy use.

As a camper, this concept vehicle is designed to enable weekend getaways in off-grid locations with zero emissions and sustainable energy solutions. It comes with an advanced energy system, comprising a 900-watt solar system, a robust 14 kWh lithium-ion battery bank at 48 V sourced from Big Battery, a high-capacity Victron inverter charger, and intelligent power modules for efficient management. A Victron Cerbo GX touchscreen system enables easy monitoring and control, while six 110V outlets and twelve USB ports allow you to power all your appliances and devices.

The interior of the SEMA build includes a seating area up front with swiveling driver and passenger seats and two second-row seats mounted on the L-tracks. A Lagun-style table enhances the functionality, allowing this area to be used for dining or working as well.

The center of the van is occupied by a minimalist yet sophisticated galley with floating aircraft-grade aluminum cabinets and upper cabinets that can be detached to allow for flexible reconfiguration. Equipped with a stainless steel sink with a folding faucet, an Isotherm fridge/freezer, and a portable induction cooktop, this small kitchen ensures convenience for on-the-road cooking.

At the rear of the van, you'll find two long benches that mirror each other and offer seating for up to eight people. A Lagun table turns this area into a spacious dinette during the day and a queen-size bed at night. The dinette floor hides the battery bank, while plumbing and electrical systems are housed inside the benches.

Though incredibly simple and minimalist, the interior of the GridRunner looks stylish and sophisticated, and various factors contribute to this feel, including the luxury marine-grade waterproof woven wall panels by Chilewich, sleek cabinetry, and dimmable LED lighting system comprising 12 ceiling warm white puck lights and rechargeable under-cabinet lights.

The van's exterior, on the other hand, looks rugged and ready for adventure, with plenty of accessories that enhance its look. But the most fascinating feature on the outside is definitely the Aluminess rear storage box with an exclusive power lift that allows for the addition of extra storage solutions like bike racks. There is also an exterior shower for refreshing after outdoor activities and a 37-gallon fresh water tank mounted on the spare tire carrier.

Combining adventure, versatility, and cutting-edge technology, the GridRunner eSprinter concept vehicle is not just another SEMA build; it's a sample of what the future of road-tripping might look like. "Our mission with the GridRunner is simple: no guesswork, no emissions, and no noisy generators disrupting nature," the company says. "Whether you're setting up camp for a weekend getaway or using your van as a mobile power source, the GridRunner delivers clean, reliable energy—ready to charge your devices, power your journey, or even act as backup power for your home."

If this exclusive, one-off creation piqued your interest, you can buy it for $175,000. Before making a purchase decision, you can watch a detailed tour of the GridRunner camper van below.