The Top 5 Electric Cars for Camping Adventures in 2025: Your Complete EV Salary Sacrifice Guide
Source: Shutterstock
Gone are the days when electric cars were considered unsuitable for camping adventures. Today's EVs offer impressive range, spacious interiors, and innovative features that make them perfect companions for exploring the great outdoors. Through electric car salary sacrifice schemes, these premium camping-ready vehicles have become more accessible than ever, with drivers saving 20-50% compared to traditional leasing.
Whether you're planning a weekend glamping trip or a month-long European road trip, the right electric car can transform your camping experience. With silent operation, zero emissions at the point of use, and cutting-edge technology, the best electric cars to salary sacrifice offer unique advantages for outdoor enthusiasts.
What Makes an Electric Car Great for Camping?
Before diving into our top picks, it's important to understand what separates excellent camping EVs from the rest. The ideal electric camping car combines several key characteristics that enhance your outdoor adventures.
Range and Charging Infrastructure
Modern electric cars now offer impressive ranges that make them viable for camping trips. Electric car range has improved dramatically, with many models exceeding 300 miles on a single charge. The expanding UK charging network, with over 66,000 public charging points, means you can reach even remote camping locations with confidence.
For camping trips, look for vehicles with at least 250 miles of real-world range. This provides a sufficient buffer for detours to scenic routes, running heating or cooling while parked, and reaching the nearest charging point without anxiety.
Storage Space and Practicality
Camping requires significant gear - tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and provisions. The best electric family cars excel in this area, offering generous boot space and clever storage solutions. Many EVs benefit from having no transmission tunnel, creating more interior space and better weight distribution for heavy loads.
Power and Towing Capability
Some camping enthusiasts need towing capability for caravans or trailers. While not all electric cars can tow, several models in our list offer impressive towing capacities. Electric car towing has advanced significantly, with some EVs matching or exceeding their petrol counterparts.
Advanced Features for Outdoor Living
Modern EVs come packed with features that enhance camping experiences. From climate control that works when parked to power outlets for camping equipment, these vehicles are designed with outdoor adventures in mind. Some even offer "Camp Mode" specifically for overnight parking.
The Top 5 Electric Cars for Camping in 2025
1. Tesla Model Y - The Ultimate Electric Camping Companion
Source: Tesla Gallery
The Tesla Model Y consistently ranks as the best electric car for camping, and for good reason. This premium SUV combines exceptional range, innovative technology, and practical design in a package that's perfect for outdoor adventures.
Specifications for Camping:
Range: Up to 331 miles (Long Range variant)
Boot space: 854 litres with rear seats up, 2,158 litres with seats folded
Towing capacity: 1,600kg
Charging speed: Up to 250kW rapid charging
Why It's Perfect for Camping:
The Model Y's standout feature for campers is Camp Mode, which maintains climate control, lighting, and entertainment systems while parked overnight. This allows comfortable sleeping inside the vehicle without draining the battery excessively. The panoramic glass roof creates an incredible stargazing experience, while the spacious interior can accommodate two adults sleeping with the rear seats folded flat.
The vehicle's advanced route planning automatically includes charging stops on longer journeys, taking the guesswork out of reaching remote camping destinations. Tesla salary sacrifice makes this premium SUV accessible through company electric car schemes, with significant tax advantages.
Real-World Camping Performance:
In real-world camping conditions, the Model Y typically achieves 280-300 miles of range, more than sufficient for most UK camping trips. The 12V outlet and USB ports throughout the cabin power camping equipment, while the frunk (front trunk) provides additional weatherproof storage for valuable items.
2. BMW iX - Luxury Meets Adventure
Source: BMW Press
The BMW iX represents the pinnacle of luxury electric SUVs, combining German engineering excellence with impressive camping credentials. This flagship EV offers the perfect blend of comfort, capability, and cutting-edge technology for discerning outdoor enthusiasts.
Specifications for Camping:
Range: Up to 324 miles (xDrive50 variant)
Boot space: 500 litres with seats up, 1,750 litres with seats folded
Towing capacity: 2,500kg
Charging speed: Up to 195kW rapid charging
Why It's Exceptional for Camping:
The iX's standout camping feature is its exceptional towing capacity of 2,500kg, making it ideal for larger caravans or boat trailers. The air suspension system automatically adjusts to maintain optimal handling when loaded or towing, ensuring confident driving on challenging terrain.
Inside, the panoramic sunroof and premium materials create a luxurious mobile basecamp. The advanced climate control system includes specific camping modes that optimise energy consumption while maintaining comfort. Through BMW salary sacrifice, this premium SUV becomes accessible with significant tax savings.
Advanced Camping Technology:
The iX features BMW's intelligent route planning that considers towing weight and camping equipment when calculating energy consumption. The vehicle's 12V and 230V power outlets can run camping equipment directly from the high-voltage battery, while the quiet operation ensures peaceful camping experiences.
3. Mercedes EQC - Premium Comfort for Extended Adventures
Source: Mercedes-Benz Media
The Mercedes EQC brings luxury-brand refinement to electric camping, offering exceptional comfort and build quality for extended outdoor adventures. This premium SUV combines traditional Mercedes craftsmanship with innovative electric technology.
Specifications for Camping:
Range: Up to 259 miles
Boot space: 500 litres with seats up, 1,460 litres maximum
Towing capacity: 1,800kg
Charging speed: Up to 110kW rapid charging
Why It Excels for Camping:
The EQC's strength lies in its exceptional build quality and comfort, making it ideal for extended camping trips where vehicle refinement matters. The adaptive air suspension provides excellent ride quality on rough camping ground access roads, while the advanced noise insulation ensures peaceful sleep inside the vehicle.
The climate control system can pre-condition the cabin while plugged in, ensuring comfort from the moment you start your journey. Mercedes salary sacrifice makes this luxury SUV accessible through company electric car schemes with considerable cost savings.
Practical Camping Features:
The EQC includes multiple power outlets and USB charging points throughout the cabin, perfect for keeping devices charged during extended camping trips. The intelligent energy management system optimises battery usage for camping scenarios, while the Mercedes me app allows remote monitoring and control of vehicle functions.
4. Volkswagen ID.4 - The Practical All-Rounder
Source: VW Press
The Volkswagen ID.4 represents excellent value for camping enthusiasts, offering impressive space efficiency, solid build quality, and practical features at a more accessible price point than premium alternatives.
Specifications for Camping:
Range: Up to 346 miles (Pro variant)
Boot space: 543 litres with seats up, 1,575 litres with seats folded
Towing capacity: 1,200kg
Charging speed: Up to 135kW rapid charging
Why It's Great for Camping:
The ID.4's intelligent packaging creates maximum interior space from a relatively compact exterior footprint. The completely flat floor when rear seats are folded makes it excellent for sleeping or organizing camping equipment. The vehicle's efficient aerodynamics contribute to impressive real-world range, crucial for reaching remote camping locations.
The ID.4's camping credentials are enhanced by its robust build quality and practical interior design. Through Volkswagen salary sacrifice, this versatile SUV becomes highly affordable for families seeking camping adventures.
Efficient Camping Performance:
In camping scenarios, the ID.4 demonstrates excellent energy efficiency, often exceeding its WLTP range figures in real-world driving. The vehicle's heat pump system maintains efficiency in cold weather camping conditions, while the intuitive infotainment system includes camping-friendly features like offline navigation maps.
5. Hyundai IONIQ 5 - The Innovative Camping Pioneer
Source: Hyundai News
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 represents the future of electric camping with its innovative design, ultra-fast charging capability, and unique vehicle-to-load functionality that can power camping equipment directly from the car.
Specifications for Camping:
Range: Up to 298 miles
Boot space: 527 litres with seats up, 1,587 litres with seats folded
Towing capacity: 1,600kg
Charging speed: Up to 220kW ultra-rapid charging
Why It's Revolutionary for Camping:
The IONIQ 5's standout camping feature is its vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, which can power external devices up to 3.6kW directly from the car's battery. This means you can run electric camping equipment, lights, or even small appliances without additional generators or power sources.
The vehicle's innovative interior design includes sliding and reclining rear seats, creating versatile space configurations for camping. The ultra-fast charging capability means you can add significant range during short breaks, perfect for flexible camping itineraries.
Revolutionary Camping Technology:
The IONIQ 5's 18-minute charging time from 10-80% is revolutionary for camping trips, allowing spontaneous detours and extended adventures without careful planning. The vehicle's solar roof panel can provide supplementary charging for extended off-grid camping, while the innovative interior lighting creates excellent ambiance for evening camping activities.
Making Electric Camping Affordable with Salary Sacrifice
One of the biggest barriers to electric camping has traditionally been the higher purchase prices of EVs compared to petrol alternatives. However, electric car salary sacrifice schemes have transformed affordability, making premium camping-ready EVs accessible to many more drivers.
How Salary Sacrifice Makes Camping EVs Affordable
Through salary sacrifice, employees can save 20-50% on electric car costs compared to traditional leasing. The current Benefit-in-Kind rate for electric cars is just 3% for 2025/26, compared to up to 37% for high-emission petrol vehicles. This means a premium camping EV like the Tesla Model Y could cost significantly less per month than a comparable petrol SUV.
For example, a Tesla Model Y costing £600 per month through traditional leasing might only cost £350-400 per month through salary sacrifice after tax savings. This dramatic reduction makes premium camping-ready EVs accessible to families who previously couldn't afford them.
Additional Benefits for Camping Enthusiasts
Salary sacrifice schemes often include additional benefits perfect for camping:
Comprehensive insurance covering adventure activities
Breakdown cover
Maintenance packages including specialist EV servicing
Home charger installation for convenient pre-trip charging
Charging Considerations for Electric Camping
One of the most common camping concerns about electric cars involves charging infrastructure and range management. However, with proper planning and understanding of modern charging networks, electric camping is entirely practical.
Planning Your Charging Strategy
The key to successful electric camping lies in understanding your route and identifying charging opportunities. The best EV charging apps can help plan routes with charging stops, while many camping sites now offer EV charging facilities.
Popular camping destinations across the UK increasingly feature rapid charging hubs within 10-20 miles, making it easy to top up before or after your camping experience. How to charge an electric car in public provides comprehensive guidance for new EV drivers.
Maximising Range for Camping Trips
How to optimise your electric car's range becomes particularly important for camping trips with heavy loads or towing. Simple techniques like maintaining steady speeds, using regenerative braking effectively, and managing climate control can significantly extend your range.
Camping Site Charging Options
Many modern camping sites and glamping locations now offer EV charging as standard. From basic 13A sockets to dedicated EV chargers, the infrastructure for electric camping continues to expand rapidly. Some premium camping locations even offer rapid charging facilities, allowing you to explore locally while your car charges.
Real-World Electric Camping Experiences
To provide authentic insights into electric camping, we've gathered experiences from EV owners who regularly use their cars for camping adventures.
Weekend Camping Trips
For typical weekend camping trips within 100-150 miles of home, electric cars excel. The Tesla Model Y owner Sarah from Manchester reports: "We regularly camp in the Lake District, about 120 miles away. Camp Mode means we can sleep comfortably in the car when needed, and the silent operation doesn't disturb other campers. We've never had range anxiety for weekend trips."
Extended Camping Adventures
For longer camping trips, planning becomes more important but remains entirely practical. BMW iX owner James from Bristol shares: "We took our iX on a three-week camping tour of Scotland. The towing capacity handled our camping trailer perfectly, and charging stops actually improved our trip by forcing regular breaks in interesting locations we might otherwise have missed."
European Camping Tours
The expanding European charging network makes continental camping trips increasingly practical. Mercedes EQC owner Lisa from London explains: "We drove through France, Germany, and Switzerland last summer, camping along the way. The charging infrastructure was excellent, and the EQC's comfort made long driving days enjoyable rather than tiring."
Environmental Benefits of Electric Camping
Electric camping offers significant environmental advantages over traditional petrol or diesel camping vehicles, aligning with the growing trend toward sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation.
Zero Local Emissions
Electric cars produce no local emissions, making them ideal for camping in environmentally sensitive areas. This is particularly important in national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where air quality preservation is crucial.
Reduced Noise Pollution
The silent operation of electric cars creates more peaceful camping experiences for both occupants and nearby campers. Early morning departures don't disturb sleeping neighbors, while the quiet operation allows better appreciation of natural sounds.
Supporting Renewable Energy
Many camping enthusiasts combine electric cars with renewable energy sources. Solar panels on camping equipment can supplement vehicle charging, while an increasing number of camping sites generate their own renewable electricity for EV charging facilities.
Cost Comparison: Electric vs Petrol Camping
Understanding the total cost of electric camping compared to petrol alternatives helps demonstrate the financial benefits of electric cars for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fuel Costs
Electric cars offer dramatic fuel cost savings for camping trips. A typical 300-mile camping trip might cost £15-20 in electricity compared to £60-80 in petrol or diesel. Over a year of regular camping trips, these savings can amount to hundreds of pounds.
How much does it cost to run an electric car provides detailed analysis of EV running costs compared to petrol alternatives.
Maintenance and Servicing
Electric cars require significantly less maintenance than petrol vehicles, with no oil changes, spark plugs, or complex transmission servicing required. Electric car maintenance and servicing explains how EVs can save thousands of pounds over their lifetime.
Insurance and Tax Benefits
Through salary sacrifice schemes, electric camping cars benefit from reduced insurance costs and the low 3% Benefit-in-Kind tax rate. Combined with no road tax (until 2025) and exemptions from congestion charges, the cost advantages compound significantly.
Future of Electric Camping
The future of electric camping looks increasingly bright, with advancing technology and expanding infrastructure making EVs even more suitable for outdoor adventures.
Advancing Battery Technology
Next-generation battery technology promises even longer ranges and faster charging times. Solid-state batteries, expected within the next few years, could offer 500+ mile ranges and 10-minute charging times, eliminating any remaining range concerns for camping trips.
Vehicle-to-Grid and Camping
Emerging vehicle-to-grid technology will allow electric cars to power entire camping setups, potentially eliminating the need for separate generators or extensive battery systems. This could revolutionize off-grid camping experiences.
Expanding Charging Infrastructure
The UK government's commitment to installing 300,000 public charging points by 2030 will make electric camping even more convenient. Many of these will be in rural and tourist areas, directly benefiting camping enthusiasts.
The Electric Camping Revolution
Electric cars have evolved from unsuitable for camping to being superior to petrol alternatives in many ways. The combination of impressive range, innovative features, silent operation, and environmental benefits makes modern EVs ideal camping companions.
Through The Electric Car Scheme's salary sacrifice programme, these premium camping-ready vehicles have become accessible to many more families. With savings of 20-50% compared to traditional leasing and the current 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate, there's never been a better time to make the switch to electric camping.
Whether you're planning weekend glamping trips or month-long European adventures, the electric cars in our guide offer the perfect combination of capability, comfort, and environmental responsibility. The camping revolution is electric, and the future of outdoor adventures has never looked brighter.
Ready to start your electric camping journey? Explore our full range of electric cars available through salary sacrifice and discover how much you could save on your next camping-ready EV. Contact The Electric Car Scheme today to begin your journey toward sustainable outdoor adventures.
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Last updated: 04/08/2025
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