Delivery EV turned solar-powered campervan: 100% self-reliant
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- Опубликовано: 6 июн 2022
- Believing solar vehicles were feasible beyond the lightweight Aptera and Lightyear One cars, Joel Gregory Hayes wanted to create an all-electric, solar-powered motorhome that despite its weight could travel the Pan-American Highway from the arctic circle in Alaska to the tip of Argentina.
With the help of Solarolla Electric Vehicles he converted an electric delivery truck (a 2010 International EStar) into an EV with 120kWhs of battery power that is capable of being charged on solar-only for a maximum range of 200 miles.
The 24,330W rooftop solar array can be deployed to track the sun. First, 2/3rds of the array that are normally hidden under the van’s main roof for driving can be slid out using winches. Then winches work to track the sun by tilting the array up to a 45° angle. There are also two satellite panels attached to the rear of the van that can be detached and manually maneuvered to track the sun.
The Route Del Sol vehicle requires developing a love of Slow Travel: it takes 20 hours to charge the array of flexible solar panels, which in places like Alaska during most of the year requires a few days of patience in one location. Hayes explains that this waiting is a part of the journey so the van is equipped with a nice kitchen - of course, fully electric and powered by the sun, including the 90-liter refrigerator and induction cooktop - and equipment like surfboards to turn waiting time into an adventure.
After spending a couple years making the journey from the Arctic Circle to Mexico, Route del Sol experienced a setback when all the solar panels blew off the roof during a particularly windy stretch of road in the Desert, in Baja California, Mexico. “Our entire solar array was ripped off the roof of the van and thrown over the side of the highway”. Joel explains that he had forgotten to tighten a key screw which often isn’t necessary, but under high winds is essential. Right now, the project is on pause as the team tries to raise money to repair the solar array and reassess how they want to proceed.
www.routedelsol.com
solarrolla.com/
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I happened to meet Joel along his journey from Alaska through Northern California. As his van was charging he joined a group of us on a rafting adventure. He's a funny guy and a free spirit!
That was such a fun trip!!! Hope you are well!
I spent a summer in northern Alaska and met hundreds of backpackers, motorcyclists, and overlanders (big caravans) during my stay. They were all the best people I've ever met. So casual with their generosity and comfortable in their own skin. Sounds like he's cut from the same cloth.
That's wonderful.
Seems like a guy you wouldnt want to talk too, he would tell you the rate at his bloody van is charging
This is just beautiful. Nice analogy to sailing over land and letting the wind/sun dictate the pace of life. Enjoy your travels.
As a sailor, I agree with him
That’s exactly what I dropped down into the comments to say :)
Sounds like a great time. Landsailing.
What a amazing place to landsail in comfort. Too bad the panels blew off and got damaged in !Mexico.
This would be a perfect market stand vehicle. You'd set it up at a market, expand the solar panels as a roof for your customers, sell Items out of it (fruit, vegetables, fresh fish or whatever you fancy for a market stand) and return to the depot on a full batery, never having to pay for any energy used in both transportation or refridgeration of the goods sold. Something like this probably has comercial potential.
never pay for Energie? ;-) you have to use this all expensive gadget for decades before you can save money. I see this as a solution in some cases, but for traveling? No
I have spent some time setting up at flea markets to sell crafts and antiques. This could work very we'll ,as having shade improves sales. It would also provide for either a couple of good fans, or good heaters, depending.
And at 70+ I'm in no rush, ever. If it takes me two weeks to travel the 700 miles to visit my daughter and grandchildren, I can live with that. And staying in state parks and boondocking means it's cheap. I'm solo, so I will only use a 1/2 ton van for better weight reduction.
Yeah, I could get into a work/play rig that was under $5K to build out, was green so that the next fuel crunch wouldn't slow me down, and if rolling blackouts hit, I could power part of my house.
Yes, I know the Debbie Downers will say it will take decades to "break even" on the costs. And that is true, as far as it goes, but the options that open up along this route are the real dividend.
Great idea!
@@tinkerstrade3553 the batteries alone will cost you more than 5K$, at 40 kWh, that's about 20k$ in batteries, and with Lipo instead of LiFePo, these last below 6000 cycles at 80% discharge in climate controlled environments.
Inside a hot van, they wont last 3000 cycles - and burn like white phosphor if they ever short out
@@pteppig No they won't it would need nex to nothing in range
Thanks for this collaboration Kirsten! I hope everyone enjoyed your story of my journey as much as I did!
DID YOU WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE EXPLODING FLEET OF ELECTRIC BUSSES AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY? FOUR WENT UP INSIDE A MINUTE. NO TIME TO GET OUT. LIKE THE CELL PHONE BATTERIES AT THE CELL PHONE STORE. LITHIUM I THINK. UNSTABLE TECHNOLOGY STILL.
@@karenishness1 What's your point TROLL? Haven't seen an exploding Petrol car before?
We were so happy to see this. We love you and have enjoyed Kirsten's videos for a long time.
@@deaet miss you guys! Maybe she’ll do an interview with you as well?
My dream is an electric 4x4 truck camper, fully charged from solar panels. Love what these blokes are doing!!
Yes and I think the panels should be completely deployable at the push of a button if possible.
@@marcbee1234that would be awasome to watch. But worried about wind
No way ! I was part of the team that built Modecs in the UK. So chuffed to see this happening. Brilliant 🤩 💪👍👍👍
You have introduced "chuffed" to a Yank, which I take to be the equivalent of our "psyched". Much obliged.
"In this circumstance you've got to let go of the whole entitlement of getting somewhere when you say you want to get somewhere." This encapsulates the mindset shift that needs to happen among the globetrotting class in the age of climate change. It has been possible to travel over oceans without fossil fuels--it's called sailing, but it takes weeks instead of hours. It is now possible to drive across continents with electric vehicles, but long stretches or heavier vehicles require stopping for charging along the way. With the imminent adoption of universal, planetary wifi (through satellites) it should no longer be a problem to take a little (or a lot) longer to get from A to B. If on the road, you stop and take a walk/hike or read/watch/work. If on the sea, you read/watch/work and enjoy the incredible experience of riding the waves. I'm looking forward to a future filled with sailing trips, electric ferry/boat rides, and even flights aboard electrically-propelled air ships (as described in the books of Kim Stanley Robinson). The jet-fueled flights of the rich/impatient - or of those needing to take a rare, once-or-twice-in a lifetime last minute trip (like the sudden illness or death of a loved one) - should be taxed at an exorbitant rate with the proceeds going straight back into developing the tech for us all to travel fossil-free farther and faster.
Yes, the philosophy is a good match for the tech here.
Imagine how much more of life we can enjoy just using alternative fuels. How much more of nature we can see and hear without loud engines. Cleaner air and water. May I live long enough.
Easy to do when you don't have a job.
"In this circumstance you've got to let go of the whole entitlement of getting somewhere when you say you want to get somewhere." What a coincidence that I just read this comment as I heard the very quote on the video. :)
@@sun1one1 They do have jobs, just not ones that require going into an office everyday... think outside the corporate box.
I have dreamed of this type of setup for many years. Nice to see someone actually build it.
Pretty cool as long as you have unlimited time to kill. Driving 20mph up hills seems a little crazy though. Like following a tractor on the highway. Also if you catch a couple of cloudy days you are gonna almost be stranded. I do appreciate that they are pushing the envelope. Its gotta start somewhere
It does seem crazy, but Joel explains the he pulls over whenever there is traffic behind him. He's also at the time in his life when he enjoys the journey and didn't mind not arriving anywhere fast.
Always trying to ‘kill time’ is part of the problem. Learn to take the time you are given and enjoy the ride
This isn't the start of anything, this is about as good as this kind of technology can get.
@@PistonAvatarGuy Ten years ago, this 'good as it gets' tech didn't even exist.
@@dama9150 This van is ten years old and absolutely everything associated with the solar energy system existed ten years ago and hasn't improved significantly since!
You guys need to check out the Solara 4 dr car. Most of the car is made from carbon fiber, even the rims. It can travel on solar power alone during the day, & 600 miles on the battery at night.
Very cool! I like the sailboat analogy. Just have to be ready for adventure wherever you are. These guys were perhaps a few years too early. One hundred to two hundred miles per charge isn’t practical for most people. A lighter vehicle would help a lot. Lighter batteries might come out in a few years and that would help a lot too. 100% solar powered vehicles are definitely in our future!
I liked the comparison to sailing on the oceans. It does make you question our need to be somewhere as quickly as possible.
I am blown away with emotion on this one. Thanks so much for sharing Kirsten.
Loved the moment, 12:31, where another car passed them with the passenger simulating like he was rowing faster than they were traveling. Hilarious. It'll be interesting to see how long it will take technology to make the whole solar powered car concept more efficient. Unfortunately, for now, it's a tough sell to the average person because most of us, like it or not do have constraints on our time, even when on vacation. But I always admire pioneers. You gotta start somewhere.
For more efficiency take a look at the Lightyear One. It sets you back some $170K, but you only have to charge 3 or 4 times a year.
ALSO DHECK OUT THE EXPLODING ELECTRIC BUSSES AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND THE EXPLODING CELL PHONE BATTERIES AT THE CELL PHONE STORE. NOT EVEN TIME TO GET OUT. TECHNOLOGY NOT MASTERED YET- WOULDN'T WANT TO BE THAT STATISTIC.
Imagine all the mining required for materials to create the batteries and solar panels!
Solar is kinda of pretentious. It still destroys the earth through mining for all the materials to pretend to be more earth friendly...
@@j2muw667 TOTALLY AGREED.
@@lexvegers242 Yes the Lightyear One looks amazing. Fully Charged said they chose to make it a $250K luxury car so they could use it to fundraise the development of a $30K daily driver version. So if all goes according to plan they will release a more affordable model in the next few years.
12:27 We need to find this man, his 'quantum air paddle' technology is clearly superior.
They are enjoying themselves. All part of the journey.
A solar powered van.
All electric appliances
Tanks of solar energy
Solar roller.
Brilliant
I'd rig up/add a telescoping wind turbine that can be easily propped up & lowered. Iv'e noticed just about every rest area Iv'e been to along an interstate is always windy.
I like the thought and idea. It would provide charge, especially useful if sufficiently windy overnight. However, when they have just under 25,000 watts of solar on the roof(see video description), the addition of a small wind turbine with an average output of 70 to 90 watts, it's hardly worth the cost, effort and the weight it would add.
70 to 90 watts over a day/24 hours would provide between 1680 and 2160 watts per day, if the wind holds. Meaning they'd require at least 5 small wind turbines to approach half their solar capacity.
I know nothing....but is it not possible to harness the power of the wind created by a moving vehicle?
@@maodonimega The drag created to produce that energy would negate any gains. Losses in the system mean it would have a negative effect on range.
Wow! The fact that it is self-sustaining, even as a slow and inconsistent thing is AMAZING. I didn't think the efficiency of panels could support that yet.
Very impressed by the experiment.
i always envisioned my e-van with same solar array configuration. Thank you for trailblazing it for us all. Respect.
I love the sailing analogy. Absolutely spot on. Cheers
I admire their spirit and effort, modern day Lewis & Clark! Btw, I’ve watched all your episodes backwards watching your children grow younger - your channel is the best series on RUclips!! Looking forward to more!!! Thank you!
I have had this idea for awhile of solar powered RV'n, Its nice to find someone who is actually doing it. I look forward to watching your videos and learning what will be involved to doing it.
Always fascinating! You two find the best subjects for your vlogs!
So what do you do when your solar is out and a huge 50+ mph wind comes up? Can you get them in in time before they either break or your RV tips over? I think it would be neat if you could build a self retracting mechanism that works automatically in high winds. I have a solar array on the side of my RV that I raise to face the sun, but I always try to run outside and lower it if I believe the wind speed will top 40 mph. I'm a full time RVer in a big class A motorhome. I was at Lake Mead about 6 months ago when a 70+ mph wind came through and ripped my awning off, destroying the arms and roller mechanism too - and it was rolled up and secured against the side of my RV at the time. If I had a giant solar farm on my roof like you do, I'm afraid the results would have been disastrous.
THE BATTERY TECHNOLOGY IS NOT SOLID YET. A WHOLE FLEET OF ELECTRIC BUSSES AT A CHINESE UNIVERSITY EXPLODED IN ABOUT ONE MINUTE AND CELL PHONE BATTERIES SEEM RO BE GOING THE SAME WAY.
Honestly I'd set up some type of warning system Or ar least wind chimes ha. But you make a valid point, wind is arguably the most dangerous element
Yeah that is a problem, I think he actually lost his solar panels due to winds.
You'd need some kind of wind measurement and "quick retract" mechanism
It turns out they all starve to death when in the middle of nowhere they were besieged by three months of cloudy weather!
The same way that sailboats deal with having all their sails up when a 50mph gust hits. They watch the weather lol. If not they will flip over and capsize in the middle of the ocean.
This is amazing!!! I had the same idea since I found that you can buy old Delivery EV. I didn't know that someone allready done it. So great work!!!
what /i appreciated the most was that you presented the limitations and downsides as well as the upsides.
Fantastic, exactly what I've been looking for. I didn't know those vans existed, great for a starting point.
Brilliant, imagine being able to travel the world, cook your food, chill your beers and all for FREE. These are pioneers & as the tech gets better- solar RV's will be commonplace.
its not free there is a big upfront cost
EXCEPT FOR THE EXPLODING FLEET OF ELECTRIC BUSSES AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY WHICH SET EACHOTHER OFF INTO AN INFERNO IN LESS THAN A MINUTE, LIKE THE CELL PHONE BATTERIES AT THE CELL PHONE STORE. LITHIUM I THINK. WOULDN'T WANT TO BE THAT GUINEA PIG.
I think the actual pioneers were covering distance quicker than these guys. Their wagons were solar-powered too. 🌞 to🌱🌿🌾 to 🐴 to 💩+💧+🌞 to🌱🌿🌾 to 🐴 to 💩+💧+🌞 to🌱🌿🌾 to 🐴 to ...
@@karenishness1 There are literary billions and billons of cellphones, laptop computers, tablets and other devices all using lithion battery technology. You don't see, or read reports of thousand of people having their devices go up in flames each day.
The technology has litany been in use since the 1990's, or over 30 years.
BTW: use of ALL CAPs ended with telegrams in the 1950's.
@@AerialWaviator YOUR POINT?
The most inspirational thing I've seen!
That’s awesome! Imagining the piece of mind of being able to drive around and never worry about gas.
Where is the peace of mind when you're stuck in days of cloudy weather and your supplies are running low?
It's good to have diverse sources of energy. There's q time for solar, a time for oil, a time for hydro, a time for burning wood, etc.
@@dustinabc I found it odd he didn't have better food supplies in risky weather territory.
ABSOLUTELY GREAT PROGRAM!🔥
More like this, please. 🙏❤
Great stuff!
Dude this is sick!! 10/10 I hope this makes it big
You always find interesting and unique things to show us. This one was no exception.
The agitated camera work was difficult to get thru, but the content was excellent!
Paul and I absolutely Love your videos Kirsten.
Thank you very much for sharing your adventure with us.
I always have so many questions when listening to nomads and others describe their solar set up. Kilowatts, volts, amperes, watts, inverters, etc etc. I need a Solar for Dummies or something really, really basic about electricity.
Great video as always!
There is a lot of information on solar on RUclips.
Had sim thoughts, would love to do a course in this.
@@Simon-dm8zv LOOK UP THE BUSSES IN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY THAT EXPLODED FROM OVERHEATING BATTERIES. NOT EVEN TIME TO GET OUT. ALSO EXPLODING CELL PHONES. LITHIUM I THINK.
@@karenishness1 Yeah things catch fire sometimes.
@@Simon-dm8zv YOUR IGNORANCE WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY.
Holy Moly! That's a nice 7 segment display array!
Excellent analysis....between sailing and solar
Seems like the design should be to isolate the tech from the living space to reduce the noise from the inverters. It would be horrible to spend days in the noise waiting for a sufficient charge. Make a separate compartment for the tech with cooling to the outside or to the living space depending on the temperature. Another idea. If I would go this far, I would consider adding the possibility to generate wind energy too, maybe a Savonius rotor which you could raise up when stopped for the charge. That would help a lot, especially in the cloudy days
This is grand! Thank you and may you have had a great journey! :) Keep it up.
Blessings and Godspeed to them on their Journey!
We got to get good at this for the future.
kool experiment, good luck in the future guyz!
thanks once again for expanding our possibilities..........
you mean unreliable energy....so did you build the van with unreliable energy too? and did you make the panels and batteries with unreliable energy??
I want to build something similar which is completely independent of infrastructure. The only thing I'll have to go get is groceries.
I wonder why they don't do more night time travel and park all day? That way they're not wasting sunlight hours with the extra panels stowed, or during the setup. They could drive for 3 hours after sundown, then set up the panels ready for morning before going to bed.
You need lights on at night, and I suspect the batteries size may fill up in a single day.
I live in Ashland Oregon, and I remember seeing this van there a few times. Now I'm about to sell my house in Ashland and buy/build something very similar. I think it's a good time to invest in being mobile and more self reliant. This was a great video and I really enjoyed it!
Congratulations and thank you!
Super cool car. I'm quite fascinated and good luck with the trip and may the sun be with you.
He sound Australian, that's awesome👍
Thanks for sharing your unique travel experience. Nice to know it's doable!
Totally agree on the need to not rush everywhere mentality. I have had a sim idea, and often dreamed of doing this. I would love to do the coast of Europe and around Oz in something like this. Though I was thinking of something smaller, closer to a camper trike, since it's just me. However, I don't (yet) have the wherewithal, nor the electrical knowhow.
I love this. I would have watched a full 60 minute documentary on this adventure.
I hope Joel can get back on the road soon and continue his journey!
love to see more of the inside of the housecar please.
41,484 views • Jun 7, 2022 • Believing 1.71M subscribers AWESOME THIS MADE MY DAY. I want one .
This would be so cool as a race. I'd watch that. I imagine that it would be like watching a sailing race
Really cool stuff. They are killing it.
There is one. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Solar_Challenge
Really inspiring! Cool project.
Why aren't the walls also solar during drive and then when you come to a stop, you put them up like a sun blind? Would be the same effekt with the plus that you can even charge more when you are driving.
The tilt idea is awesome! Very nice project 🤩.
Fascinating video! Huge gratitude for Team Kirsten, you two guys and your super interesting solar travel, traveling solar project journey. How interesting this is! Thanks for shsring. Awaiting the next episode! Wishing you all happy trails. 🙏🏼🐾🎶
Great Work!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!
That is a great proof of concept, it's not quite there yet but it's not far off!
Sun Sailing! Love it💖🌞
Nice. Streamline for high winds and protect from hail maybe with a pool noodle array. Prevailing winds can help get condensation on the ice, be wise about weight. Wind powered friction heaters might work….but a guitar umbrella and a good singer is warm enough for today.
Thanks for opening up the adventure and living, doing, and showing another "can do" adventure. What's the plan to get through the Darien Pass? Appreciate your innovation and sharing. Thanks, Kirsten.
This is fascinating....
Have a look at Aptera!! You are going to love it
Great stuff. My home is completely solar powered in sunny Fla. To see these guys starting in Alaska of all places, is inspiring. They remind me of the guys who started all the Mother Earth projects in California in the early 70's. The tech will improve going forward, but you have to start somewhere. Keep on rocking, boys!
Im glad you said sunny because without the sun you’d be in trouble😩😩😩
Hello from Phoenix Arizona I’ve got panels on my house but I’m not 100% power because I don’t have batteries. But I cover most of my usage matter fact I usually have a credit with the power company where do you live in Florida? That’s the one place I would consider moving if I left here. I love the desert but I do get tired of the extreme heat the summers. The winters are beautiful. I know you’ve got beautiful weather year-round as well. What I miss here are the rain and storms. The only thing I don’t know about Florida is I probably would not like the humidity and the mosquitoes. They love me.
It is not entitlement it is the actual cost of the propulsion. One with the Sun son, is how the game is won. Enjoy the journey, don't be a dick, that is what we are here for.
I love this idea. If I can find one of these van's affordably I'd totally do this. I don't want to go cross country but I'd like a van like this just for cargo hauling.
Wonder if that's going to be Guinness record?
7:54 The Sound of the car reminds me on interstellar when they entered the wormhole 😅
Nice Project 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Absolutely right, it’s just the sailing mentality of ‘to go with the flow’!
Let the nature leads with it’s free n powerful energy.
Wonderful idea and motivation of the journey! 👍🏻
Outstanding video 🔆 👍👍👍
cool . I had the same idea but I did with motors to expand the solar (panels) wings.
Wow, great job
Hi guys, just a little suggestion for the van, maybe adding a windmill for night charging...
love your ideas !! I have questions have you thought about a little trailer ? Do you charge when you drive or is it insignificant with just the few exposed panels ?
So amazing
Great set-up! I do worry about how well that solar array will stand up to high winds, though.
This is amazing!!!
This would work for me since I tend to stay away from harsh weather areas.
This will be the new "California Dream Life"
Travel/living at the sun's 🌞 pace.
Fantastic! Great work and very inspirational. How many VA in total in the batteries, and how many watts on the panels? Did you consider AGM instead of the LIFEPO's for stability? Do you have a fire explosion proof containment around the LIFEPO batteries? What is the fast charge time like of the batteries if you use a mains or generator charging source? What I liked about the AGM's was the explosion proof nature and fast charge, but they are heavy.
This was a wonderful watch. Are there follow up vids of your travel?
this is my dream right there!!!
"Land-sailing" something my forefathers did on ox wagons.
Love this wish people would have an open mind
Great job best of luck to yal
Thank you for covering this and supporting their success... it points to a different way of living than the rat race. Humans can move at the speed of the planet..although there are new things to keep in mind...like a screw to hold panels together. I hope this community, including myself, can give as they are able to help Joel and his partners get back on the road. I will bookmark this so I come back to the page until I send some sort of donation.
the origami solar panel in the Finch movie was cool
Good luck!!! You will definitely need it! - darien gap panama!!!!!! Hopefully you do your research.
Problems meet solution absolutely.
Great trip!
That’s cool. God bless
This is Great 👍 😊
Hi Guys, Like your idea and the journey. How much have you put into reducing weight in your van. I have a motorhome that is diesel but is all electric on the inside with lithium battery to battery solar etc but I have replaced all glass bottles with plastic, drilled wooden panels out to reduce weight but not strength where they can't be seen. All this has added up to reducing my weight and so efficiency of the van by a huge amount especially when going up hill (I live in Scotland). The biggest weight reduction was shifting to lithium as I lost 60.5 kg just doing that. Regards Grant