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Vantrack announces that its premium LightCamp camper conversion for the all-electric Kia PV5 is moving from concept to production, with first deliveries anticipated this September. The Dutch conversion specialist positions the offering as a high-end, integrated solution for electric vehicle camping enthusiasts, albeit at a significant premium over the base vehicle and more basic DIY kits. June 1, 2024
The core proposition of the Vantrack LightCamp is a fully-integrated yet removable camping system designed for the Kia PV5 Passenger van. Unlike permanent conversions, the module can be taken out, reverting the PV5 to its primary role as a people-mover. This approach mirrors concepts from other upfitters like VanLab but is executed with a focus on premium materials and seamless design integration that gives the interior a factory-finished appearance.
Pricing is a defining characteristic of the Vantrack package. The complete LightCamp conversion is listed at approximately €65,000 (roughly $70,000 USD). This price is notably higher than the estimated cost of a base Kia PV5 Passenger Essential model and substantially above simpler, aftermarket camper kits like the $2,000 option from VanLab. The premium is attributed to high-end components, extensive use of machined aluminum, and a soft-touch finish throughout the living space.
Exclusive Insight: US Market Positioning & Viability While European deliveries are imminent, the success of a ~$70K upfit on a compact EV platform in the competitive US adventure van market remains an open question. The offering targets a niche within a niche: buyers seeking a zero-emissions, compact camper with a premium build, who are also early adopters of Kia's yet-to-be-launched PV5 in North America. Its value proposition hinges on superior design and integration versus cheaper kits, and greater efficiency and maneuverability compared to larger, gas-powered Class B RVs, which can occupy a similar price bracket.
The LightCamp is outfitted as a self-contained micro-camper. Key amenities include a portable induction cooktop, an 11-liter freshwater system with faucet, and a 18-liter insulated cooler. The sleeping arrangement features a primary, height-adjustable slide-out bed measuring 130x190 cm (full-size) with a high-end air mattress. A significant addition is the ZELT hard-shell rooftop tent, accessible via an integrated panoramic "SkyLight" roof hatch, which adds capacity for two more sleepers.
The inclusion of the ZELT tent itself signals the upmarket intent. Similar hard-shell rooftop tents from brands like iKamper or Roofnest frequently retail for over $3,000 alone. The Vantrack system integrates this tent directly into the van's roof via its proprietary SkyLight, aiming for a cleaner look and easier access than aftermarket roof rack installations.
Vantrack's marketing frames the LightCamp not merely as transportation with a bed, but as a "single lightweight and flexible system" merging vehicle, interior, and outdoor space. The design philosophy emphasizes compactness for daily use with the ability to quickly transform into a living environment suited for adventure, relaxation, or remote work. Additional utility is provided by interior cargo rails, a 195-liter rear storage rack, and a Euro-crate-compatible drawer system.
The move to production follows a proof-of-concept reveal in April 2024, where positive reception reportedly encouraged the Dutch firm to greenlight the project. For potential buyers, the promise is a turn-key electric camper van from a specialist firm, bypassing the complexities of a custom, ground-up conversion. However, the total cost of ownership will include the price of the underlying Kia PV5, which has not been officially priced for the US market, making the final investment a considerable one for a compact electric camping solution.
