Electric Cars

Vantrack, renowned for its expertise in conversion vans, is poised to introduce a new electric camper van inspired by Kia's WKNDR concept. This innovative vehicle, dubbed the LightCamp, utilizes the popular Kia PV5 Passenger platform and, unlike its conceptual predecessor, is slated for full production. This initiative offers electric vehicle camping enthusiasts a tangible opportunity to acquire a compact, fully electric adventure van, transcending the realm of mere automotive exhibition pieces.

Initially showcased as a prototype in April, the Kia PV5 Passenger-based LightCamp by Netherlands-based Vantrack garnered significant positive feedback. This enthusiastic reception prompted the Dutch design firm to proceed with production, ensuring that a premium, all-electric camping solution will soon be available to consumers. The LightCamp promises to blend the practicality of a daily driver with the comprehensive amenities required for outdoor excursions.

The Vantrack LightCamp offers a sophisticated camping experience, featuring a portable induction cooktop, an 11-liter fresh water system with an integrated faucet, and an 18-liter insulated cooler. Sleeping arrangements include a height-adjustable 130 x 190 cm slide-out bed with a high-quality air mattress, complemented by the ZELT rooftop tent, accessible via Vantrack's panoramic "SkyLight" roof hatch, providing additional sleeping capacity for two. The vehicle is further equipped with cargo rails, a 195-liter rear storage rack, and a Euro-crate-compatible cargo drawer, enhancing its utility for various adventures. Deliveries are anticipated to commence this September.

This pioneering venture by Vantrack not only expands the horizons for electric vehicle use but also champions a lifestyle that embraces sustainable travel and outdoor exploration. By integrating advanced design and functionality, Vantrack is making significant strides in redefining the modern camping experience, blending environmental consciousness with unparalleled comfort and convenience for the adventurous spirit.

Owners of the Fisker Ocean electric SUV, a vehicle plagued by its manufacturer's recent bankruptcy, might finally receive a highly anticipated feature: hands-free driving. Fisker had equipped every Ocean EV with the necessary hardware for this capability but ceased operations in 2024 without ever releasing the enabling software.

In a promising turn of events, Comma AI, an American firm specializing in hardware and software for assisted driving systems, is actively testing its open-source solution on the Fisker Ocean. A video shared by Majd Srour, a prominent figure in the Fisker Ocean community and a reverse engineering expert, demonstrates a discontinued Ocean EV navigating city streets without driver intervention for steering. This development suggests that Fisker Ocean vehicles could soon gain advanced driving functionalities, albeit through an aftermarket solution rather than official manufacturer support. While still in its developmental stages, providing only steering assistance at present, the system operates using a custom software branch yet to be publicly released.

It's important to note that Comma AI's system does not integrate with the vehicle's native advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) sensors. Instead, it relies on a proprietary setup comprising a multi-camera unit, a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 MAX processor, a 3D accelerometer, a 3D gyroscope, high-precision GPS, and a microphone. This specialized hardware, which mounts on the windshield, interfaces directly with the car's CAN network to manage steering, acceleration, and braking, drawing parallels to Tesla's vision-based autonomous driving strategy. Comma AI asserts that its technology can introduce features like automated lane centering, adaptive cruise control, lane change assistance, and driver monitoring to over 300 vehicle models that lack these from the factory. While the software is freely available, the hardware unit retails for $999. This means that Fisker Ocean owners, who have previously faced out-of-pocket expenses for various repairs, will once again need to invest further to access a feature that was originally advertised as standard. Fisker manufactured approximately 11,200 Ocean EVs at Magna's Austrian facility before its collapse, with a significant portion reaching consumers and about 3,200 being utilized as rideshare vehicles in New York through American Lease.

The journey of innovation often takes unexpected paths, demonstrating that even after a company's departure, dedicated communities and inventive enterprises can breathe new life into unfulfilled promises. The pursuit of advanced automotive technology, even in the face of setbacks, highlights human ingenuity and the persistent desire to enhance user experience, ultimately driving progress forward.