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Outdoors

Futuristic all-electric Ecco Camper concept from NAU

By Bridget Borgobello
June 26, 2011
Futuristic all-electric Ecco Camper concept from NAU
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
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NAU, the design studio behind the 360-degree Immersive Cocoon we checked out earlier this month, has penned this streamlined, zero-local-emission Ecco Camper concept with a view to inspiring a new way of getting away from it all in the 21st Century.

The expandable roof of the Ecco Camper integrates solar panels to supplement the power supply and the vehicle can also be charged via a standard 240 V outlet.

Comprising of an aluminum and glass exterior, the Ecco's teardrop shape sits low to the ground for improved aerodynamics and can accommodate up to five passengers. Once you have found that perfect resting place, the cap of the vehicle opens upwards to expand the interior space, whilst transparent panels create an observatory for star gazing at night. Foldable beds, toilet and private rear access complete this camping concept by providing all the necessary comforts for outdoor adventures.

The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design

The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design
The Ecco Camper concept by NAU design

We'd love to see this camper concept become a reality - especially if the price tag can be kept within reach of today's combustion engine motor homes.

NAU via Architectura+Design (Italian).

View gallery - 7 images

Tags

OutdoorsConcept CarsCampingElectric VehiclesCampervan
21 comments
Bridget Borgobello
Bridget Borgobello
Bridget is an experienced architecture, travel and design writer who has been contributing to New Atlas since 2010. Based between Melbourne and Rome, she and has a keen eye for innovative design, green technology and space saving solutions. Bridget is fluent in Italian and enjoys covering major events in Italy, including the Milan Design Week and Venice Biennale.

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21 comments
Caimbeul
I think that\'s Buster Crabbe at the wheel.
DemonDuck
Form should flow from function -- not from some random drafting tool on the designer\'s desk.
AndyP
Not sure the ground clearance it too practicle on most campsites I\'ve been on.
Clive Durdle
And why is it not accessible design?
Rohn
Excellent design study from an artistic point of view but ends there. The design has major drivability/safety problems. A three wheel layout with steering in the back is not stable and the driver cannot see out the front corner of the vehicle.
Griffin
All the critics should know those points can be addressed.
Amazing how small-minded some \"intelligent\" people can be.
Constructive criticism is one thing BUT the world is choking on destructive cynicism in the name of \"science\".
I think it sure is a lot more appealing in it\'s impression than all these ugly,boxy smog monsters running around.
Give it 4-wheels,adjustable air-ride and whatever drivetrain is most effective and it will sell.
Reserve the edge of tech for rich visionaries but the shape,interior and concept are sound with current drivetrain options.
Check out RQ Riley\'s page for more attainable concepts and consider his low-cost foam/wood technique to build this.
Dream with one hand, Shift with the other!
Rock on!
History Nut
I have noticed a trend in recent years of what I will call \"hypercriticism\" when new concepts and ideas are presented. Instead of responding with: \"krazy idea, how do we make it work?\", folks seem to respond more like: \"It has problems, it will never work!\"
Yes, I can see that the concept vehicle \'needs work\' but it is innovative and a compact, economical camper/motorhome is needed in today\'s market.
I didn\'t see anything in the article that said it was \'rear-steering\'. Three wheel vehicles can avoid some of the legal/tax problems of four-wheel vehicles, at least for now. Two front steering wheels and one rear drive wheel is stable and controllable. Certainly, a one front steering wheel and two rear drive wheel arrangement is less stable(personal experience taught me that!).
The front corner visability would be bad unless cameras that feed to viewscreens for the driver are provided. These are showing up more and more on current vehicles as supplemental rearview mirrors so using them for forward corners wouldn\'t be a challenge. A video dash that is multifunction should be provided. It might automatically switch to the cameras when there is a turn input to the steering system. Again, this is like the backup systems being applied to current production.
This would be a perfect vehicle for an adjustable suspension. It would provide varying ground clearance when on the road and squat for stability and leveling when camped.
I loved the Buster Crabbe comment! I remember watching his space show on Saturdays so many years ago. Showing us the future by imagination and props can inspire designers in the real world to stretch their imagination and create miricles!
Jay Finke
can you say GUST OF WIND
Michael Slattery
I buy one tomorrow if it was available. Build it, they will come.
Love it, Michael
JohnMc
Griffin,
If you have the money, ok blow it.
But...
\"I think it sure is a lot more appealing in it\'s impression than all these ugly,boxy smog monsters running around.
Give it 4-wheels,adjustable air-ride and whatever drivetrain is most effective and it will sell.\"
Remove that envisioned drive train to something more conventional and the design is not possibe. Electric storage for such a system is just not practical. Solar power is so low density in such a drive line application. You will spend inordinate amount of time looking for charging stations. Ground clearance is insufficeint for the intended used. In fact the shape is not even that aerodynamic with that large frontal surface.
Science is the envelope from which the cyncism you belittle orginates. A true scientists IS a cynic at heart.
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