Camping in an electric car
Camping is all about getting closer to nature, slowing down, and enjoying the simple things.
But let’s be honest. Cooking on a camp stove or waiting for the kettle to boil over a gas flame isn’t always the most relaxing part of the trip.
That’s where our electric car came to the rescue.
On a recent camping trip to our favourite camping spot on Bruny Island in Tassie, we used the vehicle-to-load feature of our BYD Atto 3 to power a small induction cooktop, a toastie maker, and a kettle.
Suddenly, camping felt not only easier but also more sustainable.
What is vehicle-to-load (V2L)?
If you’re new to the term, vehicle-to-load (V2L) is a feature in some electric cars that allows the car to act like a giant portable battery.
In simple terms, you can plug electric appliances directly into your car and use its battery to run them.
With our Atto 3, this meant we could plug in normal household appliances and cook meals just like we would at home.
No gas bottles, no burning eyebrows and fingers cooking on smoky campfires, and no fuss.
Our BYD Atto 3 all ready to go camping
Cooking in comfort while camping
Here are the electric appliances that we packed to power from the car:
induction cooktop – quick, efficient, and no need to lug around gas canisters
toastie maker – because nothing beats a hot, melty toastie after a long day outdoors
kettle – tea and coffee in minutes, no gas needed.
Using our portable induction cooktop, plugged into our Atto 3, to cook halloumi for breakfast
The best part? Everything was quiet, clean, and easy.
Instead of waiting for water to boil over a camp stove, we just flicked the switch and let the car do the work.
Travelling on the Bruny Island Ferry
Why camping with an EV is more sustainable
Using an electric car for camping has benefits beyond convenience:
no fossil fuels – skip the gas bottles and disposable burners
less waste – no empty canisters to throw away at the end of your trip
lower impact – quieter, cleaner, and better for the environment
Plus, powering your camping setup from your EV battery makes the whole experience feel more connected to the clean energy future. It’s camping with comfort and conscience.
Our favourite camping spot on Bruny Island
Tips for camping with your EV
If you’re thinking about taking your EV on a camping trip, here are a few handy tips:
check your battery range before you set off, and plan charging stops if needed
bring the right appliances, for example induction cooktops and small kettles are efficient and easy to run
don’t overdo it, and make sure you keep an eye on how much power you’re using so you’ve got plenty left to drive home (although a few electric appliances will use barely any power)
pack smart, as always, the less gear you bring, the easier it is to set up and enjoy your trip
The future of camping is electric
Our Atto 3 made camping feel effortless.
With vehicle-to-load, we had everything we needed to cook, eat, and relax powered by the car.
No smoke, no gas, no hassle. Just good food, hot drinks, and time to enjoy the outdoors.
As more EVs come with V2L features, camping with an electric car is going to become the new normal. It’s easier, cleaner, and a whole lot more fun.
So next time you pack the tent, think about how your EV can power more than just your journey. Perhaps it can power your whole camping experience.