Joe and Beth Edwards of Wood & Wild recently sent us some info on their latest van build, and it is quite a sight to behold. They managed to take a banged-up electric Nissan E-NV200 van and convert it into a boondocking powerhouse… literally.
Who Is Wood & Wild?
Wood & Wild is a small, family-run business by Joe and Beth Edwards, specializing in handcrafted camper van conversions that combine practical functionality with unique, character-filled designs. What started as a personal project during their travels has grown into a bespoke service. They create custom camper vans that reflect the warmth and coziness of a true home on wheels.
Joe is a former musician. Beth is an interior design enthusiast. They bring their diverse backgrounds together to craft each van with care. Their attention to detail and passion for creativity shines through in every project.
They share their work with a growing audience on YouTube.
Now that you know their backstory, let’s get into this awesome van conversion build, as Joe and Beth describe it in their own words.
From Police Recovery to Van Life Gem
This van conversion has quite the backstory. It was originally recovered by the West Midlands police. It was found with spike-damaged tires, a caved-in rear door, and a load of suspect Audi parts in the back. Over five months, we transformed this once-abandoned van into a cozy, roadworthy home.
We started by stripping it down completely and adding insulation to make those chilly nights more bearable. We used a combination of insulation liner and recycled bottle insulation, making the van both warm and eco-friendly.
Then came the electrics—being an electric van, it only made sense to have an all-electric cooking system too. We installed a 230Ah lithium leisure battery and the largest solar panel we could fit on the roof to power a twin induction hob. This setup means you’re free from gas. You reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on costs and safety concerns.
Crafting the Perfect Interior for This Van Conversion
With the electrics done, we laid a plywood base for the floor and added a wood-effect finish for a cozy feel. The walls and ceiling were lined with 5mm plywood. We added thin oak strips to the ceiling for a sleek, modern look.
Next up was the furniture. We hand-built everything to maximize space and keep the weight down. The kitchen unit, crafted from lightweight pine, was custom-designed to fit every inch of available space. It houses a 10-liter fresh water storage, a matt black sink and tap, a dovetail-jointed cutlery drawer, and even a little spice rack hidden in a pull-up table that echoes the van conversion’s mountain-themed decor. For the worktop, we slimmed down an oak butcher block and added a tiled splashback, with each tile cut down to fit the van’s compact nature.
The bench seat doubles as storage for clothes and the entire electrical system, including the 250W solar panel and a 3000W inverter. One of the van’s standout features is the plug socket we installed between the two charging ports at the front. This allows you to cook outside on sunny days or even charge the van’s main battery using the leisure battery, helping to ease any range anxiety.
A Cozy and Functional Living Space
The bench seat also converts into a small double bed using a slat system that pulls out towards the kitchen unit, with wooden legs that screw into the underside for support. The cushions, upholstered in a cozy oat-colored fabric with a chevron pattern, complete the bed setup. Above the bed, you’ll find a hand-cut mountain feature made from a mix of oak, maple, and walnut. This doubles as a reading light in the evening, with tiny LED strips creating a silhouette effect of the sun behind the mountain tops.
For lighting, we added touch-sensitive LED lights in the ceiling that can dim. There’s also an LED strip under the kitchen shelf to help with nighttime cooking.
We experimented with steam-bending wood to create curved shelves and a switch panel. This gives the van conversion a unique, polished look.
Practical and Eco-Friendly Features
In the front cab, we installed a swivel seat. This opens up the space and adds coziness with its heated function.
The van has a rapid charge feature. It can go from 0-80% in just 30-40 minutes. The tested range is 120-140 miles, even when fully equipped.
You can charge the van at a campsite using a special cable. This cable adapts to the campsite’s power output, ensuring you don’t trip any fuses.
One of the unique advantages of having an electric van conversion is the ability to charge the leisure battery from the starter battery without the van needing to move. Just switch the van into the ‘On’ position, and the huge storage capacity of the van’s traction battery—which is equivalent to a 3,333Ah leisure battery—becomes available. This feature allows you to stay off-grid for extended periods, tapping into a virtually endless power supply.
A Van Conversion Unlike Any Other
After five months of hard work, the Nissan E-NV200 has been transformed from a police-recovered vehicle into a stylish, functional, and eco-friendly home on wheels. The entire fit-out cost around £5,500, a small price to pay for the ability to travel in comfort and sustainability.
Full Build of the Nissan E-NV200 Van Conversion
Joe and Beth kindly put up a video of the entire build process. If you are thinking of converting a van yourself, this is actually an amazing watch.
More Van Conversion Tips
If you’re interested in learning more about their other conversions or want to see more of their work, feel free to check out their Citroen Relay and and their Piaggio Porter. Or check out their website. Happy travels, and keep chasing those van life dreams!
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
