Netherlands introduces kilometer charge for trucks: campers exempt

A police operation took place in the port of Rotterdam. Officers surrounded a camper van where a confused man was located. He threatened to harm himself with two knives and refused assistance.

Comparison website Autoverzekering.nl warns that many caravan owners are unaware of their policy terms. Car insurance does not cover all risks, and the rules change once the caravan is unhitched. While hitched, the caravan is covered only for third-party liability. Damage to the caravan itself, including hail, theft, or storage damage, is the owner's responsibility without a separate caravan policy.

The Solar Team Eindhoven from Eindhoven University of Technology has unveiled the Stella Vita prototype, a motorhome that runs almost entirely on solar energy. Under ideal conditions, it can travel up to 730 km; on less sunny days, around 600 km, with a top speed of 120 km/h. When parked, roof panels expand to 17.5 square meters, powering both the electric motor and onboard appliances. The project remains experimental and is not intended for mass production.

On Tuesday evening, police conducted a large-scale operation on Parkkade in Rotterdam to detain a man exhibiting erratic behavior. The report came in around 5:00 PM after the man acted suspiciously near his camper van. When officers approached, he locked himself inside and threatened self-harm. After hours of failed negotiations, around 8:30 PM, a special arrest team used a stun gun and less-lethal methods to apprehend him. The man was taken to hospital for medical checks and later handed over to care services.

With the summer season approaching, thousands of Dutch travelers head to France, Italy, Germany, or Scandinavia. Avicam reports growing demand for wired camera systems for motorhomes and caravans. The plug-and-play kits offer stable, interference-free connections. Rear-view and side cameras are especially popular for maneuvering on narrow campsites.

Dutch camper van builder VAN-Jorn has opened a new factory and showroom in Groningen, tripling its production capacity. Founded by Jorn Hofman in 2018, the company grew from a hobby project into a brand offering modular camper vans. It plans to deliver 140 units in 2025 and aims for 300 annually by 2028. The 3,000+ m² facility includes a 250 m² showroom. About 30% of vans are built on the Peugeot e-Boxer, with a claimed range of 350 km and up to two weeks of off-grid camping.