GAC’s Van Life: A futuristic minivan built for couples’ adventures

The electric vehicle Van Life is supposedly designed for long journeys across Mars-like landscapes. However, it is intended for only two travelers.

A couple on their honeymoon would enjoy the many amenities in the multifunctional lounge of this “space” car.

At first glance, GAC Group (Guangzhou Automobile Group) doesn’t look like it’s planning to mass-produce the minivan — but it’s too soon to say for sure.

Perhaps the innovative electric Van Life has already caught the attention of some adventure enthusiasts. Despite its size, the vehicle has a compact, streamlined appearance. The team led by Stéphane Janin, the design director of GAC Milan, aimed from the outset to go beyond the traditional concept of a car. The designers wanted a vehicle that not only transports people but also creates unforgettable experiences.

GAC Group says the minivan emphasizes freedom, discovery, emotion, and memories. It promises you can “travel wherever your soul desires” and calls the vehicle “the ultimate symbol of adventure and exploration.”

The developers also focused on the environmental side. The Van Life project aims for minimal carbon emissions.

Minivan for lovers: GAC has created a futuristic vehicle for couple's travels.

And what’s inside?

Stéphane Janin and the head of GAC Design, Jan Zharshal, joined forces to develop the exterior and interior of the Van Life vehicle.

The interior has a simple, reconfigurable layout that adapts to passengers’ needs. The cabin is built for versatility. On breaks during long journeys, travelers can sleep on fold-out beds or set up a hammock. Passengers can power on screens and the lighting system, move the seats and trays, and use roomy storage niches as needed.

The Van Life is equipped with a next-generation solid-state battery. That battery is safer, more efficient, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Most of the vehicle’s components are made from recycled waste, such as plastic, along with durable high-tech materials like aluminum and carbon fiber. That combination makes the minivan lightweight and economical, Designboom reported.

In addition, a unique wheel-protector system helps the car maintain traction on challenging stretches of road. The vehicle easily navigates dirt, sand, and rocky terrain.

And last but not least: an AD navigation system makes driving on remote off-road routes easier. When there is no network, the system finds the way by using the position of the stars in the sky.