What It Really Means to Be an Off-Grid Van

At Onyx Vans, “off-grid” isn’t a buzzword. It’s a promise.

All Onyx Vans come off-grid ready as standard.

We've been asked a lot recently what we mean by off-grid. Normally people say, oh so you've got a solar panel? Yes, four actually, but off-grid means so much more than that.

When we talk about an off-grid van, we mean a van built to take you far from the nearest hookup — and keep you there, comfortably, for as long as you want to stay.

Whether you’re tucked into a Scottish glen, parked on a snowy mountain road, or chasing the surf in Cornwall, an Onyx van is designed to keep you powered, warm, and self-sufficient through it all.

All of our builds come off-grid ready as standard; there's no need to spend thousands upgrading your systems so you don't have to stay at a campsite. Here's how:

1. Power That Lasts

Off-grid living starts with a proper electrical system. Every Onyx van comes equipped with a full Victron electrical system, including a 400ah lithium battery bank and smart chargers that pull energy from solar, alternator, and shore power when available.

That means you can run your induction hob, heating, fridge, lighting, and water systems day after day without thinking twice. You’ll always have power — not just for a weekend, but for the kind of journeys where you lose track of what day it is.

Standard setup in an Onyx off-grid van:

• 400 Ah lithium battery system (2x200 Ah batteries)

• 480 W solar array

• 3kva inverter for mains appliances

• 100 amp DC-DC charging

• mains charger

A full Victron electrical system that's designed to keep you going off-grid.

It’s not about chasing numbers. It’s about balance, reliability, and the confidence that when you pull up somewhere wild, everything just works.

People always ask how long this will last - and while the answer is it depends, we find that in summer months, this system can last indefinitely. If you're planning a winter trip, we'd recommend planning driving between stops, and potentially adding a third battery to bolster your system.

2. Water, Heat, and Comfort — Anywhere

An off-grid van should feel like home, even miles from anywhere. That’s why we engineer every system for independence.

• Large fresh-water tanks (typically 87 L) mean you can go longer between refills. We also heat and insulate these as standard, ensuring function even when temperatures drop. Going somewhere very cold? We can bring these inside for you.

• Diesel-powered hyrdonic heating and hot water systems run straight from your main fuel tank, so warmth never depends on gas bottles. We use an AquaHot hydronic system, designed in Colorado and used extensively in the US market, these systems are top notch. What's more, with the option to include underfloor heating in your build, you can be sure to be cosy no matter the weather.

• Insulation and ventilation are designed for four-season use — warm in winter, cool in summer.

  
  

Every vent, valve, and pipe run has been considered for real-world adventure, not just weekend campsites.

3. Built for Real Terrain

Our off-grid philosophy extends beyond systems. It’s about how the van drives, feels, and handles the kind of roads you want to travel.

We base our builds on the MAN TGE 4×4 platform — chosen for its comfort and off-road capability. Then we add practical upgrades like:

• All-terrain tyres

• Roof racks and lighting

• Mounts for bikes, boards, and gear

If you're planning to tackle more arduous routes, we can go all out, adding under body protection, snorkels, winches, or whatever else you might need.

Because “off-grid” should mean you can actually get off the grid

Onyx vans are ready to head into the wilderness, and bring all your kit with you.

.

4. Designed for Independence

Inside, our layouts are minimal, functional, and built to last. Every Onyx van is crafted with tried and tested materials and construction, designed to be rugged and beautiful at the same time.

We design our interiors around the idea of independence: a space that feels open, durable, and ready for real life on the road. Your van should be the vehicle to get you to your adventure, so we make sure there's space for all your gear and a comfortable base camp. Whether you choose our Summit 2.0 or upcoming Galibier layout, you’re getting a van that’s engineered from the ground up for adventure.

Onyx vans feature practical yet beautiful interiors, designed as a base camp to your adventures.

5. Off-Grid, Always.

Going off-grid isn’t just about van specs — it’s about freedom.The freedom to wake up somewhere new.The freedom to live without a plan.The freedom to go further and stay longer.

That’s why we build every Onyx van the way we do. Because we know that when you choose to go off-grid, you want more than a van — you want a vehicle you can trust with your adventures.

That’s what it means to be Off-Grid, Always.

.

Want to Learn More?

Explore our builds, or get in touch to start planning your off-grid journey.