Yaseo, the latest launch from German manufacturer Knaus, will no doubt attract a great deal of interest. For a start, this is an all-electric range, and the Knaus Yaseo 340PX, the smaller of the two vans in the line-up, is clearly aimed at owners of small tow cars or electric vehicles, thanks to its 1300kg light weight.

All-electric caravans are not new – other makes of caravan have tried them in the past, with the Explorer Group (the forerunner of Erwin Hymer UK) having a short-lived all-electric Xplore van, while Bailey had the Evo Orion. Both were dropped. So will Knaus finally convert UK buyers to the idea of this innovative caravan?

Pitch and set-up

Based on an Al-Ko chassis, the distinctively good-looking Knaus has an excellent finish and is a fairly small caravan. An AKS stabiliser comes as standard, while heavy-duty corner steadies are part of the Plus Pack, which will also get you a jockey wheel with a built-in noseweight gauge.

The 17-inch alloy wheels come with the Design Pack, which includes the smooth side walls on the model shown here.

The 2 berth caravan has a door on the Continental side, but this might change in future, depending on UK demand. There is a front locker, because gas is an option if you prefer it.

The moulded ABS panels on the front and back are solidly finished, and the grab handles are well placed. The long drawbar should aid stability when you are towing.

The mains input is next to the one-piece door, as is the filler cap for the onboard water tank. As well as the main door at the rear, a second door is fitted as standard nearer to the axle, to make it easy for you to load a bike into the van.

As part of the Transport Pack, you can have another door fitted directly opposite this to make bike loading even easier, as well as two more locker doors that provide external access to the underseat areas.

These areas are also easily accessed internally, because of the folding seats.

The front panel has smart inlays which add to the general good looks of the Yaseo, although the small front window does seem a bit lost. Perhaps a plain front wouldn’t have been such a bad idea, or alternatively, some kind of graphic around the window to make it stand out a little more.

Lounge in the Knaus Yaseo 340PX

The central lounge provides two settees, with a folding table in between. Although the settee cushions are comfortable, they are not particularly thick, so over time, they could lose their support.

Wall bed folded up
The wall bed is just one of several clever design touches

There is a window on each side, but the wall bed blocks any view out of the back.

LEDs and adjustable spotlights are the mainstays of night-time illumination here. As part of the Plus Pack, a midi-Heki roof vent lets in air and daylight.

Kitchen in the Knaus Yaseo 340PX

Front kitchens are very much a Continental thing and currently, no UK manufacturer includes such a layout in their line-up.

As standard, this one has an electric hob, but no grill, and a Dometic electric fridge. The hob and the large stainless-steel sink are well lit by LEDs under the lockers and on the front edge of the worktop. The front window (an option, like the rear window) is small, but it does open. Surprisingly for an all-electric caravan, no microwave is fitted.

Beds in the Knaus Yaseo 340PX

The wall bed is a great idea. It is large and comfortable and can be left down (giving you access to the wardrobe and lockers). Of course, if you do that, the lounge goes, but you can simply push the bed up again.

Lowered wall bed
Large, comfortable wall bed is easily raised and lowered

Washroom in the Knaus Yaseo 340PX

Knaus washrooms are always impressive – even its budget Weinsberg brand has Dometic toilets and the fittings and finish are brilliant. The Yaseo is no exception, with a window, a roof vent and a superb amount of cupboard space. The handbasin is also stylish, but it is quite shallow.

Storage in the Knaus Yaseo 340PX

Gas is an option in this van – hence the gas locker up front. If you don’t want gas, you can use this for storing cables and the like. Inside, the wardrobe by the washroom has drawer space, whether the bed is up or down. Some of the overhead lockers in the lounge won’t take bulky items.

There is storage under the seats, but one area houses the water tank. Once the bed is down, you have access to another wardrobe, more lockers and cubbyholes.

There is good storage in the kitchen, with three drawers and a large overhead locker, while a concealed unit pops up by the window for more space. Storage is also excellent in the washroom.

Another all-electric caravan has also launched recently, the Pebble Flow – this four-berth has been released by a Californian start-up and can hitch itself up to a tow car.

Alternatives to consider to the Yaseo 340PX

The 3 berth Hobby Beachy 360 comes with a quirky continental style and is bound to appeal to fans of minimalist touring. If you have a more limited budget, you could consider the Campmaster Duo – this is a clever two-berth with a lot to like about it. After a van with a bit more space? Then the Elddis Affinity 550 could tick the box, as it’s a model that combines style and comfort.

Technical spec

  • Price: £22,210 (£28,080 as reviewed)
  • Berths: 2
  • Payload: TBC
  • MTPLM: 1300kg
  • MiRO: 1007kg
  • Interior length: 3.48m
  • Shipping length: 5.49m
  • Overall width: 2.20m

Spec list

  • AKS hitch
  • Truma heating
  • TV bracket
  • Onboard water tank
  • Carpet
  • Awning light
  • Ceramic hob
  • Fridge
  • Flyscreens and blinds
  • LED outline lighting
  • Dometic toilet
  • Integrated pop-up kitchen storage

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