A old bus transformed into a camper completely powered by solar energy is the result of the visionary project of Guillemonde family. Originally from France, Jean-Philippe, Laure and their two daughters, Clara and Lisa, decided to revolutionize the concept of travel by undertaking a unique adventure: exchanging their permanent home for a vehicle called “Chouchou”, an autonomous mobile home and powered by 100% renewable energy.
The idea was born from Jean-Philippe’s passion for DIY and sustainability. Bought a old Safari bus of the Temsa brandthe head of the family has undertaken an ambitious transformation project. To bring their eco-friendly camper to life, the old combustion engine was replaced with a Tesla Model S Performance enginecombined with three Tesla Model 3 Long Range batteries, for a total capacity of 225 kWh.
However, the heart of Chouchou’s energy self-sufficiency lies in his own 90 m² of solar panels, installed on the roof and on expandable side frames. This combination allows the vehicle to travel without depending on charging stations or external sources of electrical energy.
Living more sustainably and responsibly is possible
The Guillemonde family began their journey in September 2022, leaving their everyday lives behind to explore the world. Aboard Chouchou, they crossed thousands of kilometersvisiting enchanting places such as the sunny villages of Morocco, the coasts of Greece and the mountains of Türkiye. Along the way, their bus did not fail to attract attention, sparking curiosity and inspiring other alternative travel enthusiasts.
Life on board, however, is not without its challenges. Energy management, technical failures and adapting to a small space put a strain on family creativity and cohesion. Yet, these obstacles only strengthen their spirit and determination to continue the journey. Through theirs YouTube channel and family blogshare experiences, advice and the stages of Chouchou’s transformation, inspiring a wide audience.
This project is not only an extraordinary adventure, but also a way to reflect on our lifestyles and environmental impact. The choice of the Guillemonde family demonstrates that living more sustainably and responsibly is possiblewithout giving up the charm of exploration and the freedom to discover the world.
