This interview is part of evoTrip’s storytelling series, taking a closer look behind the scenes with a few of our favorite tour operator partners around the world. We spoke with Greg Dronkert, Founder of PacWesty. Here’s what Greg had to say about the dream that fueled starting his own company, the first electric campervan in the US, and his approach to pioneering a new approach to sustainable adventure. 

First of all, is there any other company that offers something like the eTofino?

This is the first of its kind electric campervan available to rent in the USA. Other folks have converted campers for personal use, but no company has put something out there with these capabilities. It sleeps 4 and also has an electric stove, refrigerator, heater, longer range, and DC fast-charging capability.

Can you tell us about PacWesty’s mission?

We’re all about what we call the 4Cs 
Creating: Working with technology to create something new.
Connecting: We’re focused on building relationships with our clients and also our friends and colleagues here on the Olympic Peninsula. 
Caring: We care for each other and the environment. We’re big fans of the circular economy. 
Contributing: We’re always looking for opportunities to give back in some way.

How did your partnership with evo begin?

It started last year with Covid. evo got in touch with us, knowing that people might be interested in exploring places a little closer to home. The Olympic Peninsula is such a jewel. It’s amazing how many people from Seattle and the Puget Sound area haven’t had a chance to explore over here..

How did you come to start PacWesty?

I have a background in transportation logistics. I was also involved with an operation that offered guided kayaking and hiking tours in Alaska for a time in the 90s. After that, I got involved in ferry operations for about 20 years. We grew ferry businesses around the nation. After the ferry company was purchased 5 years ago, it was time to reboot and figure out what to do next.

I was really excited by the idea of connecting people with the community, culture and environment of the Pacific Northwest. I thought it would be cool to connect travelers with people we know and places where were go. We call this our “romp.” We’re talking organic farms, fishing guides, ferry boats, ski areas, surf shops - we have such a great community over here.

What’s your vision for PacWesty’s future?

My crazy vision - and it’s coming - is that we can create an adventure travel portfolio that’s zero emissions, super-low impact and focused on sustainable activities. That’s the vision: Connect people with light-footprint travel and help them get off the grid for a while.

Can you tell us about your philosophy as it relates to electric vehicles?

We’re all about experiential travel combined with new vehicle technologies. And we’ve also married that into a third thing: mobility solutions.

Who do you think the eTofino PNW Campervan Adventure will appeal to the most?

People who are into eco-travel and sensitive to their environmental footprint. Also, people who are interested in unique hands-on experiences.

Can you tell us a bit about charging and range for the eTofino?

You can charge this vehicle anywhere you can plug in an RV. The eTofino also has DC fast charging which means when you locate one of these chargers you can top-up in 30 –60 minutes. The range is about 150 miles depending on how you drive it.

Any tips for driving the eTofino?

One thing we’ve learned is that if you’re trying to get somewhere and you’re watching your charge, the vehicle becomes less efficient with speed. The sweet spot on the highway is about 50–55 mph. You have to learn to find the sweet spots in terms of speed. If you’re in a hurry, this isn’t the machine for you. It’s not a hurry machine.

 

What other EV projects are you working on?

We’re working on a conversion for the Vanagons. We’re establishing relationships with vendors and manufacturers to make it happen. We’re also looking at other vehicles that could serve as great electric adventure wagons. We’re continuing to evolve, learn about the technology and explore what could work for different kinds of trips. Our goal is to make things accessible in a fun, playful way. Whatever we create, we want to put a little bit of pizazz on it.

Ready for an electric road trip on the Olympic Peninsula?

Check out the eTofino PNW Campervan Adventure we’re offering in partnership with PacWesty.