Everything You Need to Know About Electric RVs
New Eco Road Warriors Are Coming
Recreational Vehicles (RVs) are notorious for their poor gas mileage, which leads to increased fuel costs and higher greenhouse gas emissions. However, many people dream of packing their belongings into a van and living on the road, so interest in RVs has spiked. Many wonder if fully electric models could hit the pavement soon.
Electric RV Models in the Works
The global electric vehicle industry is booming. Experts predict it to grow by 17.02% annually until 2027, when it will be worth $858 billion. That’s good news for the environment—the transportation sector accounts for over one-quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
There are currently no electric RVs on the market. However, several prototypes are underway.
The Winnebago claims the eRV electric camper van is the world’s first electric RV concept vehicle. It was unveiled alongside the Thor Vision Vehicle Electric RV at the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow. U.S. camping trailer company SylvanSport announced a third RV model, called Leading the Charge, in 2022. All three vehicles are still in the conceptual stage.
Winnebago eRV2
After revealing the eRV prototype last year, Winnebago is working on an improved model called the eRV2. It uses Ford E-Transit underpinnings to deliver 266 horsepower but a mere 108 miles of range, which may be a hard sell for people looking to live on the road. The E-Transit platform allows for DC fast charging.
The eRV2 comes equipped with a 48-volt house battery, which is typically 12 volts in a standard RV, to power the indoor amenities. The roof features solar panels to boost the house battery. As well, plant-based materials and fabrics made of recycled bottles line the spacious interior. Winnebago has yet to announce when the vehicle will be available.
Thor Vision Vehicle
Thor Industries also used a Transit as the basis for its conceptual Vision Vehicle. The hydrogen fuel cell and solar roof give the electric RV an impressive 300-mile range or the ability to power online equipment for a full week.
The vehicle has numerous touch-screen features, voice recognition and a 5G internet connection. It also has a low-flow showerhead and faucets to make it even more eco-friendly. It is not yet for sale.
Leading the Charge
SylvanSport is partnering with Zeus Electric Chassis Inc. to develop a fully electric motorhome. It may truly live up to its grandiose name with an unprecedented 400-mile range, all-wheel-drive with military-grade axles and 290 horsepower. It supports Level 2 and DC fast charging, which can charge the RV to 80% in around 45 minutes.
This electric RV features a pop-out kitchenette and water recycling system. Buyers will be able to choose between green and gray models. It is currently still in the development stage.
Electric RVs Are Just Around the Corner
Although no true electric RVs are for sale yet (some smaller units have popped up in Europe), manufacturers are putting the finishing touches on their prototypes. One of the Winnebago eRV2, Thor Vision Vehicle or SylvanSport Leading the Charge will likely be the first fully electric RV to hit the market. In the meantime, drivers wait patiently, but excitedly, for the chance to own a fully electric motor home.
I think your barking up the wrong tree. If everyone is told that EV are the only source of transportation and living, we’re in big trouble. That’s the Government way. what else is there. Our power grid can’t handle the power. Right now it doesn’t look bad because less than 3% in America. Look at it if everyone was of EV power. The power grid would be destroyed because only Solar and Wind power will be the only source of power generation. In the summer, we’ll be like a 3rd world country with the lines of auto power stations relying on (renewable energy). Your World Government isn’t going to EV. Only the the people. Everybody fails to educate themselves about Petroleum. Plastics and lubricants come from Petroleum and fail to know that Petroleum oil is renewable and Co2 in not a pollutant. Vegetation relies on Carbon Dioxide. Our trusting Government are taking the people down off a cliff away from freedom. What the hell. We’ll be without power for homes and Businesses. Power outages and Brown outs are going to be a norm. We might as well just destroy power and we’ll be living totally off the grid. You people are just too stupid to realize that. Do you know where Lithium come from. Slave labor. We’re one step closer to Destruction of America and the World. There will only be a One World Government. Hopefully I’ll be gone when it become normal. We’re all suckers and taken to the cleaners and Famine is the only way of life. And death of course. All people that believe in in only Clean energy are just plain STUPID.
@DAVE,
Thanks for sharing your opinions. Obviously, we’re not aligned on most issues, but we would like to point out a few things. Out here in California we’re well pat a third of our electrificty coming from renewables, heading towards 100% in 2045 or threabouts. We’re shooting beyond 10% EVS (sales are actually closer to 20% in several areas without any major grid impact. Not that your points are not well taken. We’ve got to pay attention to the grid and as we integrate rnewables, sorting out how to store the excess energy from sometimes during the day (where we’ve had to pay other states to take our excess solar power) for use “when the sun doesn’t shine.” There are certainly challenges, but we’re up for them.
And we know ICE vehicles are going to be around for some time, we just want to minimize their negative impact on both local pollution and global warming. As you noted, CO2 is not a “pollutant” in the same sense as the exhuast coming out of dieel and gas vehicles, but it is causing current and future harm to folks all over the bglobe as we continue our trek with ever-warming temperatures and other environmental impats.
Our view is better be prepared and do what we can to help. Then again, have you driven an EV? Other than cross-country treks, I’d challenge you to find any way in which an EV is not only as good as, but superior to a comparable ICE. And EVs are getting better, cheaper and more efficiency with each generation.
Give ’em a chance, DAVE!
–Ed.