It’s not out there on the market. However, we checked drove America’s First EV RV, and … it works!
Granted, it solely will get 108 miles per cost. That has to get significantly better earlier than it goes into manufacturing; however, a fleet of 12 is already on the street and will probably be examined by actual RVers.
To a lot of fanfare on the 2023 Florida RV Supershow in Tampa, Winnebago revealed its 2nd prototype of an all-electric RV – eRV2, as they name it.
Eventually, 12 months present, Winnebago confirmed an early model. However, this prototype – on the Ford Transit chassis – is far superior and, apart from the dismal vary, prepared for use.
To see a video of us testing this EV RV, click on the participant within the field.
This EV RV Appears to be like Sharp!
The first thing you’ll discover concerning the eRV2 is how streamlined it appears. A financial institution of photo voltaic panels wraps from the roof over the curved entrance of the Transit. And the automobile itself sports activities with a customized wrap depicting vanlife scenes and tenting actions.
Because it now could be, it’s also prepared for severe boondocking. Winnebago partnered with Lithionics Battery, which encompasses a 48V system with greater than 15,000 usable watt-hours. The photo voltaic panels have a 900-watt capability. Each powertrain and home technique are powered by electrical energy.
Winnebago says you’ll be able to run off the grid, completely power unbiased, for seven days off the present batteries. One of many check drivers I talked to mentioned it might even do an extra pair of days added to that, offered that you weren’t utilizing the air conditioner.
However, 108 Miles? Will the EV RV Vary Enhance
Sure. Winnebago is capturing for a three-hour drive time earlier than the eRV2 will should be charged. On the reveal occasion, firm execs would solely say that earlier than producing it on the market, that has to enhance.
After I pressed a product supervisor after the reveal occasion on the present, he mentioned it’s projected to be prepared for commercialization and manufacturing in between two to 5 years.
However, there are different issues they’ve to enhance, too. Proper now, it takes a minimum of two hours to completely recharge the battery, depending on the kind of charging system getting used.
Critically. Who can wait for that long?
Additionally, simply the place can or not it be charged? To be helpful to Rvers and campers, there must be EV chargers in campgrounds. Contemplating that almost all campgrounds all through North America can barely present sufficient dependable 30 and 50-amp energy by standard hookups to satisfy demand, extensive campground infrastructure enhancements must be made.
What’s it like driving an EV RV?
For starters, it’s quiet. As in most EVs, there isn’t any actual noise when driving. However, the engine silence is much more noticeable in an RV – and the eRV2 is a functioning campervan. It is disarming at first. Then, refreshingly gratifying.
Acceleration could be swift. The acceleration could be very spectacular. I used to personalize a gasoline engine RV on the Transit chassis.
The RV, a part of the eRV2, is typical. There’s a wet restroom and bathing. A small galley. A rear couch that makes into a big mattress. And two snug dealing with chairs in entrance of the sofa. There’s AC, a furnace, a TV, and space for storing automobiles inside and outside doors.
Admittedly, our check drive was only for a few miles. However, it was sufficient to offer us a feel of what it might be like, and we appreciated our skills.
On the Tampa RV Supershow, Winnebago gave comparable check drives to many others all week. The sensation everybody who drove one appeared to have is it felt pioneering. It was like a style of what the RV future will probably be like.
We’re an excellent ten years out from widespread use of the EV RV journey. However, it’s coming.
Sometime.
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