Winnebago presents electric motorhome concept
The US manufacturer Winnebago Industries presented its concept for a future motorhome with electric drive at the Florida RV Super Show. The e-RV Concept is based on the Ford Transit, the drive comes from Lightning eMotors.
The e-RV Concept was developed over a period of two years by the company’s Advanced Technology Group. It is a fully electric concept vehicle for day trips. Winnebago does not provide information on a possible sales launch or prices.
The concept vehicle includes an 86-kWh battery configuration. The company claims the range is 125 miles (about 200 kilometres). It says this meets the needs of the majority (54 per cent) of new RV buyers who prefer trips of less than 200 miles. Charging is possible at home, at the campsite and at public charging stations. At DC charging stations, the charging time is about 45 minutes.
The chassis is based on a Ford Transit platform modified with an electric drive system from Lightning e Motors that powers the drivetrain, vehicle controls and living area.
An integrated control system allows subsystems to operate, optimising utilisation and efficiency. Control is possible via a digital display on a tablet or smartphone app.
The e-RV includes a water heater, induction hob and refrigerator, and a roof-mounted air conditioner with heat pump. A Wi-Fi network with dual modem router enables connection to the internet.
“This all-electric motorhome concept provides a window into the future of the growing RV market and demonstrates our commitment to developing all-electric options that will contribute to a more sustainable, energy-efficient line of products for our customers,” says Ashish Bhattacharya, Senior Vice President – Business Development, Advanced Technology and Enterprise Marketing, Winnebago Industries.
At the same show, Thor Industries unveiled concepts for an electrically powered RV. However, Thor is taking a different approach: the Thor Vision Vehicle (TVV) is not based on a third-party electric chassis, but on an electric chassis developed jointly with Roush. In addition to the battery, the TVV has a fuel cell, which should enable a range of up to 300 miles (about 480 kilometres). In addition, Thor has shown a caravan called Airstream eStream Concept, which has its own e-drive and batteries.
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