All-electric RV coming soon — with steeper range and charging challenge than electric cars
The onslaught of electric trucks and SUVs – already underway with the Rivian R1T and R1S, and the Ford F-150 Lightning – makes people think of zero-emissions camping and RV living as something possible exam in the near future.
As we have emphasized in the past with Tesla Pull Report and other fact check on scopeparticipate Davis Dam Grade with £11,000 maybe possible, but is it really possible as part of an enjoyable vacation?
It’s no surprise that potential shoppers for this type of vehicle have high expectations — things that might not quite match today’s battery and charging technology, at the desired price point.
Earlier this year, several concept cars showed that the traditionally conservative RV industry would not eliminate this problem. middle Winnebago e-RV concept and Thor Vision electric RV conceptSeveral major players have provided a potential sketch of what’s in the work — in quite different forms.
Concept of Winnebago e-RV . electric motor
Concept of Winnebago e-RV . electric motor
Concept of Winnebago e-RV . electric motor
Although the Ford Transit-based Winnebago e-RV has an 86 kWh battery pack and will offer a 125-mile range – enough to satisfy 54% of RV buyers, it claims – Thor Industries has gone in an entirely different direction. . Also starting with the Transit, it includes a battery pack, a hydrogen fuel cell and a solar roof, adding up to 300 miles of range.
While it might seem complicated at the time, Thor recently revealed research findings that support its approach. Its North American motorized electric RV study was conducted in December 2021, a month before Vision. That study was based on 675 respondents who currently own an EV vehicle or had some level of RV experience (own, rent, camp, or borrow) within the past 10 years.
Thor’s North American Motorized Electric RV Research
Its research — or indeed a poll, from the sound of it — shows that 97% expect to drive for longer than three hours before charging. Nearly half (45%) of respondents said they expected to drive from home five or six hours before needing a charge – a number Thor considers a good point and roughly fits the bill. 300 miles fee.
Nearly a fifth said it was 8 hours or more on a single charge — indicating a range of more than 500 miles. While 300 miles may be a realistic goal in a few years, higher numbers may be a physical impossibility due to battery pack price and weight limitations.
Thor Vision Electric Concept RV
People who use such electric RVs will also do so often. While many RVs in the US go unused for a large part of the year, 47% of respondents to this survey said they would use an electric RV at least once every two to three weeks — some at least once a year. times a week.
The most common response to expected charging times is between 45 and 59 minutes, indicating a need for DC fast charging not only in products like this but also in infrastructure needs, at campsites across the country. It’s a leap from the typical 240-volt, 30-amp outlet at US campsites to fast-charge compatibility.
Surprisingly, 70% of the respondents said that an integrated hydrogen fuel cell system to help replenish or charge the battery positively affects purchase intention. While setting up more charging at campsites would be an infrastructure hurdle, hydrogen or fuel cell delivery sounds like an even bigger puzzle.
Airstream eStream electric camping trailer
In addition to the electric RV project, Thor earlier this year revealed eStream travel trailer concept—An electric camping trailer will essentially provide its own propulsion, carry 80 kWh of battery capacity along with the ability to accelerate and brake using its own propulsion system.
Additionally, Colorado camper vehicle maker Teardrops has plans for a version of its camper trailer as well. Bring spare batteries for the trip, but no propulsion system. You charge them both overnight, then at roadside stops it will charge your towing EV instead.
Colorado Teardrops Boulder EV camping trailer
Both of those solutions help with the problem of driving range but underscore the need for serious, high-energy charging infrastructure at campsites. Who will provide this? Another chicken or egg.
