Persons are clamoring for an electrical RV, at the least if our reader suggestions is any indicator. Each time we have lined an electrical van just like the Ford E-Transit or BrightDrop Zero 600, you possibly can assure individuals will need to know if there is a camper model obtainable. I do not know if the individuals at Winnebago learn Ars Technica remark threads, however they’ve clearly had the identical ideas.
This week the corporate unveiled the eRV2, its prototype electrical motor house, on the Florida RV SuperShow. It is primarily based on the Ford E-Transit van, and Winnebago says it is within the technique of “rigorous discipline testing with on a regular basis shoppers” because it finalizes its design.
“Our main purpose in constructing the eRV2 was to assist individuals comfortably discover the world round them with much less environmental affect,” mentioned Huw Bower, president of the Winnebago model. “The person expertise was on the coronary heart of this prototype’s improvement, by means of the early days of market analysis and even now because it goes by means of discipline testing. The eRV2 embodies our pioneering legacy, representing not solely an achievement in design, innovation and sustainability, but in addition our dedication to repeatedly evolve with the altering wants of shoppers and the world we share.”
To that finish, the eRV2’s roof sports activities a 900 W photo voltaic array, which may cost each the 400 V, 68 kWh lithium-ion traction battery and likewise the 48 V, 15 kWh lithium-ion “home battery” that runs issues just like the lights, home equipment, and so forth. The home battery was developed with Lithionics and is beneath the eRV2’s ground.
Some readers would possibly discover fault with the eRV2’s vary. The E-Transit was designed with a comparatively small 68 kWh lithium-ion traction battery, since Ford’s analysis discovered that industrial prospects weren’t as involved about road-trip vary. Consequently, the eRV2 has a variety of simply 108 miles—the identical because the E-Transit variant it is constructed on. However Winnebago says that that is simply an experimental prototype and that it is “actively pursuing vary extension alternatives to include right into a future industrial model.”
