Throughout this yr’s Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, legacy RV and motorhome producer Winnebago unveiled its all-electric, operational RV prototype referred to as the eRV2. This zero-emission RV advanced from Winnebago’s eRV prototype and was used for check drives to get suggestions from shoppers earlier than it reached its closing production-intent design. You must verify this factor out.
as Kleenex than tissue and Q-Tip to cotton swabs, the Winnebago is nearly synonymous with leisure autos (RVs). Whereas it has been constructing RVs and motorhomes for many years that depend on gasoline and diesel engines, the legacy model has the imaginative and prescient to discover a future the place electrical variations of its autos turn into a actuality, and we applaud that. .
That mentioned, the corporate has a methods to go. Throughout the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow, Winnebago unveiled the eRV – an all-electric RV idea that really begins its enterprise into zero emissions journey after a lower than profitable try at an EV platform again in 2018 .
The idea is constructed from the ever-popular Ford Transit platform, tailored by a well-recognized Lightning eMotors identify. It makes use of the car’s physique, chassis, and suspension, then is provided with an 86 kWh battery that’s anticipated to ship 125 miles of vary and a charging time of 45 minutes on a DC quick charger.
Now, nearly a yr later to the day, Winnebago has hit the Tampa RV present once more with an all-electric encore referred to as the eRV2. It is nonetheless a prototype, but it surely’s useful, out there for check drives, and nearer to turning into an actual electrical RV possibility for shoppers. Look.
Winnebago confirmed off the eRV2 electrical RV in Florida
The all-electric eRV2 made its debut in entrance of a crowd in Florida at this time and will probably be on show this weekend. Constructed on the Ford E-Transit chassis just like its conceptual origins, this electrical RV at present has a printed vary of … 108 miles. Hmm.
Winnebago seems to remember {that a} quantity is simply too small for a manufacturing model of this RV, saying that it’s “actively pursuing vary extension alternatives to incorporate in future business model.” Phew.
The motorhome specialist has collaborated with Lithonics Battery to develop a proprietary “IonBlade” lithium home battery that will probably be highly effective and compact, with a 48V system able to greater than 15,000 usable watt-hours.
Each the powertrain and the home methods are powered solely by electrical energy, enabling as much as seven days of boondocking (tenting with none electrical energy, water, sewer connections). Winnebago says that is made doable partially by the electrical RV’s 900-watt photo voltaic capability utilizing panels on its roof (seen above).
What in regards to the content material? See for your self.
In case you’re constructing a zero emissions leisure car, it is best that you simply promote sustainability as a lot as you’ll be able to all through. Inside Winnebago’s all-electric RV prototype, you may discover loads of recycled supplies together with flooring, mats, window trim, and even the WinnSleep mattress system. Cab seats have plant-based covers, whereas all acrylic counter tops are made out of biodegradable supplies. Good.
Winnebago seems to be off to a great begin right here with the eRV2 however admits it nonetheless must do vigorous subject testing to find out the ultimate design of the electrical RV. Let’s not neglect that vary both, gang.
Nonetheless, the veteran firm acknowledges that there’s an exploding demand for all-electric journey, particularly within the massive van, RV phase. Winnebago president Huw Bower discusses the corporate’s progress and future targets:
Our essential purpose in constructing the eRV2 is to assist individuals comfortably discover the world round them with minimal influence on the setting. The consumer expertise was central to the event of this prototype, within the early days of market analysis and even now because it undergoes subject testing. The eRV2 embodies our pioneering heritage, representing not solely a breakthrough in design, innovation and sustainability, but in addition our dedication to steady improvement with altering shopper wants. and the world we share.
The eRV2 will probably be on show via January 22 on the Winnebago sales space (No. 760) on the Florida RV SuperShow. In case you attend, we implore you to schedule a check drive and tell us what you suppose.
We hope to get into the electrical RV quickly and, who is aware of, possibly we’ll report from the manufacturing mannequin at subsequent yr’s RV present. Within the meantime, try the total reveal video of the Winnebagos’ all-electric eRV2.
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