Winnebago unveiled its first all-electric RV and the very first thing everyone seems to be speaking about is its vary. Because the eRV2 relies on the Ford e-Transit, we get the usual powertrain with the usual battery ok for 108 miles (or 174 km) of driving in good situations. Is that sufficient for an RV?
Earlier than we reply that, let’s take a look at the van itself. The eRV2 relies on the usual wheelbase e-Transit which provides the inside sufficient room for the rear dinette setup with the kitchenette on the aspect and moist room behind the driving force seat. The dinette converts into a big double mattress and there’s loads of storage for 2 folks. No points right here, it’s a Winnebago at its greatest.
The corporate louds the usage of recycled supplies and it’s nice to see that, particularly in an electrical RV that tries to push its inexperienced credentials – each little bit helps. The motive force and passenger seat covers are constituted of plant-based material, there may be biodegradable acrylic used within the kitchen and even the lights are RGB – you may change the colour of them to cut back gentle air pollution. It’s actually useful to run pink lights at night time, when you ever tried you’ll by no means wish to use white gentle once more.
The van comes with 900W price of photo voltaic panels and a customized made home battery financial institution. As an alternative of the same old gel or lithium-ion batteries sitting below the mattress, Winnebago enlisted the assistance of Lithonics Battery and makes use of its IonBlade batteries. These match neatly below the ground with out a lot influence on the inside house. The full capability is 15,000 Wh at 48V which is sufficient for a number of days of electrical energy in unhealthy climate.
Why point out unhealthy climate? As a result of the 900W photo voltaic will preserve these batteries topped up if the solar is out just about endlessly. Winnebago claims the eRV2 can go boondocking for as much as 7 days. The limitation shouldn’t be its home battery however the water tanks – the van has sufficient capability of contemporary, black and grey water to remain out within the wild for as much as per week with two folks on board.
That brings us again to its electrical vary. In actuality the van will battle to get to 100 miles and everyone knows that. How far into the wildness are you able to get with that? Not far in any respect. 50 miles a technique shouldn’t be a lot, the eRV2 will rely closely on charging infrastructure, however stopping each 70 or 80 miles to recharge, while you’re on a cross nation journey, will get tiring. It’s a very good factor there’s a kitchen within the again and a snug mattress.
The eRV2 is a crucial RV for Winnebago. It might not have a continent busting vary but it surely truly is zero-emissions RV. Sure, sure – zero emissions at supply, there are emissions throughout manufacturing and all however the level is – when you’re on the market, tenting within the wild, you don’t add any air pollution to your environment. When you handle to get to the spot, you may keep for a number of days, realizing the one influence you permit behind are good recollections.
