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 developed from Winnebago’s eRV prototype and is getting used for take a look at drives to assemble suggestions from shoppers earlier than it reaches its remaining production-intent design. You’ve gotta verify this factor out.
As Kleenex is to tissues and Q-Tip to cotton swabs, Winnebago is virtually a synonym for leisure automobiles (RVs). Whereas it has been constructing RVs and motorhomes for many years which can be reliant on gasoline and diesel engines, the legacy model has had the foresight to discover a future by which electrical variations of its automobiles can develop into a actuality, and we applaud that.
That being stated, the corporate nonetheless has a methods to go. In the course of the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow, Winnebago unveiled the eRV – an all-electric RV idea that actually kicked off its enterprise into zero emissions journey after a much less profitable try at an EV platform again in 2018.
The idea was constructed off the ever-popular Ford Transit platform, upfitted by a well-recognized identify in Lightning eMotors. It utilized the automobile’s physique, chassis, and suspension, then was outfitted with an 86 kWh battery that was anticipated to ship 125 miles of vary and cost time of 45 minutes on DC quick charger.
Now, virtually a yr later to the day, Winnebago has hit the Tampa RV present but once more with an all-electric encore referred to as the eRV2. It’s nonetheless solely a prototype, but it surely’s operational, accessible for take a look at drives, and ever nearer to turning into a real electrical RV choice for shoppers. Take a look.
Winnebago is showcasing the eRV2 electrical RV in Florida
The all-electric eRV2 made its debut in entrance of a crowd in Florida at this time and might be on show by the weekend. Constructed upon a Ford E-Transit chassis much like the idea it emerged from, this electrical RV presently has a broadcast vary of … 108 miles. Hmm.
Winnebago seems properly conscious that’s far too low of a quantity for a manufacturing model of this RV, stating it’s “actively pursuing range extension opportunities to incorporate into a future commercial version.” Phew.
The motorhome specialist partnered with Lithionics Battery to create a proprietary “IonBlade” lithium home battery to be highly effective and compact, that includes a 48V system able to over 15,000 usable watt-hours.
Each the powertrain and home programs are powered by solely by electrical energy, able to as much as seven days of boondocking (tenting with none hookups to electrical energy, water, sewage). Winnebago states that that is made attainable partly by the electrical RV’s 900-watt photo voltaic capability utilizing panels on its roof (seen above).
How concerning the inside although? See for your self.
When you’re making a zero emissions leisure automobile, you greatest promote sustainability as a lot as you’ll be able to all through. Inside Winnebago’s all-electric RV prototype, you’ll discover a great deal of recycled supplies together with the flooring, mats, window trim, and even the WinnSleep mattress system. The cab seats function plant-based coverings, whereas all of the acrylic counter tops are created from biodegradable supplies. Good.
Winnebago seems to be off to a fantastic a begin right here with the eRV2 however admits that it nonetheless must carry out vigorous area testing to tell the electrical RV’s remaining design. Let’s not neglect that vary both, gang.
Nonetheless, the veteran firm acknowledges that there’s an exploding demand for all-electric journey, notably within the massive van, RV section. Winnebago president Huw Bower spoke to the corporate’s progress and future targets:
Our main aim in constructing the eRV2 was to assist individuals comfortably discover the world round them with much less environmental affect. The person expertise was on the coronary heart of this prototype’s improvement, by the early days of market analysis and even now because it goes by area testing. The eRV2 embodies our pioneering legacy, representing not solely an achievement in design, innovation and sustainability, but in addition our dedication to constantly evolve with the altering wants of shoppers and the world we share.
The eRV2 might be on show by the January 22 on the Winnebago sales space (No. 760) on the Florida RV SuperShow. When you’re attending, we implore you to schedule a take a look at drive and tell us what you assume.
We’re hoping to get inside the electrical RV quickly and, who is aware of, maybe we’ll be reporting from the manufacturing mannequin at subsequent yr’s RV present. Within the meantime, try the total reveal video of Winnebagos’ all-electric eRV2.
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