Winnebago, one of America’s most famous manufacturers of camper vans, has revealed its first battery-electric concept: it’s called the e-RV and is based on an extensively reworked Ford Transit van.
Founded in 1958, the Minnesota-based firm has become synonymous in the US with Recreational Vehicles (RVs) – that’s American parlance for motorhomes. Winnebago’s vehicles have always been heavily reengineered versions of vans provided by various manufacturers, with its current range including machines based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Fiat Ducato.
The new e-RV concept was unveiled at the Florida RV Super Show in Tampa, Florida – no, that's not where we'd expect to spot bold EV concepts either – and is the result of two years of development from Winnebago’s Advanced Technology Group. It is described as a fully functional electric concept vehicle.
The e-RV is based on a Ford Transit platform, with the combustion engine removed in favour of an electric motor developed by Lightning eMotors. Power for that unit comes from an 86kWh battery, which provides a range of 125 miles while also powering on-board systems.
That might not sound much range for anyone who dreams of driving from coast-to-coast in the US in an RV, but Winnebago says it will meet the needs of 54% of their motorhome buyers, who prefer trips of under 200 miles. Besides, the battery can be charged in around 45 minutes on a high-speed charger.
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The electric powertrain of the e-RV is also used to power the living area of the machine. It offers 350-volt DC power to run the water heater and roof-mounted air conditioner, while a 110-volt AC charge powers the slide-out induction hobs and “marine-grade” fridge.
The machine features an integrated control system that optimises the load and efficiency of the powertrain, and can be monitors on either the dashboard display or a connected smartphone or tablet. The machine also features built in Wi-Fi from a dual-model router.
Elsewhere, the e-RV has been designed with a focus on sustainable materials, including recycled cork-rubber flooring, and woollen wall coverings to boost installation. Meanwhile, there’s also a built-in bathroom featuring a toiler and shower.
Winnebago has yet to confirm if the e-RV will be turned into a production vehicle, when it would launch or what it would cost.
While the vehicle would not be offered in the UK, there are a range of electric camper vans coming soon. There is already a third-party camper version of the Mercedes EQV, and Volkswagen is working on an ID California camper version of its soon-to-arrive ID Buzz electric van - the EV we're most excited to see in 2022, if you were wondering.
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