Electric recreational vehicles could be the next big thing. From established companies like Winnebago to new entrants you may not have heard of, there are exciting concept vehicles in the works.
With the Van Life movement gaining ground, electric recreational vehicles could revolutionize the nomadic lifestyle.
Here’s what you need to know about today’s range of electric RVs, the eco-friendly amenities they offer, and what they mean for the future.
1. Much more than scope
Electric RVs provide more than just range; their batteries will also power household appliances. It’s inspiring to think of a world where you can charge a vehicle that powers your refrigerator, slow cooker, and phone. But, as fantastic as it sounds, it is not without its technological challenges.
While electric RVs have the potential to be homes on wheels, the current range of concept prototypes, like Winnebago’s e-RV, is likely to draw criticism. Understanding range anxiety and how to overcome it will be crucial to EV adoption.
With a 125-mile range and a 45-minute charge time with a DC fast charger, the value proposition has a long way to go (no pun intended). According to a study of TORexpect to recharge in less than two hours of driving.
In contrast, the average ICE RV gets about 10 miles per gallon with an average tank size of around 25 gallons. You don’t need a calculator to figure out that the e-RV can only go half the distance of its ICE counterpart without recharging.
2. Electric RV charging
Although the range of electric RVs will improve in the future, current battery technology and lack of infrastructure are the main drawbacks. Electric RVs are unique in that they often need overnight parking spots.
The good news is that RV parks are already equipped with chargers. The bad news is that these are not DC fast chargers. ICE RVs plug into either 30 or 50 amp outlets. It will require RV parks to invest in charging station technology to make electric RV charging feasible.
With some people embracing the Van Life movement working from home, access to reliable Wi-Fi from trailer parks will also be essential (satellite internet services like Starlink could be the answer). Even with sites like Nomad List helping remote workers find the best locations, electric RVs will face challenges on their journey to becoming emission-free homes on wheels.
Fortunately, there are other forms of energy that can help.
3. Solar Powered RVs
The Stella Vita RV was created by Dutch university students and relies on roof-mounted expandable solar panels to charge its 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. You can travel up to 460 miles on a sunny day.
While a fully solar powered RV would not be feasible in many climates, solar panels on electric RVs are a practical and affordable technology. These panels can harness energy from the sun and store it in an RV’s battery bank.
4. Green RV Interiors
Although in the concept phase at the moment, numerous electric RVs are already rolling the roads and feature interiors made from sustainable materials. With new trends like vegan leather making its way into vehicles, it’s only natural that RV owners, who often embrace the “leave no trace” philosophy, want eco-friendly amenities.
Winnebago Electric Motorhome
No name is more synonymous with hitting the road than Winnebago. The e-RV features recycled cork and rubber floors and walls with wool inserts to serve as sustainable insulation.
Thor Vision Vehicle
With a target range of 300 miles and packed with technology, the majestic Thor electric RV offers solar upgrades and an eco-friendly interior. The floors are made of bamboo and cork, while the countertops and sofa cushions are made from recycled materials.
The future of electric recreational vehicles
Because one of the most attractive possibilities of RVs is being able to hike off the beaten path, several challenges remain.
If electric recreational vehicles make us rethink how we live and travel, battery range will have to increase. Given current economic conditions, the opportunity to become affordable self-sufficient could appeal not only to people who idealize the lifestyle, but also to those who can’t afford to buy a home.
The potential for electric recreational vehicles to transform society is exciting. Unfortunately, being able to live and travel ecologically and comfortably isn’t here yet, but it seems to be on the near horizon.