Hopefully, the finished product will have a considerably higher range figure.
Eco-friendly adventurers, rejoice! Winnebago has lifted the lid on its first-ever electric recreational vehicle, built to be an environmentally responsible travel companion for holidaymakers across the country.
Based on the Ford E-Transit, the eRV2 uses Winnebago's proprietary Iron Blade house battery system. When we last wrote about the all-electric camper van, we expressed concern over the potential range. After all, the E-Transit only has the ability to travel 125 miles on a single charge.
Winnebago says the eRV2 currently has a range of 108 miles, which isn't ideal but notes “it's well-suited to the pilot program.” As a prototype, the vehicle is still in development and will hopefully arrive with a superior range figure. We'll reserve judgment until the final product arrives.
Aside from that, there are plenty of impressive features to enjoy about the eRV2.
Winnebago claims the Iron Blade house battery (developed with help from Lithionics Battery) is a powerful and safe setup that enables explorers to enjoy up to seven days of emissions-free Boondocking. Thanks to a compact and lay-flat design, the 48-volt system is stored beneath the floor to maximize cabin space.
But the sustainability theme doesn't end with the electric architecture. Winnebago has gone the extra mile and lined the eRV2's innards with recycled materials. The recreational areas feature fabrics from Repreve, a company specializing in eco-friendly alternatives. This particular fabric, for example, was made from recycled water bottles.
Even the driver and passenger seats have been upholstered with plant-based materials, while the countertops have been crafted with biodegradable components. A particularly neat touch is the customizable interior lighting, which can be changed to red to reduce light pollution and its effects on nature.
The interior is minimalist in design and takes inspiration from “Japandi” (Japanese and Scandinavian) principles. This, claims Winnebago, provides a “clean, calm and multi-functional environment.” With amenities like Wi-Fi, built-in charging points, and a configurable five-in-one living area, it's shaping up to be a rather lovely RV.
It's a thoroughly modern experience. Owners can monitor the eRV2's energy management systems via an app or display within the vehicle. At this time, Winnebago is still conducting testing, which includes real-world evaluations to garner insights from “everyday users.”
“Our primary goal in building the eRV2 was to help people comfortably explore the world around them with less environmental impact,” said Winnebago president, Huw Bower.
“The user experience was at the heart of this prototype's development, through the early days of market research and even now as it goes through field testing. The eRV2 embodies our pioneering legacy, representing not only an achievement in design, innovation, and sustainability but also our commitment to continuously evolve with the changing needs of consumers and the world we share,” he added.
There's no word yet on when the eRV2 will hit the market, but we sincerely hope it touches down with a more usable range figure, as it's shaping up to be a great RV.
The eRV2 shows just how flexible the E-Transit is. Not only is FedEx trialing the electric van for deliveries in regions across the USA, but the battery-powered van also has the honor of being the world's first all-electric ambulance.
Keyword: Winnebago Unveils All-Electric RV Prototype With 108 Miles Of Range