Our focus is to provide RVers with sustainability and the utmost function… all it takes to enjoy the eRV2 is understanding its range and power capacity.
Winnebago
“Our owners are so far excited about the eRV2 since they know they won't have to worry about fuel sources, fuel consumption or internal combustion engine (ICE) maintenance,” says Winnebago.
Words by Steve Fennell
Following the debut of its all-electric concept motorhome last year at the annual Florida RV Super Show, Winnebago returned to the Tampa event in January introducing its fully-electric eRV2 prototype. It’s not a concept, but a new production-built class B design in the growing ‘e-RV’ space.
Engineered and manufactured in-house, this is the second e-camper launch in two years from the company and there are no pretenses about its capabilities; what you see and what is reported about, is what you get.
Winnebago
Winnebago partnered with Lithionics Battery to create a 48V IonBlade lithium low-profile house battery system.
Range and Efficiency
One of the first questions among consumers about any EV that comes to market is its range. The eRV2 is based on the Ford E-Transit chassis featuring a high-roof profile and with a range of 174 km (108 mi), it serves more ideally as a comfortable weekender than a long-distance runner. However, it’s also a solid foundation for the company to build upon and achieve the power and efficiency that RVers want in an all-electric coach.
“Right now, the eRV2 is in the prototype stage and over the next several months, we will be testing actual user experiences to obtain feedback while preparing for the next launch,” says Russ Garfin, Director of Product Management at Winnebago. “It also serves to get our electric vehicle testing program consistently moving forward and showing RVers how efficient the eRV2 is to travel in. All it takes to enjoy it is understanding the range and power capacity.”
Winnebago
The streamlined profile of the eRV2, which is partially designed to reduce wind resistance for smoother and quieter travel.
To provide an efficient and comfortable user experience while also being environmentally friendly, Winnebago partnered with Lithionics Battery to create a 48V IonBlade lithium low-profile house battery system. Concealed beneath the floor of the coach, this ‘skateboard design’ not only conserves interior space and maintains a low weight distribution, but provides 15,000-plus usable watt-hours.
Combined with the featured 900-watt solar capacity, the eRV2 can provide clean, efficient power for up to seven days for boondocking or when staying at a remote campground with limited services.
Winnebago
The interior is clean, stylish and functional.
Life on the Road with the eRV2
“We call this project the eVan life,” says Garfin. “Our focus is to provide RVers with sustainability and the utmost function. Our customers so far are excited about the eRV2 and being able to push a button and go, without worry about fuel sources, fuel consumption and internal combustion engine (ICE) maintenance.
Although precise specifications were limited at the time of writing, Garfin explained just as weight decreases an ICE’s mileage, it also decreases the range of the eRV2’s batteries. As a result, the Winnebago team employed lightweight plywood and aluminum materials, typically used in the European RV market, for the bases of the interior cabinetry and furniture, while the countertops are made of light acrylic. To further reduce weight, the flooring consists of a honeycomb construction rather than heavier plywood.
Winnebago
The interior is also designed to conveniently work on the road.
In keeping with its environmentally friendly theme, recycled materials are used throughout the coach, the acrylics are biodegradable and the cab-seat fabrics consist of renewable plant-based materials.
“Another appealing aspect of the eRV2 is its quiet ride with low vibration and no harshness typically found with some ICE coaches,” added Garfin. “Our owners commonly address these three concerns and the quietness is very noticeable, which makes for a very enjoyable driving experience.”
Its comfortable atmosphere is further provided by interior design features like the ‘modern Japandi principles with a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian designs.’ Some key selling appointments include a convertible five-in-one sleeping lounge and two functional workstations. One is at the rear of the coach and the other is forward, allowing a couple to work remotely in harmony while travelling. Both areas also have built-in charging points, power systems and the featured high-speed Wi-Fi router can provide optimal connections.
Winnebago
The Convenience of Winnebago Connect
Perhaps the heart of the eRV2 is the Winnebago Connect, allowing owners to control all of the smart systems and appliances via a smart device. While not entirely new in the tech world, it is becoming very popular in the RV space. It can also relay how much power a system draws, the battery power available in the coach, what devices are operating and more.
Being a production prototype, pricing is still being determined. Yet, with any automotive project that is marketed as an ‘EV,’ it won’t be cheap. Nonetheless, Garfin explained the eRV2 will be priced well within the range of what people would expect.
“We want owners to focus more on enjoying their motorhome rather than worry about how everything works,” says Garfin. “A lot of RVs have different monitor panels for different systems so we simplified the control process and overall function. Overall, it’s a very connected coach that offers a connected experience on the road.”
For more information and updates on the eRV2 visit www.winnebago.com/all-electric