RVs are going electric, too
The RV industry is starting to join the race toward zero emissions.
Thor Industries Inc. and Winnebago Industries Inc. each revealed concepts for electric RVs at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa last month. The companies identify electrification as a priority for the next generation of motor homes and towable trailers.
Thor told Shift that it plans to have an all-electric motor home for sale next year, with an electric towable trailer to follow. Thor did not reveal pricing estimates.
For Winnebago, “it could be up to two years before a vehicle like this [e-RV] rolls down the road in sizeable numbers,” company spokesman Chad Reece said. “But some of its technologies could be seen prior to that. [Electrification] is a natural progression in the RV segment. We hear from consumers they have interest.”
Range matters
Thor’s Vision Vehicle concept was designed to operate using a high-voltage battery and an integrated fuel cell-based range extender. The Elkhart, Ind., company says the concept could travel up to 300 miles on a single charge while powering onboard systems such as HVAC, lights and entertainment. This range matches the company’s research that showed the average RV driver stops every five hours, or about every 300 miles.