The unexpected onslaught of electric trucks and SUVs already underway with the Rivian R1T and R1S and the Ford F-150 Lightning is forcing people to think of emissions-free camping and van life as something viable in the near future.
As we have emphasized in the past s Tesla towing reports and others the reality of range checkingtaking over Davis Dam Grade with 11,000 pounds it may be possible, but is it really possible as part of a pleasant stay?
Not surprisingly, potential buyers of this type of car have high expectations – those who may not fully comply with modern battery technology and charging at the desired price.
Earlier this year, several concept cars demonstrated that the traditionally fairly conservative van industry couldn’t stand it. Between The Winnebago e-RV concept and the Thor Vision electric RV conceptsome of the big players have presented a potential outline of what is at work – in completely different forms.
The concept of the Winnebago e-RV electric motorhome
The concept of the Winnebago e-RV electric motorhome
The concept of the Winnebago e-RV electric motorhome
While the Winnebago e-RV based on the Ford Transit has a battery capacity of 86 kW / h and provides a range of 125 miles – claimed to be enough to satisfy 54% of van buyers – Thor Industries has completely gone the other way. Also, starting with the Transit, it included a battery, a hydrogen fuel cell and a solar roof, which added reach of up to 300 miles.
Although at the time it seemed very complicated, Thor recently showed the results of a study confirming his approach. His North American study of motorized electric vans was conducted in December 2021, a month before Vision. This study was based on 675 respondents who either currently own an EV or have had some level of RV experience (owning, renting, camping or borrowing) in the last 10 years.
Thor’s study in North American motorized electric vans
His research – or indeed a poll based on his sound – found that 97% expect to drive three hours longer before charging. Nearly half (45%) of respondents said they waited five or six hours to leave home before charging needed, a figure Thor sees as a pleasant place and roughly corresponds to a 300-mile charge.
Nearly one in five has seen this point last eight or more hours on a charge, indicating a range of more than 500 miles. While 300 miles may become a real target in a few years, the larger figure is probably a physical impossibility given the price and weight limitations of the battery.
Thor Vision electric van
People who use such an electric van would also do so often. While many vans in the U.S. are not used for much of the year, 47% of respondents in this survey said they will use an electric van at least once every two to three weeks – some at least once a week.
The most popular response to the expected charging time ranged from 45 to 59 minutes, indicating the need for fast DC charging not only in such products but also as infrastructure in campsites across the country. This is a big leap from typical 240-volt and 30-amp outlets in U.S. campsites to fast-charge compatibility.
Surprisingly, 70% of respondents said that the on-board system of hydrogen fuel cells, which helps recharge or charge the battery, will positively affect the purchase intentions. While setting up more charging at campsites would be quite an infrastructural barrier, spreading hydrogen or fuel cells sounds like an even bigger puzzle.
Electric camping Airstream eStream
In addition to the electric RV project, Thor showed earlier this year EStream Travel Trailer Concept-electric camping trailer, which would essentially provide its own engine, carrying a battery with a capacity of 80 kW / h and adding acceleration and regeneration of braking with its own engine system.
In addition, camper manufacturer Colorado Teardrops is planning a version of its camper trailer that is also takes extra batteries for the tripbut without the locomotor system. You charge both overnight and then on roadside breaks, instead it charges your tow EV.
Colorado Teardrops Boulder EV camping trailer
Both of these solutions help solve the problem of driving distance, but emphasize the need for serious infrastructure to charge high power in campsites. Who is acting to deliver this? This is another chicken or egg, again.
https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1135862_fully-electric-rvs-range-charging-challenges-electric-cars
