When Motorhomes and Caravans Turn Electric

The 2022 edition of the Florida RV Show marked the emergence of electric models, a real trend?

The major vehicle shows are Paris, Detroit, Shanghai, Munich, and Tokyo. But for thousands of RV enthusiasts, the place to be was in the United States, at the Florida RV Supershow. Beyond the folklore, the 2022 edition last week showcased some curious electrified prototypes.

An Electric Winnebago RV

The star of the show was the Winnebago e-RV Concept. Forget neon under the floor in Fast & Furious style, the important thing is the “e” in its name. Yes, this RV (Recreational Vehicle) is entirely electric.

The company Lightning Motors, specialized in converting utility vehicles, handled the operation. The base is a standard Winnebago motorhome, a name recognized in the field, with interior outfitting based on a Ford Transit.

No technical details yet, but Lightning promises “fast charging”. Based on previous Transit-based creations, one can expect around 254 km range with 110.4 kWh batteries, and a charging rate of up to 80 kW.

A Retro-Futuristic Airstream Trailer

For road-trip enthusiasts, Airstream is legendary. This trailer, born in the 1950s with an aluminum body, has stood the test of decades and returns in 2022 with a new version. Under the name eSTREAM Concept, this prototype offers a 100% electric future, developed jointly with Thor Industries.

Not only is it towed, but the trailer has its own motor and batteries. This means any vehicle (thermal or electric) can tow the eStream effortlessly.

Additionally, the onboard electricity system bypasses the need to connect to the electrical grid, increasing freedom. It also allows powering equipment or charging your phone, even in the desert.

Electric Motorhome with Range Extender

Thor introduced another concept, this one being both electric and fuel cell-powered, based on a Ford Transit. Its Vision Vehicle motorhome is initially 100% electric, equipped with large batteries that can be recharged like a traditional vehicle. It also features a fuel cell that serves as a range extender.

The fuel cell produces electricity and thus powers the large batteries, not directly driving the wheels as on a typical hydrogen car. However, the manufacturer remains vague about its operation, explaining that the fuel can be “hydrogen, natural gas, or other fuels”. Strange…

Thor promises a maximum range of 482 kilometers, without explaining the contribution of the electric and range extender systems, nor the solar panels installed on the roof. In any case, this vehicle seems very well developed, with a modern dashboard featuring two large screens, camera-rearview mirrors, and high-end fittings.

Finally, these three concepts currently have no imminent future. Only Winnebago seems to promise an electrified future, but unfortunately without a specific date.

Also read: The Ford F-150 Lightning steals the spotlight from the Tesla Cybertruck