Is an E-RV in your future?
A European recreational vehicle is currently in development that will offer mobile living that through technology will have 400 sf of living space, a luxury interior, the ability to live off-grid for up to a week, and most importantly, according to electrek.co, a lighter energy footprint than traditional gas RVs, powered completely by portable rechargeable electric batteries.
Readers are skeptical. Comments to the article include:
“This will be interesting to watch though I won’t hold my breath just yet.”
“Interesting but useless. This one of those places where EV tech really is not ready for any off-roader or heavy energy usage vehicle (think food truck). Instead, this should be a series hybrid, with multiple small generators. Think 2-3 generators that are 100 KW size.”
“That will be $700k please.”
and ultimately,
“Pfft… neva gonna happin… consider me a skeptic.”
Many American companies are onboard in looking into the technology, as well. An online search shows many US companies with concept vehicles in the works, but seemingly not ready for prime time, yet.
RVs, as vehicles intended specifically for travel and driving long distances, face special challenges configured as electric vehicles. Problems with charging stations, limited range and expense are three issues. To save on energy usage and expense RVs are traditionally engineered to be light so they use less gas. The heavy batteries needed to power a living-space sized vehicle on the road is a special engineering challenge.
While the trend and push towards conversion to portable electric power continues, convincing the public that these vehicles are in their best interest is a dicey prospect. Even Tesla, the highest-selling EV automaker in the world, is confronting softening demand and shrinking margins. “The gathering headwinds fall against the backdrop of waning enthusiasm for EVs. Rival automakers are delaying investments, and executives are striking a more cautious tone about the level of consumer demand.” according to the Wall Street Journal.
Several automakers have postponed investment in EVs and some are reconfiguring plans to sell more hybrids, which are considered a more interim step for consumers aren’t ready to completely abandon the gasoline engine. Investment in hybrid technologies may be a way to move away from reliance on the internal combustion engine. Hybrids are tending to be more popular with consumers, both stretching mileage from gas and not relying so heavily on sparse charging stations.
Solar panels are another technology that is already adding to the ability of RVs to boondock and not rely on electric hookups, taking advantage of the sun’s energy to power the many conveniences that RV owners now expect. This is an option that adds convenience and portability and has truly proven popular.
Over Forty Years of Experience
From warehouse inventory management to hot seal cutting, Troyer Products has steadily amassed decades of experience in all things related to manufacturing supply and fulfillment. Located in the heart of the recreational vehicle industry, our Elkhart, Indiana location allows us to serve Original Equipment Manufacturers from our home base here in the “Crossroads of America.”
