Winnebago shows electric future of motorhomes with e-RV

The future of Winnebago motorhomes is electric

Camper vans, recreational vehicles (RVs), and motorhomes might not be as popular in the Philippines compared to other parts of the world. But like most vehicles, even camper van makers can't avoid the shift to electrification. It's also why Winnebago, one of the major RV manufacturers in the US, recently revealed the e-RV concept

As its name implies, the e-RV is a fully-electric camper van. It's effectively a preview of what an RV would be in the upcoming electric age. It's based on the Ford Sprinter van, but the team at Winnebago installed an electric powertrain and turned the body into a typical RV. Interestingly, the company says it's not based on the electric E-Transit, which is already available today. Instead, the electric drivetrain and the power system controlling the electrical network in the living quarters are supplied by Lightning eMotors.

The e-RV uses an 86kWh battery and according to Winnebago, gives the electric camper van a range of 201 km while also powering the onboard systems. It's not a lot compared to a traditional RV that can go for at least 700 kilometers. However, it should be enough for those that aren't planning to go too far out.

Apart from the closed-off grille, it's hard to tell the Winnebago e-RV apart from a standard camper van. The interior still has all the stuff you would normally find in an RV – a fridge, water heater, air-conditioner, induction cooktop, you name it. The e-RV does use recycled cork-rubber flooring to match the van's eco-friendly theme.

Driving it is no different. Instead of an analog instrument cluster, the e-RV has a digital display for an integrated control system to monitor several vehicle parameters. The control systems can also be monitored through a tablet or a smartphone app. Meanwhile, passengers can enjoy the net and stream movies with its residential grade wi-fi.

The e-RV is one of the first electric campervans out there, but it's still a concept for the time being. Will electric motorhomes and campervans become a thing of the future? Let us know what you think in the comments.