Winnebago has gone a step further in launching a mass-produced electric RV by unveiling a Ford Transit-based prototype called eRV2 at a trade show in Florida. The wheeled battery-powered house has an elegant interior and it is said to be in production.
If the name rings, it’s likely because eRV2 is the next product of e-RV . prototype launching in January 2022. On the surface, not much is going on: the eRV2 looks like a Transit van converted into a mobile home and is wrapped in an artful camouflage. That’s what under the body counts here. Lithium-ion the battery The pack packs enough power for about 108 miles of driving range, which is oddly less than the 125-mile rating offered by the original prototype, but Winnebago assures us it’s “actively pursuing the opportunity to expand.”
Florida-based Lithionics Battery helped Winnebago design a home-grade lithium battery called the IonBlade that has a 48-volt system and delivers more than 15,000 watts of power. It’s slim, flat, and floor-mounted to save as much interior space as possible. The company hasn’t forgotten those who want to spend a few days off-grid: The 900-watt solar power provides up to seven days of use.
Japandi principles (a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian design, according to Winnebago) influenced the interior layout. Conveniences include swivel front seats, cabinets, table tops, high-speed Wi-Fi routers, large mattresses, and most of the interior is made of recycled or biodegradable materials. Winnebago Connect allows users to remotely monitor power and energy management systems.
Winnebago is currently testing the eRV2 in real-world scenarios to better understand how it can improve the vehicle’s powertrain and design before signing the project. It says that the model will go into production “in the future”, although it did not give a specific timeframe.
