Winnebago Just Unveiled Its First Electric Camper Van

2022 is shaping up to be a big year for the RV world. Winnebago just unveiled an all-electric concept motorhome. The sleek prototype electric RV was revealed at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa Bay, Florida, on January 18th.

Basically, the e-RV is an all-electric, zero-emission camper van built on a modified Ford Transit chassis. The platform’s gasoline engine has been taken out and in its place is an electric system designed by Winnebago’s electric propulsion partner Lightning Motors.

Driving Range for Electric RV

Winnebago says the e-camper’s 86-kWh battery configuration provides a range of 125 miles while powering onboard systems and appliances as well as high-speed Wi-Fi. But they are working to extend the range to 200+ miles.

The rig also comes with all the goodies you would expect from a classic Winnebago campervan—a water heater, roof-mounted AC with heat pump, a marine-grade refrigerator, a cooktop, and a stand-up shower.

Energy-Efficient Features

All the e-RV’s components are designed to optimize energy use. You can control the systems from a digital display or monitor the details from your smartphone or tablet. Apart from energy-efficient features, the e-campervan pushes sustainability in a number of other ways. It’s built with sustainable materials such as recycled rubber flooring and wool insulation.

Although it’s not yet ready for production, the e-RV is set to revolutionize the way we travel and camp in our recreational vehicles. When camping at a boondocking spot, you can power your appliances for days without relying on shore power, allowing you to go off-grid and stay closer to nature longer.

Fast Charge Time for e-RV

When it’s time to top off the battery, it takes only around 45 minutes to charge. And you can plug in from anywhere—at home, campgrounds, or EV charging stations. Winnebago says the concept RV is fully functional, but didn’t reveal potential production timelines or pricing. However, they promised to provide more details as the year progresses.

More Electric RVs on the Horizon

As Winnebago races to carve out a leading role in the electric RV market, its competitors aren’t far behind. Other manufacturers are also looking forward to an electrified future.

At the Florida RV SuperShow, THOR Industries, the company that makes Airstream travel trailers, unveiled two electric RV concepts: a self-propelled Airstream trailer—the restream, and an all-electric motorhome—the Thor Vision Vehicle. Other big names, such as Mercedes-Benz and Nissan also recently unveiled plans for electric campervans.

Buckle Up for a Greener Recreational Future

The electric revolution has finally made its way to the RVing world. Although none of these manufacturers have disclosed when the vehicles will hit the dealership lots, you can expect these e-RVs to be ready for the market in the near future. Soon, you’ll be road-tripping and camping in a fully electric rig.