Everything Electric: How Will EVs Affect Recreation Vehicles?
We rely on our vehicles as a key component in how we kick back and kick out the jams. But are new and upcoming EVs able to get the job done?
In the last month, both recreation vehicle giants Winnebago and Airstream announced that they have new electric RV EV concepts. Each electric concept helps the manufacturer see everything come together, obsess, continue torture testing and tweaking. But both Kings of the Wild Electric Frontier have shown that an RV EV can get off the road and conquer as successfully as each did (and still does). These look great, and have really cool amenities to make each trip an adventure. But can these camper van EVs keep up in today’s maret?
The news of an electric RV is exciting, especially one that offers a new, comfy interior, vintage style and lots of amenities. Many gearheads found the idea of an Winnie or Airstream very intriguing. Not to mention that the new electric camper, RV, or overlanding rig looks sharp, and has the juice.
Concepts are just one aspect to getting the production of recreation EVs rolling. It is important that each vehicle–from motor home, to camper, to mud mad 4x4s how the distinct capability to make a good time, a much easier time. Towing is key. Vehicles must be able to handle 3,500 lbs.
Also, a decent camper, towable, RV, and overlanding truck need a good long range, a quick charge, be able to do a fast 0 to 62 mph. A nice plus with electric powerplants is they tend to be very torquey; and when you are working your RV uphill, that will be a priceless bonus.
Earthcruiser Terranova
Motor-based activities are not going to suffer with an RV or off-road EV. Today overlanding is probably at its most popular, so far. Big and smaller companies alike have made huge leaps forward. Solar energy, improved on board tech, high-performance and utilizing sustainable materials already gives these rides all the oomph they need to criss cross Route 66, conquer a mountain, or get down and dirty in a bog.
And it isn’t just the cars, trucks, and SUVs that have expanded capability. Electrification is big on two wheels, like the all-electric Livewire Motorcycle developed by Harley-Davidson.
Already the electric recreational market is getting a lot of new blood with beautiful and interesting offerings. It is a new dawn, and a new day for RVs, SUVs, vans, pickups; muscle, street, and and sporty often all working together on one vehicle. It is kind of amazing. It is also pretty surprising to see so many different companies joining forces. Ford and Volkswagen have been collaborating. Airsteam developed their electric trailer with Thor. Together, they joined a was a joint effort to ensure the best independent drive-assist wheels for improving towing range and gas mileage, remote control mobility, and a high-capacity battery bank.
So far, so good. Tech-wise electrification is working above expectations for power and handline. Will we see an industry-wide shift look for recreation? Eventually, yes, it is the easiest and most affordable choice. But we must admit that the new rides have impressed a lot of great muscle, style, and new user connectivity. Ford cites that the Lightning will have two options with range at 230 to 300 miles per charge. Ideally we expect hp and range will increase in the next few years.
Currently, Tesla holds the record for tow and haul capacity. And we don’t think they can keep up with the pickup trucks, all-electric motorhomes and campers, and a variety of tough overland beasts. The future just keeps on coming, faster that we expected. But automakers have risen to meet the challenge. Even if the unconventional teams weren’t the expected vision of the electric future. They are the real deal, and they’re working together to make some serious machines. Fresher, sharper, and able to tackle the great outdoors while using better more driver-focused tech and improved multimedia.
We got to get a taste of the Lightning, and it was good.
The bottom line is that recreation vehicles are showing excellent confidence and thrills. They’ve got this. It isn’t going to be a perfect transition. Expanded driver assistance and safety components increase peace of mind. While Rivian, Ford, Chevy, and many others have found how to best balance weight, drive with a rocksteady quality, manage the beastly power, and put a smile on your face. Baja modded EVs even slayed with serious desert grunt at this year’s Rebelle Rally.
Drivers should know where to top for a charge, or check out a few apps and websites with the info.
Cool extras improving ability and just make life easier in little ways. Impressive work and a need to stand out in the market has pushed the industry to go off script. And they have done so by hitting the trail, and confidently tackling every challenge.
Drivers and riders enjoy a good change when needed. Loaded rides with sleek interiors that can and will hit the track like a bat out of hell. So many companies have put in the work to make electric cars and trucks cool builds that delivers on the best face melting . Although the loss of a tasty exhaust note might take some adjustment. Otherwise, we can’t imagine not having a nice adrenaline surge and one exciting EV for everywhere, and anywhere.
Photos: Airstream, Winnebago, Ford, GM, Jeep, Fisker, EarthCruiser