Luxury travel trailer maker Bowlus was one of the first American RV makers to lean toward high-capacity battery power, and before electric RVs became a trend, it built a lithium-powered battery that could quickly start a dead Tesla. Released the trailer. Now that the electric camping race is catching up, Bowlus is making a move to become an all-electric RV brand, removing the LPG option and powering each of its three trailers entirely with lithium batteries.
Bowlus announced changes to its lineup this week, saying it follows the success of the Volterra, the company’s first fully electric trailer model, when it launches in 2022. Founder and CEO Geneva Long is the vision he had ten years ago when he revived the Bolas nameplate.
Normally, you might tend to dismiss claims like Bowlus’ “vision” as revisionist history that bolsters PR, but the company has led the American electric RV industry since selling trailers. I’ve been The company’s Lithium+ model launched in 2016 and brought unprecedented capabilities, such as running air conditioning off the grid and providing emergency charging capabilities for EVs. So, when Long was working hard on his Chief of the First Lord, full electrification, if not the cornerstone of Bowles’ vision, soon thereafter became part of that vision’s reality.
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Bowlus plans to phase out LPG, so customers can still request an LPG tank in their trailer builds. This option will be removed on new orders and each trailer will be available with battery power only.
“The move to all-electric is important because it sets a precedent,” explains Long. “Most RV brands use old technology using propane and gas or traditional batteries, but we are breaking new ground, as we always are. Imagine yourself enjoying the all electric is a totally immersive experience.”
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Interestingly, Bowlus does not upgrade available battery packs to compensate for LPG loss. The 25.6-foot (7.8 m) Heritage base model will have a 2 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, while the medium-sized 27-foot (8.2 m) Terra Firma will have an 8 kWh battery. 27ft Volterra 17 kWh Pack. As before, Heritage buyers can also upgrade to his 4 or 6 kWh packs.
On the plus side, the lack of extra battery capacity keeps the base price at the same level, ranging from US$159,000 for the Heritage to US$310,000 for the Volterra. Bowles believes the battery size could always be increased in the future if customers demand it, or simply if battery technology improves and prices drop.
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The Aerosolar system that Bowlus launched with Volterra helps campers get as much off-grid power as possible. Lightweight panels cling to the Bowlus’ signature Streamline Moderne shape to charge the battery while driving and stationary in camp. Boules says he’s 12% more efficient than conventional solar cells, and can run 17 kWh high-capacity batteries off-grid indefinitely, depending on personal electricity usage.
Bowles’ move to an electric lineup comes as a variety of new and existing players look to grow the U.S. all-electric RV market. Just this month, his Lightship startup previewed his L1. The L1 He is a 27-foot trailer that uses an 80 kWh lithium battery to power not only camping gear, but also a self-propelled unit that reduces the effective weight of the tow vehicle. The model is scheduled to go into production next year.
Other US startups and smaller manufacturers that have exhibited or launched electric camper designs include Aero Build, Colorado Campworks and Colorado Teardrops. Major RV makers like Winnebago, Airstream and Thor Industries have also revealed their electrified RV designs, but they remain in the concept and development stages.
Source: Bolas
