Winnebago eRV2 electric camper van powers toward “eVanlife”

Winnebago plans to kick off 2023 just like it did in 2022, revealing its latest all-electric camper prototype. A follow-up to last year’s e-RV, the new van naturally becomes an eRV2 and serves as a very specific update to Winnebago’s electric camper development program. Among its revisions, the eRV2 features a shorter, sportier profile and a relocated charging port that hints at a redesigned powertrain.

Like last year, Winnebago will unveil a prototype EV at the Florida RV Supershow. The eRV2 remains a prototype, but Winnebago is well advanced in development and will be happy to offer a limited number of test drives during the show, which runs from January 18-22.

The first change to appear immediately is the charging port integrated into the eRV2 grille, rather than behind the driver’s side door like the original e-RV. This, coupled with the Ford-badged charger (in the video, not the teaser photo), suggests the latest van is built on top of the factory Ford e-Transit rather than the Lightning eMotors conversion Transit. doing.

Winnebago

Switching factories to E-Transit could streamline Winnebago’s operations, but it would take a heavy toll on range. Ford has taken a step back from the eRV1’s already low estimated range of 125 miles (201 km) to estimate just 108 miles (174 km) for his E-Transit cargo van with high roof. there is While the original his eRV relied on Lightning’s 86 kWh battery pack, Ford equips his E-Transit with his 68 kWh pack in a smaller size. Lightning eMotors also offer a range of up to 200 miles (322 km) and a larger 120 kWh battery.

In fact, if the eRV2 is based on a Ford e-Transit with a factory 68-kWh battery pack, Winnebago may be able to compensate for some of the battery downsizing with an onboard leisure battery and solar charging setup. I can’t. Last year’s prototype relied solely on the powertrain’s battery to power on-board camper equipment like induction cookers, refrigerators and roof-mounted air conditioners, and didn’t feature a solar charging system.

Winnebago

Some of the first eRV2 images show what appears to be a solar array nestled neatly in front of the roof above the windshield. Since RV solar panels tend to be used to power auxiliary batteries rather than vehicle traction batteries, these panels replace on-board leisure batteries to power camper equipment. It seems likely that it will recharge and reserve Ford’s battery power for driving. Still, 108 miles is only 108 miles without a solution to extend the range of primary batteries. This is a far cry from a long road trip where you never stop charging.

eRV2 appears to be based on a shorter transit than the original e-RV. Both versions share a 148-inch wheelbase, but the eRV2 has noticeably shorter rear overhangs and side windows, suggesting it’s riding a Transit Long chassis rather than an Extended chassis.

Winnebago is pending details on the rest of its full January 18th debut, but you can see a few more of the camouflaged prototypes in the quick clip below.

Source: Winnebago