News & Notes: April 2023
Winnebago Displays, Field Tests All-Electric RV Prototype
The eRV2 — a fully operational all-electric, zero-emission motorhome prototype — was unveiled at the Florida RV SuperShow in January 2023. Built on the Ford E-Transit electric chassis, the motorhome evolved from Winnebago Industries’ original eRV concept vehicle that debuted at the show in 2022. This year, attendees were invited to test drive the eRV2 and share their feedback — insights that may impact the vehicle’s final design before it hits dealerships in the future.
Both the powertrain and the house systems operate via electricity. This allows for silent travel and up to seven days of boondocking, aided in part by a 900-watt solar capacity. The current generation of the E-Transit chassis has a published range of 108 miles.
Winnebago partnered with Lithionics Battery to create a proprietary IonBlade lithium house battery, which features a 48-volt system with more than 15,000 watt-hours and stores flat beneath the floor to maximize interior space. The company’s proprietary Winnebago Connect system allows users to monitor and control the vehicle’s electrical and energy management systems via a display inside the vehicle or an app.
Recycled materials are used throughout the interior, including flooring components, window-frame trim, removable floor mats, and Winnebago’s WinnSleep mattress system. Cab seat coverings are made with renewable plant-based materials, and the acrylic countertops are composed of biodegradable materials. Broad color-spectrum lighting allows users to customize interior lights from white to red, said to help reduce light pollution and negative effects on flora and fauna.
The eRV2’s interior is inspired by modern Japandi principles, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design that creates a clean, calm, and multifunctional environment. It includes a five-in-one sleep/lounge and two adaptable workspaces with built-in charge points and a high-speed Wi-Fi router for optimal data streaming.
For more information, visit www.winnebago.com/all-electric.
Cummins Unveils Concept Hybrid Power System
Cummins’ concept hybrid power system is designed to afford RVers longer camping time without electricity in a cleaner, quieter package.
At the Florida RV SuperShow in January 2023, Cummins Inc. showcased its new concept hybrid power system, which blends lithium battery technology with Onan RV generators. The system is designed to create a cleaner and quieter power package while offering smart load management with a simple user interface. It will allow campers to travel farther and stay out longer without the fear of running out of power when they don’t have access to grid electricity.
The concept system features an Onan QG 2800i generator; a 6.7-kilowatt-hour automotive-grade lithium-ion battery pack; and a compact power distribution hub that contains the inverter, converter, and charger components.
According to company literature, combining the 2.8-kw generator with the lithium-ion battery provides RVers the same amount of accessible power as a larger 5-kw generator, with fewer emissions and less noise or vibration. The batteries provide silent operation, and the onboard generator ensures those batteries never deplete to zero charge. In addition, the smart system is solar ready, able to accept up to 500 watts of solar input.
As the company works to develop products with lower emissions and a decarbonized future, its Power Systems segment has aligned a group of experts who are focused on creating optimized auxiliary power solutions for RVs and other vehicles.
Coachmen RV Names New President
Bob Dumm began his RV career in high school and transitioned to his most recent role as Coachmen RV president in January.
Bob Dumm, an RV industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience, became president of Coachmen RV on January 1, 2023. In his new role, Dumm oversees all Coachmen, Viking, and Shasta divisions, as well as the Forest River Park Model division.
For the past 14 years, Dumm has contributed to the Coachmen leadership team as general manager of its laminated trailer divisions. He replaces Michael Terlep, who retired on December 31, 2022, after serving as company president for 27 years.
The post News & Notes: April 2023 appeared first on Family RVing Magazine.
Source: https://familyrvingmag.com/2023/04/01/news-notes-april-2023/
