Winnebago, the flagship brand of outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer Winnebago Industries, Inc., today revealed a prototype of its all-electric, zero-emission RV at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, FL. Known as the eRV2, the prototype is a further development of the brand’s eRV concept vehicle that debuted at the same event last year and is said to be the most advanced all-electric, zero-emission RV.

Show attendees can test drive the eRV2 on-site and share their feedback with the company.

Winnebago developed the eRV2 in response to the growing demand for more sustainable forms of road travel and engaged consumers throughout its production. Testing with consumers is underway to provide insights that will inform the eRV2’s final design before hitting dealerships “in the future.”

“Our primary goal in building the eRV2 was to help people comfortably explore the world around them with less environmental impact,” said Huw Bower, President of the Winnebago brand. “The user experience was at the heart of this prototype’s development through the early days of market research and even now as it goes through field testing. The eRV2 embodies our pioneering legacy, representing not only an achievement in design, innovation, and sustainability but also our commitment to continuously evolve with the changing needs of consumers and the world we share.”

It’s built on a Ford E-Transit chassis, which has a published minimum range of 108 mi (174 km) based on CAE analytical adjustments from tested vehicles consistent with U.S. EPA MCT drive cycle methodology at adjusted loaded vehicle weight. The E-Transit’s lithium-ion battery has a usable energy of 68 kWh.

Winnebago partnered with Lithionics Battery to create a proprietary IonBlade lithium-ion house battery, which is said to be the most powerful, compact, and safe lithium battery system available today. The 48-V system has more than 15 kWh of usable energy. Its thin lay-flat design enables storage beneath the floor to maximize interior space and it meets UL 1973 safety certification standards.

The all-electric powertrain and house systems allow for silent and environmentally responsible travel for up to seven days of boondocking aided by 900-W solar capacity. Though well-suited for a pilot program, Winnebago says it is actively pursuing range extension opportunities to incorporate into a future commercial version.

Other aspects of the eRV2 are designed to further reduce its environmental impact. Recycled materials are used extensively throughout the interior, including in the flooring, removable floor mats, WinnSleep mattress system, and trimming around the window frames. Cab seat coverings are made with renewable plant-based materials. Acrylic countertops are made from biodegradable materials.

The electric RV is built for maximum comfort and convenience, centered on modern user needs.

The eRV2 interior is inspired by modern Japandi principles, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design that creates a clean, calm, and multi-functional environment. This 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. Broad-color-spectrum lighting allows users to customize the interior from white to red, which helps to reduce light pollution and negative effects on native flora and fauna.

“It provides both physical and psychological comfort with soft textures rounded corners and a unique broad color spectrum lighting system that supports the Dark Skies movement and allows you to customize your environment,” added Bower.

The eRV2 is connected via the Winnebago Connect system, which allows users to monitor and control the vehicle’s electrical and energy management systems using a display inside the vehicle or with an app.

“Our first fleet of prototypes are already out on the road,” concluded Bower. “We’re putting our innovation to the test and challenging industry norms with six months of field testing, teaming up with everyday users in real-world situations to generate insights for improved durability and reliability. And we’ll be sharing that feedback with you in real-time. Ultimately, this is about reducing barriers to new outdoor connections. Together with a new generation of explorers, we’re laying out a more sustainable roadmap for the future.”

The Winnebago brand is part of the broader Winnebago Industries, which launched in 1958 as Modernistic Industries, and now owns the Grand Design towable, Newmar motorhome, and the Chris-Craft and Barletta marine brands.

For more info on Winnebago’s electric initiative, visit https://www.winnebago.com/all-electric.