It features a 48V system with more than 15,000 usable watt-hours, and a unique thin lay-flat design stored beneath the floor to maximize interior space. It meets the highest safety standards. The eRV2 is sustainably designed to further reduce the impact on the environment. • 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. • Unique broad color-spectrum lighting allows users to customize the interior lights from white to red, which helps to reduce light pollution and negative effects on native flora and fauna. It’s 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. Finally, the eRV2 is connected. • The proprietary Winnebago Connect™ system allows users to easily monitor and control the vehicle’s electrical and energy management systems using a display inside the vehicle or an intuitive app that will work on your smart phone.
Looking at this pre-production model, I have to first complement Winnebago on building a working electric RV. This eRV2 demonstrates not only what can be done—but it’s also a version of what’s to come. Winnebago is not waiting; they are determined to ride the coming wave. However, at the moment, there are still some glaring issues that need to be addressed. A driving range of 108 miles on a full battery charge may work for a last-mile delivery van, but is not practical for an RV. Second, Winnebago has developed its own independent battery system for the house (IonBlade), partly because Ford has proprietary rights to its on-board battery and won’t allow anything else to be plugged into it. This too should change. Of course, I can see that this IonBlade battery system may very well start popping up in other Winnebago products. Lastly, as an aside, campgrounds that have traditionally provided un-monitored electricity as part of the lot fee may have to rethink that model as these new e-RVs are going to draw a lot more juice. This is the current glimpse of the future—there is more work to be done—but its exciting.
Video of Winnebago’s eRV2: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=8p6PqzoutMo
RV REVIEW
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 | 29
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