Don’t be fooled by the title, I am not referring to the industry trend to install residential refrigerators and electric smooth surface cooktops. This RV is powered exclusively by an electric motor! MVP showcased its Tahoe Class C with an electric propulsion system. This system uses Winston Lithium high tech batteries to power an electric motor through an Allison transmission. The prototype on display is built on a Ford Class C chassis and provides about 120 miles of range before requiring a charge. Battery Charging with the fast charge station can replenish the batteries in just 20 minutes. A system designed to be installed at an RV dealer will take about 1.5 hours. Now before you say: ”Are you kidding?” this is a prototype! Quiet, emission and fuel free travel is possible.
A Class A version, initially expected to achieve about 300+ miles before charging, is in the works as well. As a Hybrid fan I found the concept unique and credible although obviously in the development phase. Who would have thought that a segment of car buyers would buy a plug-in car (the Chevy Volt) and yet GM is selling them. You now know that RV’s are following right behind. I am sure the owners of short range delivery vehicles with defined routes will look seriously at this technology as well. I wonder how long it will be before one of the RV choices will be an “all –electric coach” with LED lighting, electric cooktop, residential refrigerators, using a fuel cell technology to provide charge power for the house batteries and an all-electric, emission free power train? All of the elements were on display at the 2011 RVIA National Trade Show. All of this, just a few short years after the pundits were predicting the demise of the industry. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the RV industry.
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| MVP Tahoe Electric Motorhome - Under the hood |
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| MVP Tahoe Electric Motorhome - Electric Propulsion |
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