While staying in Elkhart, IN prior to attending the Family Motor Coach Association’s (FMCA) Great Lakes Area Spring Spree (G.L.A.S.S.) Rally, I took a short trip to Wakarusa, IN home to a large Monaco production complex. While in the downtown area I heard the whine of an electric vehicle slowing down. I looked up to see a unique, white van approaching the stoplight. As it pulled around the corner, the unmistakable whine of an electric powertrain could be heard. I recalled that there had been plans to produce electric vehicles in the Elkhart area and recalled seeing a very new RV dealership facility that had been closed in the downturn with plans to reopen it as a sales store for electric vehicles. As I drove over in the direction of the dealership, I wound my way through the Navistar/Monaco production complex. It was obvious that towables and Class C RV’s were being built to meet the new market demand.
As I approached the dealership, I saw a number of the vans similar to the one I had seen on the road. A portion of a Navistar plant was obviously producing these vehicles. They were white with distinctive black accents, taller than the typical “North American” full sized van (similar in height to the European designed Mercedes/Freightliner model). Their width was about ⅓ narrower, featuring a large windshield and single wiper. The front end was distinguished by a very modern looking, swooping fascia with projector style lighting set in a black accent panel. Ample black panels accented the body look. The single entry door was on the curbside and a rear rollup door was in the rear. All in all it was a very stylish, functional design.
With my mind spinning about how this could be utilized to create a unique class B RV, I drove past this facility to the dealership which was completely fenced off, although all of the signage was still on the building and on a street side sign. It was being offered for “For Lease”. Changes in the market are slowly working their way through, with early adopters becoming casualties of change, yet there are glimmers of hope for a bright future showing up.
My trip so far has allowed me to see some unique, smaller, purpose designed trucks which will run on LP gas (propane), Natural Gas, and electricity. Can a “green“ RV be far behind? We’ll keep following this trend. -- R.L.
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