An All-Electric RV by Lordstown Motors Is Finally on Its Way
As the auto industry’s electrification becomes more prevalent, it was only a matter of time before it hit the world of RVs. EV startup Lordstown Motors just announced that it would partner with Camping World to develop an electric RV and electric travel trailer. While established manufacturers such as Airstream have dabbled with electricity in recent years, this is the first time we’ve seen a startup EV carmaker jump into the pond. According to Car and Driver, the yet unnamed electric RV will be classified under “Class E.”
Why would Lordstown Motors build an electric RV?
Before we dive into the electric RV itself, let’s talk about Lordstown Motors. The EV startup is currently one of many companies racing to design and produce an all-electric pickup truck. However, instead of selling to the general public, Lordstown plans to sell its trucks in a fleet program. As a result, only companies will be able to purchase large quantities of these trucks.
The electric pickup truck is called the Endurance and features a towing capacity of up to 6000 pounds thanks to its 600-hp output. Prices start at around $52,500, and it will be produced at the company’s plant in Ohio. Customers will reportedly begin receiving their trucks toward the beginning of 2021.
While building an electric RV may seem abnormal for a traditional carmaker, it makes perfect for Lordstown Motors. Aside from building a vehicle capable of towing the travel trailers, the company has experience developing battery technology. As a result, Car and Driver report that the developed battery tech is directly applicable to travel trailers and electric RVs.
Say goodbye to internal combustion and onboard generators
According to Car and Driver, Camping World and Lordstown Motors plan to develop two main products. The first is a range of electrified travel trailers that leave behind onboard generators in exchange for batteries. The second and most ambitious plan is to create a fully-electric RV. According to Car and Driver, there is no mention of exactly what class or size this new RV will fall under, just that the planned name is “Class E.” Additionally, Lordstown Motors claims its pickup truck platform can be modified to underpin RVs of various sizes, meaning most of the tech is likely already developed.
What we do know is that the first batch to arrive will be the electrified travel trailers. Neither the EV startup nor Camping World has established a solid timeline. However, we know that the trailers will be powered by the battery pack rather than onboard generators. Expect the trailer to house solar panels to aid in continuous charging. It is worth noting that an EV is not required to use the electrified trailer.
Service your RV or trailer anywhere in the U.S.
Although this partnership to build an electric RV may seem quite strange on the surface, it is quite strategic. According to InsideEVs, Camping World has over 170 service and collision centers across the U.S. As a result, the technicians on-site can service the electrified RVs and Lordstown’s electric pickup truck as well. The benefit for the EV start-up is that it won’t have to build dedicated service centers to keep its fleet going. The benefit for the consumer is that if you have an electrified travel trailer or RV, you’ll have plenty of places in which you can easily service it if necessary.
