Electric Caravans , a reality!

[Dustydog]

On various EV discussions I and one or two others suggested fitting batteries and motors to our caravans to extend the EV mileage. Amazingly Al-ko have done just that. Their next generation trailer platform has a 48v motor and batteries incorporating a self generating recharge system on braking , coasting etc.
How the tide turns👏👏👏👏

AL-KO trailer components and trailer accessories | AL-KO

AL-KO offers a wide range of chassis technology, drawbars and accessories for trailers in various fields of application. Find out more here!

www.alko-tech.com

 

[ProfJohnL]

The idea's not new, and I do know it was looked at by a UK company in the late 1990's but at the time it was a non starter for a host of technical reasons which included legislative block on powered trailers. That not say such things can't be changed.

But we have virtually no information about how heavy unit will be, what amount of power and range it can add, and how much it will cost?

 

[Dustydog]

I would be surprised if Al- ko don’t have answers Prof. You know as well as anyone R& D is not cheap so these days some return on the investment will be expected.

 

[Buckman]

Surely if it is a powered vehicle it will be liable VED and perhaps even a MOT after 3 years?

 

[woodsieboy]

I wonder whether we will be moving to a hybrid type caravan where the power unit will be electric, and once on site the caravan body will be removeable and sited on the pitch with the electric power unit used as vehicle, similar to the way shipping containers are moved around.

 

[otherclive]

The future is coming and Thor own Hymer and Eldiss.

https://www.airstream.com/air-lab/concepts/estream/

 

[JezzerB]

I've just had a chat with the owner of a Nissan e NV200 EV van based motorhome; it looked really nice and he was delighted with it! They're coming!https://www.pioneercampervans.co.uk/car-model/nissan-e-nv200/

 

[Buckman]

I've just had a chat with the owner of a Nissan e NV200 EV van based motorhome; it looked really nice and he was delighted with it! They're coming!https://www.pioneercampervans.co.uk/car-model/nissan-e-nv200/

However that is not an electric caravan. LOL!

 

[JezzerB]

Just sayin'!

 

[Raywood]

The range looks a bit low for me, but it has the advantage of being able to recharge in a car space so it could work.

 

[Buckman]

The range looks a bit low for me, but it has the advantage of being able to recharge in a car space so it could work.

Why would you want to recharge a caravan that is hooked up to the car?

 

[Dustydog]

Why would you want to recharge a caravan that is hooked up to the car?

I’d assumed it is a free standing unit requiring its own charge up for its power?

 

[Buckman]

I’d assumed it is a free standing unit requiring its own charge up for its power?

Raywood was referring to range so maybe I was assuming incorrectly he was talking about connecting caravan to a charger at a service place?

 

[bertieboy1]

On various EV discussions I and one or two others suggested fitting batteries and motors to our caravans to extend the EV mileage. Amazingly Al-ko have done just that. Their next generation trailer platform has a 48v motor and batteries incorporating a self generating recharge system on braking , coasting etc.
How the tide turns👏👏👏👏

AL-KO trailer components and trailer accessories | AL-KO

AL-KO offers a wide range of chassis technology, drawbars and accessories for trailers in various fields of application. Find out more here!

www.alko-tech.com

How does the trailor know it's coasting and not being towed.

 

[ProfJohnL]

How does the trailor know it's coasting and not being towed.

Technically that isn't very difficult to achieve. sensors in the cold determine if the hitch is in tension (Being towed) being compressed ( slowing or braking) or with no force differential ( coasting) Electric bicycles have to have a torque sensor in the chain drive so the motor only assists when the cyclist is peddling.