The Future of Caravanning?

[RogerL]

Is this the future of caravanning? https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/...nced-caravan-makes-towing-electric-car-breeze

Expensive now but wait until the Chinese copy it and then sell it globally much cheaper - that'll kill the UK caravan manufacturing industry.

 

[otherclive]

Is this the future of caravanning? https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/...nced-caravan-makes-towing-electric-car-breeze

Expensive now but wait until the Chinese copy it and then sell it globally much cheaper - that'll kill the UK caravan manufacturing industry.

I wonder what it’s 0-62mph time is 😂

 

[RogerL]

I wonder what it’s 0-62mph time is 😂

With the caravan motors running off the inbuilt lithium battery, about the same as the car on it's own - so about 4 secs for a decent EV !!!

 

[otherclive]

With the caravan motors running off the inbuilt lithium battery, about the same as the car on it's own - so about 4 secs for a decent EV !!!

I was thinking more of the caravan on its own (TIC), but that then becomes a motorhome 😂

 

[ProfJohnL]

The idea isn't new, the concept of having a self powered caravan has been discussed previously.

It might be possible in some parts of the world, but it would require a new vehicle type classification in the UK as the trailer has its own motors and driving wheels. Just imagin the NCAP safety testing!

In general EVs have ample torque and horsepower to tow, so the problem isn't the mechanical capability, it's the limited available energy storage in the tow vehicle. So as a concept, rather than giving driven wheels to the trailer, just connect the trailers battery to the EV. I know this probably has plenty of its own technical and regulatory issues.

That could also be a solution for range extending for longer EV journeys, hook up a battery trailer.

 

[Buckman]

Not forgetting as a powered vehicle it probably would have to undergo a MOT every year, need to be taxed, insurance would be compulsory and premium will probably be eye watering expensive.

 

[Beardy]

If the caravan has powered wheels all you need to add is a means of steering it and you could dispense with the tow car all together. I think I'll patent the idea .......... I'll call it a motor home.

 

[Raywood]

It might work in America but over here we would need something lighter and the batteries then seem to be the problem. I think the Prof is probably correct and that improvement in the cars batteries are a better bet, but only time will tell.

 

[Ukdave2002]

Apparently the next version will drive its self, so simply set it on it’s way and it all you have to do is turn up later!

 

[trevormonty]

Given size of battery pack plus motors going to add few 100kgs which would exceed towing capacity of lot of vehicles. Not likely to be issue in USA where if tow vehicle is likely to be F series or RAM pickup.

Charging on roading is going to be issue. Will have to unhitch and drive RV into charging station assuming it fits. Same for EV tow vehicle. See Andrew Ditton Youtube channel on his charging experiences while towing.