Thor Industries’ North American Motorized Electric RV Study measured consumers’ interest and concerns about the electric RV future.
The study found nearly half of consumers (45%) expect to drive between five and six hours on a single charge. Thor said the information aligned with its 2021 study, which found 7-% of new RV buyers traveling five or more hours from home for RV trips.
The new survey found 3% of consumers expect to charge an electric RV with two hours or fewer of driving.
At the Tampa SuperShow in January, Thor unveiled its Thor Vision Vehicle. The electric motorhome reportedly has a range of up to 300 miles.
At the same trade show, Winnebago unveiled its concept model of an electric motorhome. Winnebago’s electric motorhome reportedly has a range of up to 125 miles.
“As the global leader in the RV industry, it is important that we share some of the critical data and insights used to inform innovation efforts across the Thor family of companies, which allow us to anticipate and exceed consumer expectations,” President and CEO Bob Martin said. “Our motorized electric RV study confirms that the high-voltage motorized platform we have developed meets the expectations of consumers, however charging infrastructure development is necessary to increase adoption.”
Other findings revealed nearly half of consumers (47%) expect to use a motorized electric RV either once a week or more or once every two to three weeks. Nearly all consumers (97%) expect to drive three hours or more before charging and 70% said an onboard fuel cell to recharge the battery would increase their interest level even if it caused the vehicle to have a small carbon footprint.
Consumers expect changes to charging infrastructure as well:
- 44% expect a fast-charging (1-hour) station at each individual campground spot
- 34% report charging time is expected to be 45-59 minutes
- 34% report charging cost from empty to full is expected to be $41-$60
