Winnebago Electric Motorhome on a F-53 chassis

time2roll wrote:
I still think a plug-in hybrid system could work great in a large RV. Get rid of the transmission and all the related issues and service. Electric only would power the MH to about 45 mph and then the ICE would have a single clutch to direct connect for highway travel. Maybe 200hp diesel and 300hp electric to work together climbing hills etc. Maybe 50 mile electric range with the ICE generating power if needed. Just something to give balance until technology is able to go full EV at a reasonable price.

Actually, you could get away with much smaller power plant. On level ground, you only need around 150hp to maintain freeway speeds...then you can use the batteries to handle hills and acceleration...assuming parallel hybrid, 150hp electric would give you a peak output of 300hp with lots of torque (which is what gets you up steep grades).

Biggest issue is manufacturers aren't going to build just for the RV market...one option for MH would be a lot of city buses have gone hybrid If they could put the drivetrain in a MH that might work...only problem is those drivetrains are significantly more expensive than a standard diesel...it works for a city bus running 16hr per day every day where they can justify it based on fuel savings but for a MH that might do 5000miles per year mostly freeway (where hybrid doesn't gain you much), I suspect it would be a tough sell outside of those who just want to prove how green they are.