Australia's cheapest all-electric caravan arrives

Australian caravan buyers can already get their hands on an all-electric 48V hybrid caravan, with a number of premium-priced brands including Retreat ERV, Mountain Trail, Spinifex and Zone being fitted with state-of-the-art 'gas free' systems that potentially offer 'limitless' power for off-the-grid camping.

But now new Australian/Chinese caravan brand Harvok RV is hoping to bring cutting-edge all-electric caravans to the masses, with a new range of family and couple, full-size off-road caravans with 48V hybrid power systems now available in Australia for under $100,000.

Harvok is a new Australian-owned and operated, China-based RV manufacturer, headed up by Melbourne-based caravan engineer Ben Liu who previously worked at a number of Victorian RV businesses including Elite Caravans, AussieRV and Purple Line, and was part of the team that invented the world's first inflatable camper.

According to the Australian website, Harvok has bold plans to become one of China's biggest RV manufacturers, with capacity to build up to 2000 campervans, caravans and other towable RVs annually at its new state-of-the-art, 20,000 square metre production facility located in China's Hubei Province.

Currently, two 19ft 6in Harvok 1960 Powerbank tandem axle caravans are available down under, both equipped with 14.4kWh 48V lithium battery systems including a standard 3000W 48V inverter and at least 1000W marine-grade flexible solar panels on the roof.

It's all controlled by Harvok's patented smart power management system, to deliver enough power to run a number of fitted appliances for extended periods including an induction cooktop, large compressor fridge/freezer, washing machine and rooftop air-conditioner.

The gas-free vans are also fitted with a 1200W DC-DC charger, which Harvok says enables "lightning charging' of up to 1.2kWh while towing the van.

Both 19ft 6in Harvok caravans are set up for tough Aussie conditions with independent trailing arm coil suspension, a DO-35 coupling, 12in electric brakes, mesh stone guard and 16in alloy wheels with mud terrain tyres, with gal protection for the two 120 litre fresh water tanks and 75 litre grey tank.

The 150 x 50mm steel chassis is protected by an "automotive grade chassis anti-corrosion coating", while body construction includes a TIG-welded aluminium frame with aluminium composite side cladding and fire-retardant polystyrene insulation, a 25mm thick one-piece honeycomb floor and aluminum-framed one-piece fibreglass roof.

Two different layouts are currently being advertised in Victoria, both for $94,990 drive-away, including a couple's van with north-south queen bed, kitchen, cafe dinette and rear ensuite with separate shower and toilet, and a family bunk version with east-west parent's bed, dinette/lounge, kitchen, triple bunks and a separate shower and toilet.

Both vans come well equipped with a large Dometic compressor fridge/freezer, two burner induction cooktop, Fusion sound system, 24in LED TV, top-load washing machine, rooftop air conditioner and an external shower and entertainment unit, as well as a few features you don't always find on similarly priced Aussie caravans including zone-controlled and motion sensor operated LED lighting, a powered awning and entry steps, and a single key locking system.

Both are listed has having a 2940kg Tare and 3500kg ATM, and 240kg (Tare) ball weight, and Harvok is offering a five year structural warranty and lifetime power system upgrade.

While the Harvok 1960 Powerbank vans share similar construction methods and design to many other Aussie caravans on the market, Harvok is planning to introduce a new game-changing caravan range featuring automotive-style full monocoque metal construction.

The 'leak free' body construction will feature a car-like integrated chassis and body and be built using robotic manufacturing methods similar to that used in the automotive industry. The cutting-edge new range including a hybrid camper and full-size caravans is expected to join the existing Harvok line-up in Australia in 2022.

Harvok RV has a head office in Dandenong South, Victoria, not far from the Jayco Australia factory, and currently lists five Harvok retail outlets in Australia, including Masterpiece caravan dealer Escape RVs in Campbellfield, Victoria. Harvok also has plans to set up dealer networks in other countries including New Zealand and the USA.