Striking super-van inspired hybrid-electric model coming

Remember the stunning Knaus Tabbert Caravisio 'caravan of the future'?

The unique 26ft long, tandem axle concept from German RV powerhouse Knaus Tabbert debuted with much fanfare at the 2013 Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf.

More luxury yacht than touring 'van, it was well ahead of its time, with features like a fingerprint entry system, app-controlled air suspension and a rear entryway comprising frosted (smart glass) sliding doors and a drop-down rear veranda.

The wild $1million concept was two years in the making and not surprisingly, never made it into production. But now an American RV start-up has released its own version of the Caravisio, with plans to enter production later this year...

Like the Caravisio, the new Aboard T4 caravan gets a sleek white-black composite body and powered rear opening tailgate/deck, to go with a latest-generation hybrid-electric powertrain of the type we're starting to see on a number of premium overseas off-grid caravans.

California-based Aboard RV says its new tandem axle T4 family 'van is "the only travel trailer that combines a hybrid-electric powertrain, an intelligent on-board range extender, and smart towing technology in a single purpose-built platform".

The T4 is designed to be fully self-sufficient; generating, storing, and managing its own power. It does this with a 200kWh hybrid power system that includes a 41kWh LFP battery and a 50kW onboard range extender engine that recharges the battery while travelling.

The trick T4 also boasts a Shadow Drive intelligent towing assist system that enables remote maneuvering and auto levelling, together with independent axle suspension, electro-mechanical brakes with ABS, and a powered awning.

Inside, the unique layout includes front and rear lounge dinettes that convert to queen beds at night, and a side walkway alongside the central kitchen with induction cooktop, microwave, fridge and wine cooler.

The rear section doubles as a garage, and there's an offside entry door to the ensuite that's located behind the kitchen, and which doubles as a mud room.

Externally, the Aboard T4 measures 24ft (7.2m) long overall and 8ft (2.4m) wide, with a tare of 2948kg, 453kg payload and 363kg ball weight.

It has 197L fresh, 132L grey, and 113L black water capacity, along with instant hot water and a heat pump HVAC system for heating and cooling.

Aboard RV is yet to provide a full list of standard features and options, although pricing is expected to start at US$80,000 (AUD$115,000).

The Californian start-up is currently taking US$100 deposits on its website to reserve a spot in the production queue, with first deliveries expected from late-2026.

The Aboard T4 joins a new breed of hybrid-electric extended range (EREV) 'vans recently hitting the market, including the Evotrex and Lightship.

While mostly only available in America, an EREV caravan could be on sale soon in Australia with the Chinese-built Skydream expected to launch locally later this year.

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