Why the caravan industry must go fully electric

OzXCorp co-founder Andrew Huett says the Australian RV industry must 'adapt or die' when it comes to following the automotive industry down a low-emissions, full electrification path.

In a talk at the 2024 Victorian Caravan Supershow titled the 'RV Electrification Roadmap', the Melbourne-based off-grid RV pioneer outlined the steps required for the Australian RV industry to become fully 'electrified' in order to keep pace with the new low-emission tow vehicles coming onto the market, with both manufacturers and consumers playing key roles in the 'rapid' transition.

"RV and caravanning as we know it today must pivot to a sustainable, motive-assisted solution to remain practical," Huett said.

"If the industry doesn't change (to electrification and decarbonisation) and doesn't adapt, then the actual caravan industry will fall with it," he said.

He said as Australian caravannners are increasingly forced to buy either hybrid or battery-powered, low-emitting tow vehicles from 2025, like the new Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, the caravans they tow will need to be either much lighter or incorporate hybrid drive trailer technology that can assist the tow vehicle and increase the range between 'charge ups' when towing.

Some immediate steps required by Australian caravan manufacturers include a focus on reducing weight and improving aerodynamics; applying best-in-class composite construction for thermal and weight efficiencies, and being prepared for 'electrification' of all aspects of supply chain and manufacturing.

For consumers, all-electric caravans will deliver better convenience and off-grid freedoms, and help protect resale values by investing in a 'future proof' power system.

"Don't buy a (Tesla) Powerwall, invest in the equivalent power in your RV and take it on your travels... Some power systems like ours will allow you to power your house. Don't see this as a cost, it's an investment," he said.

OzXcorp has been leading the charge of delivering full off-grid caravan and towing rigs to Australian buyers since 2019, with the latest OzXCorp 'technology platform' on display at the OffGrid Campground exhibit at the 2024 Victorian Caravan Supershow, after 15,500km real-world testing.

OzXCorp also displayed some new products and technology at the show, including its latest DCX 2.0 11kW and 5kW lithium powerpacks with up to 8000W rooftop solar input and 100 amps DC output; capable of 'fast charging' the latest EVs including a Tesla Model 3 and Stark Future Varg 80Hp motorcycle plugged in at the stand.

"There's a host of technology bases built into (this van) that have been validated, and the whole purpose of this van is to make sure these products work, they do what we want them to do, but also to indicate to the industry that these things are possible, and their future is now, not in the future,' he said.

According to Huett, the current problem of limited range when towing with an EV will not be resolved practically until the 2030s, with battery-loaded futuristic vans like the US-built Pebble and Lightship impressive but unaffordable solutions.

He said OzXcorp's much cheaper re-gen trailer technology first shown in 2019 is ready to go but hasn't been introduced yet as consumers are not quite ready for it. The innovative 'driven' caravan tech is likely to hit a chord with consumers after the new range of low-emission tow vehicles start flooding the market from 2025.

OzXCorp's wheel re-generation and electric-drive hub motor technology will be available in 2WD, 4WD and diff lock configurations suitable for off-road driving, and incorporate a world-first 'micro turbine' with APU 'black box' that Huett says "turns an RV into a Toyota Camry".

The OzXCorp technology has already attracted the interest of the Australian military, and will be fitted to a test caravan soon for final testing before it's released to the public.

You can watch a full recording of the 'RV Electrification Roadmap' talk below..