The electrification of the caravan market is gathering pace, from the roll out of Australian-built caravans with 48V lithium power packs that can run the air-conditioning all day, to European caravans with motorised axles that help 'drive' the tow vehicle and increase the distance between top ups.
But now Californian manufacturer Living Vehicle has taken the all-electric, off-grid, fully self-contained RV concept to a whole new level with the release of its latest, battery-pack-on-wheels, the 29ft Pro-EV caravan.
Dubbed "the most powerful caravan on earth", the Living Vehicle Pro-EV mega-van comes with 3520W of roof-top solar feeding into a 57.6kWh lithium battery pack connected to a 20kW hybrid inverter.
Not only will that run all the appliances including the air-conditioning for countless hours, Living Vehicle says on its website there's enough stored energy to top up the electric vehicle towing it, using the integrated 240V Level 2 fast charger, thereby keeping the entire rig 'unplugged' and off the grid indefinitely.
The Pro-EV also comes with 378 litres of fresh water and 235L grey water capacity, air and water purification systems, heated floors and, being American, there's also an on-board Cummins Onan QG generator connected to the 36kg LPG tanks to charge up the batteries when the sun isn't shining.
Inside, the Living Vehicle Pro-EV trailer is more luxury tiny house than caravan, with sliding side glass doors that lead out to the fold-out balcony with its solar shade awning, and five-star hotel features like a 'spa-style' shower, 'residential style' kitchen, mobile office/laundry, and up to four berths (or six if you tick the 'Euro Loft' option that adds a hidden full-size bunk that automatically lowers from the ceiling as required).
Other wow-factor features include a 'Starview' skylight, optional 70in 4K HD, surround sound 'home theatre', extra-large fridge/freezer and Euro-style marine three-burner oven.
Each van is custom built and takes up to 12 months to build, and they don't come cheap with the top-spec Pro-EV off-grid package starting at a cool US$430,000 (AUD$571,000).
Oh, and the ATM for the aluminium Pro-EV is a whopping 8165kg, with a Tare of around 6125kg, meaning it's aimed squarely at buyers of the latest, heavy duty American EV pick-ups like the new battery-powered Ford F Series and Tesla Cybertruck when it becomes available.
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