Quote:
Originally Posted by bry899
Thanks for all the technical info.
Am I wrong to assume that the additional $10k cost for a small Plugin hybrid motorhome could be somewhat offset by the deletion of the rooftop air, and generator.
Also it should also improve the mpg by something? 1-3 mpg? though I agree the larger battery would be used better for camping then driving.
and in time the $10k additional cost should also come down.
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I can only guess what RV chassis manufacturers may design and build, or how the RV industry would utilize such a chassis. Or for that matter how much it would add to cost because RV chassis volumes are relatively low compared to pickups and vans.
My best engineering guess is that a company like Ford will (or could) adapt the same drivetrain components to a different chassis in order to keep costs down. I expect the F-150 Hybrid can be adapted to Transit and smaller E-Series easily. Beyond that I believe Ford is working on similar hybrid system for Super Duty pickups and light trucks, which could be adapted to E-Series and F-53 larger chassis.
Looking at drawing below, I would expect pretty much the same architecture except that an RV chassis would benefit/need a much larger battery. Upgrading battery capacity to around 20 kWh like that of Jeep Wrangler should only add about $5,000 more beyond the hybrid option; which would bring total cost to my previous “guess” of about $10,000.
I expect a hybrid option would eliminate the generator, and make solar pointless for the most part. I think the electric dash A/C could be used for nighttime cooling when off grid, and may be used (at a minimum) to reduce the size of conventional house A/C. A second rear battery-electric A/C would be even better and would eliminate the present rooftop A/C. Passenger vans have rear A/C, so Ford would have to offer an electric-compressor rear A/C if they design a plug-in hybrid passenger van.
A plug-in hybrid chassis could also eliminate the “need” for propane system completely as an option. With good insulation and dual pane windows a motorhome can be heated with electric or heat pump. Hot water can be supplied with electric water heater as long as buyer knows quantity will be more limited than with continuous.
Note Ford drawing below shows 35 kW (47 HP) electric motor which also serves as generator, so it would be possible to power a 6-Gallon water heater with plenty of capacity to spare.
And for what it’s worth, the F-150 hybrid is relatively mild. ZF is already advertising a similar hybrid transmission but with 8 speeds rated 90 kW electric. There are essentially no practical limits to how much electrical power a motorhome can have access to if engineers are given the green light; which first requires it make economic sense. And we are probably there now for hybrid motorhome in smaller sizes.
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