By William Coleman
Motorhoming is adored in the UK. It is something most us have all experienced and has a yearly economic contribution of a staggering £500m. Being green and protecting the environment is something that we are all responsible for as caravan and motorhome owners. But as of yet there is no real green alternative that is a suitable replacement for our diesel powered vehicles, until now.
Until recently the only green energy motorhome was the Nissan e-NV200. Which due to its small size does not really appeal to many motorhomers. Seeing the need and demand for something bigger bigger which is green powered German motorhome manufacturer Dethleffs have utilized solar energy for their latest creation, the e.home, based on Iveco Daily van. The e.home concept is a fully sized 4 berth motorhome with a large lounge area and fully furnished kitchen.
What gets the Daily moving is a 107bhp electric motor that will power the motorhome for up to 174 miles per charge. This millage will differ depending on the weight loaded into the vehicle. But this is where the e.home concept kicks into gear. The shell of the motorhome is covered with thin-film solar panels that span 31 square meters. Dethleffs say they can generate up to 3kW of electricity to keep the 228aH sodium-nickel-chloride battery charged.
The ensure they are fully powered by green energy they have opted to use an electric cooker and heater instead of gas. Both of which are actually connected to the battery that powers the engine. So be warey that when you’re cooking your fry up for 4 that you are taking away millage.
Despite the e.home being in its concept stages for now it does show what can be done be done outside of the diesel motorhomes we have been used to.
