Bowlus RV models are now fully electric
Several RV manufacturers have begun shifting their focus to renewable energy sources and electric vehicles. Many manufacturers now offer solar panels and alternative fuel sources, but Bowlus has taken a bold stance and established itself as the first RV manufacturer to offer an all-electric lineup.
Bowlus is one of the oldest brands in the RV world, with roots dating back to the 1930s. Bowlus has constantly evolved their products to meet current demand. Today, they make luxurious, lightweight trailers that can be towed by a variety of vehicles. The company has gone one step further by switching to all-electric vehicles that do not rely on fossil fuels at all.
Bowlus is a high-value brand, so this shift in the industry is significant! If Bowlus is willing to take the leap and commit to developing electric RVs, others may soon follow suit. Their recently introduced electric RVs have been successful, and we can expect to see more examples of their ingenuity as they push the envelope in the future. There are several facets to this decision, which we will discuss below.
Electric motorhomes
Bowlus has been interested in the potential of electric motorhomes for some time. Bowlus made its first attempt with the 2022 Bowlus Volterra, the first all-electric motorhome. It followed classic design principles with a streamlined aluminum shell and natural wood interior.
In addition to these standard features, the vehicles were also equipped with a large power bank and an incredibly advanced battery system. It was capable of generating 17 kWh of lithium iron phosphate electricity! These models were also so light that they could be towed by electric vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
As an added feature, they even had emergency EV charging that allowed towing vehicles to travel up to 65 miles beyond their usual limits. This was a handy feature for electric RV enthusiasts, as towing vehicle range was a limiting factor for many people.
They also had efficient solar panels and large water tanks. This made them self-sufficient and customers could camp anywhere they wanted! The vehicles were comfortable, lightweight and sustainable.
Other Bowlus models
“Our conversion to all-electric vehicles is important because it sets a precedent. While most RV manufacturers rely on old technologies like propane and gas or traditional batteries, we’re breaking new ground, just as we always have. Imagine enjoying the outdoors without the sound of a generator – it’s a whole new experience to go all-electric.”
Geneva Long, founder and CEO of Bowlus
When the Volterra was launched, it triggered a transformation at the Bowlus brand. These new vehicles were so popular and successful that the company’s management decided to push ahead with its plans for an all-electric product range in the coming years.
All future product releases will be all-electric, including new models of the Terra Firma and Heritage. It is also likely that we will see new product lines that better meet consumer needs. Bowlus has always been a high-end brand that produced luxury vehicles. Many of their products sold for $300,000 or more, so they were not easily accessible to most Americans.
However, newer models like the Bowlus Heritage are priced much lower (closer to $150,000). They are still quite expensive, but there seems to be a focus now on clean energy and lower prices. If the current trend continues, more and more people will enjoy all-electric RVs.
The company’s ultimate goal is to develop RVs that use renewable energy sources. They also want to make it easier for electric vehicles to tow their vehicles. Most models weigh between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds, so they are definitely on the lighter end of the scale.
Electric vehicles are also becoming more powerful and efficient every year. Currently, there are many cars and trucks that can tow a trailer of this size, and the range of options will only continue to grow as manufacturers shift their focus to electric vehicles and clean energy solutions.
About Bowlus
Although Bowlus is an RV brand, it can trace its roots back to the skies! The original founder of this company was Hawley Bowlus, the inventor of the famous Spirit of St. Louis airplane. He was inspired by the airplane’s aluminum frame, riveted panels, and lightweight design.
This prompted him to develop the first ever riveted aluminum travel trailer. Work began in 1934 and the brand continues to be successful today. Although the equipment and technology of these caravans has evolved over the years, the aesthetics and commitment to quality have never changed.
In 2011, the brand was revived with Geneva Long at the helm. It committed to developing motorhomes that were lightweight and made with attention to detail. These new Bowlus models were sleek and aerodynamic, so they could be easily towed by smaller vehicles.
Over the years, the catalog of caravans has continued to improve. Thus, many models have remote-controlled technical updates, bathrooms with spa character and high-quality sleeping and dining areas (source).
Now the company is on the cusp of a new era! Soon, every RV will be all-electric, without customers having to sacrifice the quality they’ve come to expect from this brand. These caravans will still be easy to pull, luxurious and highly customizable.
They do come with a hefty price tag, but these changes could have an impact on the industry as a whole. Keep an eye on these electric caravans as we believe they will be a game changer for RVs of all shapes and sizes.