Dethleffs’ electric motorhome showcased

Dethleffs, which is part of the Erwin Hymer Group, has shown its idea of motorhoming in the future with its new e.home concept all-electric motorhome

The coachbuilt motorhome is completely dependent on electric power and is based on the Iveco Daily Electric Chassis. It has three sodium-nickel chloride batteries with an output of 3x76Ah at 400V, which gives an initial range of 111 miles (180km).

All the habitation and vehicle equipment draws electricity from these three batteries, so there is no gas supply, which means all cooking and heating is electric.

Dethleffs has almost completely wrapped the motorhome in photovoltaic foil with a thin layer of solar cells. With a total area of 31sq.m, this produces additional electricity with an output of 3,000W, which is used to help recharge the three batteries.

Alongside the electric drive, the e.home study shows numerous details that may see their way into production models, such as electric blackout windows. An electric, dimmable sheet between the isolation panes of the window can ensure privacy and protect from glare and heat.

“The focus of our development is currently on areas such as battery capacity, vehicle weight and construction, as we want to increase the range of our vehicles quickly. Our electric vehicle will be ready for the market when it can travel 500k (310 miles) without having to be charged from time to time,” says Jan de Haas, board member of the Erwin Hymer Group.