Camping Trade World – Issue 08

BASE CAMP
STUDY KEY FINDINGS
Photo: Thor Industries
ELECTRIC EXPECTATIONS
■lectric RVs are coming, there’s no doubt about that. But
are they going to deliver what people want and need
E
them to? That’s what the world’s biggest manufacturer
of RVs, Thor Industries, set out to discover when it conducted its
recent North American Motorized Electric RV Study. The dawn
of this new product category represents a great opportunity for
the industry to build truly customer-centric products that cater
precisely to the needs of campers. The study revealed several
interesting trends, but the overriding message was long-range is
key – 45 per cent of consumers expect to be able to drive for five
to six hours on a single charge.
Thor president and CEO, Bob Martin, said: “As the global
leader in the RV industry, it’s important that we share some of the
critical data and insights used to inform innovation efforts across
the THOR family of companies, which allow us to anticipate and
exceed consumer expectations.
“Our motorized electric RV study confirms that the highvoltage
motorized platform we’ve developed meets the
expectations of consumers, however charging infrastructure
development is necessary to increase adoption. When it comes
to electrification, THOR is positioned to redefine the RV
experience.” Learn more at: www.thorindustries.com
08 | www.campingtradeworld.com
47%
Expect to use a motorised
electric RV at least “once a
week or more often” or “once
evert two to three weeks”.
97%
Expect to drive for three hours
or longer before charging.
70%
report that the inclusion of an
onboard fuel cell for recharging
the vehicle’s battery positively
impacts their purchase interest
level, regardless of a small
carbon footprint.
44%
Expect a fast-charging (onehour)
station at each individual
campground spot.
47%
Report charging time is
expected to be 45-59 minutes.
34%
Report charging cost from
empty to full is expected to be
US$41 to US$60.
GREEN AND PLEASANT
Being green is, of course, high
on the agenda for most modern
businesses, especially those in
this industry, which depends on
a healthy environment for people
to be able to enjoy camping.
Many of us probably think
we are doing the right thing
when it comes to this, but to
get a real sense of affirmation,
receiving an award for your
efforts is a big help. That’s what
recently happened to eco toilet
and fluid producer Solbio and
eco coolbox inventor QOOL.
Solbio was awarded with the
Ecogarantie label for 2022 – a
label that recognises brands
that show strong commitment
to offer real ecological, to help
consumers ascertain what is a
real eco product versus those
that claim to be. The Ecogarantie
label means a product is 100
per cent organic, 100 per
cent neutral, biodegradable,
features no GMO and no
petrochemicals. Meanwhile
QOOL managed to impress a
panel of 26 international judges
and be awarded the Green
Product Award for the ‘Kitchen’
category with its Box Eco+.
This product is the first cooler
made of recycled material that is
insulated with vacuum insulation
panels and equipped with special
temperature elements. This
allows it to keep temperatures
between -25 °C to +25 °C
constantly for up to 10 days. The
temperature can be defined by
selecting different temperature
elements, which contain special
liquids depending on the
temperature range.