Going gas-free

Getting power in a caravan often means firing up a gen set. The trouble with generators is that they take up a lot of room and not all camp sites allow generators.

But that’s not the end of it. They have to be powerful enough to run what you need, but not too big because more power often means more weight and then there’s the noise. Generators don’t always endear you to your neighbours. And don’t forget the odours and fumes.

Now just imagine if you could run your caravan and all that you have with it and not have to worry about carrying a generator with you. As it happens, some manufacturers are now making fully electric caravans that they say don’t need to rely on generators, yet still allow you to have a full off-grid experience. However, it does mean embracing new technology.

Hi-tech hybrid tech

One of the news pieces of technology in the caravanning world is hybrid drive technology. This allows a caravan to push a car up a hill, and capture energy from regenerative braking on the way down. Take a breath and let that idea soak in for a little while. It means your caravan isn’t just along for the ride, but actually participating in the journey.

Developed in Victoria by OzXCorp, the hybrid caravan system uses a 16kW/508Nm hub motor to drive the wheels, in conjunction with sensors to deliver real-time stability control, torque vectoring, ABS and brake-blending.

The OzXCorp system uses a lithium-ion battery 'bank' and extensive roof-mounted solar panels to deliver enough solar grunt to power a range of appliances simultaneously and for extended periods of time.

OzXCorp recently teamed up with Retreat Caravans making Retreat’s ERV. Retreat and OzXCorp put together a package that included a 2033-watt solar system and 5000 watt inverter coupled with a 14.3kWh automotive grade battery. While this is an impressive set up the real kicker that makes a generator free, renewable energy free camping experience possible is the fact that the power plant on wheels producing carbon neutral power.

On an extended test run over a six-month, 20,000km journey that looped through WA and the Red Centre, the company says it never plugged into external power once.

 OzXCorp claimed that they produced enough power to feed two other caravans with electricity, running two air conditioners and appliances and still having power spare -- even when tested in the shade. That’s an impressive call.

For those worried about what happens if or when the battery does go flat perhaps due to days of rain or cloud cover. The system is set up so that if the battery is critically low, the lights and fridge will continue to draw power right to the end. This keeps the occupants safe and ensures they have food.

Retreat first showed off their van at the 2019 Perth 4WD show where ERV demonstrated a breakfast scenario with a toaster, kettle, induction cooktop, air conditioner and hairdryer operating simultaneously, drawing from the batteries. Meanwhile, the lighting, TV and the full-size fridge were all running simultaneously as well.  It was a thought-provoking demo.

Potentially the true downside of the system is the fact that kit that includes an OEM automotive-grade 14.3kWh, 48-Volt lithium-ion battery, a 5000-Watt Smart Inverter and up to 2033-Watt solar system with a lithium battery the size of a 90-litre water tank, the system is a little weighty. The battery itself weighs in at about 115kg.

Alternative approach inspires Queensland manufacturer

Spinifex Caravans are now building fully Electric, gas-free caravans using a Safiery 48V battery system rather than wheel hub generation.

The Spinifex product uses a Safiery 48V battery management system that combines Safiery batteries and Victron components. The 48V system works far more efficiently than a 12V system. When you are charging your batteries at 48V, the inverter uses 48V to convert to 240V, and the 48V power is then stepped down to 12V to power everything within the van.

Final Word

The blazing outback sun provides plenty of solar to make innovative battery technology interesting, but still quite expensive. However, add in power generating wheel hubs and innovative batteries, solar and power management systems and the possibility of going gas free is possible.