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Hybrids for Towable RVs–RVers with tent trailer, travel trailer and smaller fifth–wheel RVs will find a growing selection of hybrid technology to help reduce fuel costs and reduce engine emissions. The cost of the hybrid technology adds approximately $1500 to the price of small trucks and SUVs that provide a 10% improvement in fuel use, and several thousand dollars or more to the price of hybrid vehicles that gain an improvement of up to 30% in fuel usage.
The introduction of hybrid systems for SUVs and trucks is more recent. Ford annouced the Ford Escape hybrid SUV in 2004, and GM announced the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 hybrid pickup with a 10% improvement in fuel economy. In 2006, GM announced that full–size hybrid SUVs are now becoming available for the late 2006 and 2007 model years.
Hybrid technology offerings from GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler are being offered in increasing numbers of pickup trucks, light–weight trucks, and SUVs.
It is important to review towing capacity, expected amount of use, improved fuel usage, and additional purchase cost of hybrid technology when purchasing a hybrid tow vehicle.
Hybrid tow vehicles, along with the introduction of lightweight towable RVs, provide a good combination of improved fuel usage and reduced engine emissions. In addition, these RVers may also be eligible for state or Federal rebate programs that encourage the use of hybrid vehicles.
Hybrids for Motorhomes–RVers with motorhomes have a little longer to wait. A number of joint hybrid development activities are underway including diesel engines, regenerative braking systems, and new hydraulic shifting and drive systems for heavier vehicles.
The cost of hybrid technology for the larger medium– and heavy–duty vehicles, including those used for motorhomes, is very high. The return on investment for hybrid technology for motorhomes may not be there for the average RVer.
For instance, FedEx is purchasing electric diesel trucks that reduce fuel costs by approximately one–third and also significantly reduce emissions. UPS has been purchasing hybrid trucks for the last four years. Freightliner, a DaimlerChrysler company, recently announced they are developing diesel hybrid electric engines for vehicles such as delivery vans and utility vehicles.
In early August, the Eaton Corporation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showcased the first–ever hydraulic hybrid diesel urban delivery vehicle. The vehicle is achieving a 60 to 70 percent improvement in fuel economy and more than a 40 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in a test environment.
Diesel/electric hybrid buses have been in use for at least four years and can be found nationwide from Sarasota, FL to New York City to San Francisco. Unfortunately, the hybrid buses cost more than conventional diesel buses (up to $150,000 more per bus), and also have higher maintenance and service costs.
Research and development of hybrid systems for motorhomes will require manufacturing and cost reduction break–throughs. Motorhome sales are approximately 35,000–40,000 vehicles/year and use many chassis, powerplant, and drivetrain combinations. In stark contrast, automobile, SUV, and truck sales are in the tens of millions of vehicles per year.
Many new hybrid technologies that are emerging to improve fuel economy in delivery vans, utility vehicles, and medium duty trucks could be adapted to the chassis, powerplant, transmission, drivetrain, and braking system requirements of motorhomes and the RV industry.
Motorhome RVers await the benefits of similar cost break–throughs, whether derived from advances made either in the auto or the truck industries.
Remember, Safety First, and Happy RVing!
| Alan Lidstone is a freelance author and writer living in southwest Florida. Barbara Collyer Lidstone, his wife and co–editor, is an abstractor. The Lidstones co–authored RVs – Getting Out and STAYING Out, from Fulcrum Publishing of Golden, Colorado, and they write and publish Roads 'n Toads – RVing in Florida, a newsletter providing timely information on activities and products that can help RVers get the most from the RV lifestyle. |
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