SylvanSport, Zeus team up on electric RV

Zeus Electric Chassis, Inc., a manufacturer of configurable electric chassis for Class 3 to 8 work trucks, announced an agreement with SylvanSport to develop an all-electric recreational vehicle (RV).

Zeus Electric Chassis announced an agreement with SylvanSport to develop an all-electric recreational vehicle (RV).

Zeus said it has prioritized the vocational work truck market, but significant opportunities exist for vehicle electrification across other niche markets, including motorized recreational vehicles. The collaboration with SylvanSport marks the next potential strategic market niche within the broader markets that Zeus is targeting. RV owners and customers, with their love of the outdoors and concerns regarding climate change, present a fresh market with long-term growth potential for the Zeus chassis, the company said.

“As we look at the future of mobility and what clean energy means to this planet, to the RV Industry and to SylvanSport’s leadership, we can’t imagine a more perfect partner to move forward with our combined vision of bringing amazing, electric vehicles to outdoor recreation,” said Wayne Kugel, Zeus Electric Chassis CEO.

Zeus and SylvanSport have teamed up to illustrate the possibilities for new RV designs that enable outdoor adventure in a sustainable way. By designing RVs with more efficient use of power, water and other resources from the ground up, the companies intend to make off-grid camping, or “boondocking” more accessible in the future, the companies said.

Preliminary design concepts depict an all-wheel drive, 14,000 lb. vehicle that offers range up to 400 miles. The vehicle incorporates liquid-cooled permanent magnet ac electric motors that deliver 290 hp and 3000 lb. ft. of torque and lithium-ion batteries that offer dc fast and level 2 battery charging.

“From the inception of SylvanSport in 2004 we knew the pinnacle of our achievement would be the creation of a class-leading, all-electric motorhome,” said Tom Dempsey, founder and CEO of SylvanSport. “Zeus technology has allowed us to achieve this in the most forward-thinking, environmentally clean way. What a phenomenal team!”

The companies plan to collaborate on new product concepts to realize their shared vision of a more sustainable outdoor adventure experience throughout 2021 and 2022.