Does the Erwin-Hymer Group have the answer?
Having asked the question in a previous post about the sustainability of the touring caravan set in context with the inevitable introduction of the electric car has the Erwin-Hymer group come up with a solution? It appears that the group has been carrying out research into the future of towing caravans with electric cars and have come with a prototype in their Dethleffs range, the e-home coco.
To read their press release follow this link.
Dethleffs have taken on the challenge of power/weight /distance with regards to towing with an electric car. As we all know this power /weight ratio of the tractor vehicles is critical when towing. The ratio is also critical when set against the performance of the vehicle in respect of the distance a tow vehicle can travel whilst towing. As you might expect the concept of the e.home coco is not just about the towing aspect of caravanning but also considers all aspects of the electrical requirements.
Dethleffs Solution
The solution that Dethleffs have come up with is not only to reduce the weight of the caravan unit but also to make it powered while in motion. This concept means that the weight ratio of the trailer to the tow vehicle is much reduced. The smart electronics and two batteries that power each of the wheels of the e.home cocco while in motion effectively reduce the towing weight to about 100 Kg. In effect, the tow vehicle is doing little more than steering the unit.
You can get some of the technical details in this article by Newatlas.com.
Dethleffs solution is not yet fully tested and there are still a lot of questions to be asked let alone answered. For example, as yet there are no standards for self-propelled trailer units, nor has there been any discussions as to what class of license will be required to operate them.
Certainly on the advantage of a self-propelled trailer unit will the ease of parking on the pitch as the unit will be controllable from an app on your phone. No need for additional motor movers.
Is this the future of the touring caravan? It certainly is a step in one direction that will enable electric cars to tow. There is still a long way to go and I am sure as time goes on other innovative solutions will be brought forward and tested.
