Hi Folks!
It seems to me that among the various vehicles that don't exist in an electric version are Recreational Vehicles! (Campers, motorhomes, etc.)
There have been electric delivery trucks out there, and many of those are now available on the second hand market.
While an electric RV would have a very short range, nearly every RV park out there has 50A 240V electric service anyways, so the RV could always be charging any time it's at a park.
So, here's my concept...
Buy an existing electric delivery truck, convert it to an RV (including the proper DMV registration) by building out the inside with bed, kitchen etc.
A number of years back, I built a "Teardrop" trailer. It was a great experience, and I learned plenty about AC, DC, Solar, batteries, cabinet-making, etc. A good friend of mine is an RV master mechanic, and can get all sorts of parts cheap/free.
I would install solar on the roof of the RV. Although it wouldn't be practical for charging the drive system, it would always keep house batteries topped off. In addition, it might be completely possible to tap into the main battery pack and use that as the electrical source for house power. Grid-tie solar inverters run in the same range of voltage as electric vehicle batteries. "Hybrid" inverters could draw high voltage power and convert it to 120V/240VAC without requiring grid power. An 80kWh battery pack would provide power for a LOT of off-grid camping!
I also have a CHAdeMO inlet and believe we could set it up with the right CAN control and software to allow for CHAdeMO charging.
The RV would be used for travel adventures and education in EVs, Renewable Energy, and all the S.T.E.M. concepts that go into the design and construction of the project.
They type of vehicle I'm thinking of would be something along these lines...
In fact, there are so few electric RVs out there, that I could probably get some excitement behind it with sponsorships, donations, and people helping me with the build!
Your thoughts?
Crazy, I know, right?