Winnebago has partnered with Volta Power Systems to produce the generator-free Travato Class B RV. Volta’s lithium-ion energy storage system will come standard on the 2019 Travato (models 59KL and 59GL), fully replacing the need for a generator.
The 2019 Travato is specifically designed to meet increased demand for off-grid capabilities, high comfort and environmental responsibility. With charging in under 90 minutes, the Volta energy system supplies up to 120-volt service with nearly 10,000 watt-hours of capacity – enough to run standard appliances including the main air conditioner for several hours or overnight.
The system charges while driving, idling, connected to shore, or through a high efficiency MPPT solar charger. A 200-watt solar panel comes standard.
The Volta system is a part of the Pure3 package, which improves sustainability through power, insulation, shading and other efficiency upgrades. The energy storage system reduces greenhouse emissions and eliminates the danger of generator carbon monoxide on people and pets.
“Increasingly, we are seeing a different kind of RV user. Today’s buyers want total freedom from shore power and the ability to camp anywhere with minimum impact on the environment,” said Russ Garfin, product manager at Winnebago. “We had been looking for the right technology to meet our high standards for quality and safety, and a relationship with Volta makes great sense.”
Volta’s storage system is built on automotive-grade lithium ion technology. Travato’s energy storage packs utilize NMC lithium ion chemistry, which is the same platform used for EV and PHEV drivetrains.
“Billions of dollars and years of lessons-learned in the automotive industry have produced a truly amazing energy storage technology,” said Jack Johnson, co-founder of Volta. “It’s exciting to see what it can do for the RV industry. Winnebago is setting a new industry standard with the Travato.”
“We designed the Volta system to be powerful, yet easy to operate. The system is simple and can be turned on by a single button,” said Bill Cavanaugh, co-founder of Volta. “By designing the system to run autonomously, we were able to make very advanced technology easy for all users to operate.”
The 2019 Travato is slated to roll out on dealer lots this summer.
