Caravaning of the future: Innovative electromobility at CMT Stuttgart

Environmentally-friendly, fuel-efficient, wide-coverage – are the new features of AL-KO Vehicle Technology from the E-Mobility range. Both the Hybrid Power Chassis and the Next Generation Caravan Platform are paragons of what is possible with state-of-the-art electrical drive technology and sensors. Along with its partner, Huber Automotive GmbH, AL-KO is presenting the two electromobility highlights from 11 to 19 January 2020 at the special area, EO 38, at CMT Stuttgart.

Hybrid Power Chassis – Higher ranges, decreased CO2

With the Hybrid Power Chassis, AL-KO along with Huber Automotive AG is demonstrating how E-mobility and an internal combustion engine can be optimally connected for motorhomes. The basis of the hybrid concept is the variable AL-KO lightweight chassis, which enables modular use of battery packs as well as E-drive components. At the same time, it offers optimum protection for the batteries. The electrical rear axle with a peak power of 90 kW is engaged, if required. The battery capacity is designed for an all-electric range between 50 and 100 km. By the second half of 2020, the first configurations of the HPC® for motorhomes with Fiat Ducato end car should be available with approval for specific use.

The Hybrid Power Chassis fully meets or even exceeds the high range of a fuel-driven motorhome. For overland driving, the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is used without any restrictions. In the case of additional support by the E-drive, better acceleration values as well as a saving in fuel and CO2 reduction of up to 30 percent can be achieved. A plug-in charging function guarantees flexible, fast charging. Indeed, the journey can be started immediately with fully charged batteries without any emissions. Motorhomes with the HPC® platform therefore meet the prerequisites for country-specific requirements and approval with E-mark in Germany. A further development for even greater comfort and more ecological driving is already underway: Using GPS, the system should be able to detect designated environmental zones in [Textfeld: Page 2 of 2] fully automatic mode and automatically switch to emission-free mode.

Next Generation Caravan Platform – the trailer of the future

The range of electric vehicles when connected to a traditional caravan or trailer is greatly reduced – sometimes by up to 70%. The technical solution from AL-KO for range problems is an electrical 48 volt drive integrated in the chassis of the trailer. By actively supporting the towing vehicle, the range is increased – and this is regardless of whether a classic combustion engine or E-towing vehicle is used. The next generation trailer platform is designed for trailers and caravans up to 3.5 tons.

What’s more, there are additional benefits. Thanks to recuperation in braking/overrun mode, driving with electric cars becomes more efficient and ecological. In fuel-driven vehicles, E-support in future caravan chassis offers a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. An intelligent system architecture ensures situation-specific, electronic vehicle combination stabilization in no time at all. Thanks to the recuperation, brake support is provided when driving on mountain passes, whereby continual braking is more comfortable and exerts lower wear on downhill sections. The driven trailer axle serves as additional traction equipment to move the vehicle combination on difficult camping terrain. What’s more, the integrated energy storage ensures greater autarky: Fridge, air conditioning system and much more are “electrified” in the truest sense of the word. Additional functions, such as an integrated maneuvering system, intelligent charging functions, anti-theft protection and camera systems increase comfort. A smartphone can also be used to locate the caravan, view the kilometers driven and read out the battery charge level.