The EV revolution in the recreational vehicle and camping world continues apace with the launch of Grounded’s new fully electric Ford Transit RV. The company will begin delivering its first G1s via a monthly subscription model in April 2023, and lease and outright purchase options will also be available.
The Transit, in all its variations, has grown in popularity with the vanlife crowd, and Ford’s recent hard shift toward EV platforms in its truck and commercial vehicle lineup meant these two worlds were bound to collide. Founded by ex-Tesla and SpaceX engineers and executives, Grounded is based in Detroit to facilitate close collaboration with Ford’s commercial arm. The company is focused on cutting-edge design and manufacturing processes to offer customized options for individual customers’ needs, all mediated through the van’s app.
Sam Shapiro, Grounded’s CEO, says,
We’ve designed a new assembly system that allows us to manufacture customized designs at scale, and our library of components enables a near-infinite amount of layouts. Fully integrated electronics, which can be managed through the Grounded+ app, provide a smart RV experience, giving a detailed view of how much energy each on-board appliance is using and the ability to remotely control all aspects of the vehicle and living space.
The goals of the subscription service are to offer the mobile living experience for less than the median cost of rent across the US ($2300 per month) while allowing those who are “van curious” to dip their toes in the vanlife waters without having to write a big check for a van of their own. For those looking to take the big plunge, the purchase price starts at $125,000, and the G1 is available to reserve now for a $100 refundable deposit on their website.
Technically speaking, the G1 E-Transists are fully powered by electricity and aided in part by 650-Watt solar capacity. The modular interior allows users to shape and define the space with infinite layouts—without the cost and wait time of other bespoke builds. Grounded’s proprietary software connects all of the electronics used, allowing RVers to view usage patterns, control surroundings, and diagnose potential issues, and the Grounded+ app provides a single source of information and control.
“Imagine finishing up a cold hike and using your Grounded+ app to start your van and heat up the cabin before you get back,” said Shapiro. “The G1 is shaping a new future for connected electric RVs.”
The big question for all potential EV explorers is range. The first generation G1 will have 108 miles of projected range, while the second generation G2 van (available in July 2023) is expected to offer up to 250 miles. Long-distance haulers these are not, and for that reason, ICE RVs won’t exactly disappear overnight. However, Grounded’s clever manufacturing process and no-commitment subscription model are potential windows into the future of EV vanlife.
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