Summary
- RollAway offers electric RV rentals based on GM BrightDrop vans
- Reservations almost entirely booked up through fall 2025
- RollAway estimates 270 miles of range for electric RVs
- Other companies, like Grounded, are also using GM BrightDrop vans for RV conversions
- Mercedes-Benz aims to debut next-generation electric vans in 2026, offering more options for electric RVs
Article
RollAway, a Silicon Valley startup, has recently announced plans to offer electric RV rentals based on General Motors BrightDrop vans. The company began accepting online reservations in 2023, with rentals nearly booked through fall 2025. Reservation holders will have access to an electric RV with an estimated range of 270 miles, exceeding the original 250-mile estimate. The RVs will feature a roll-open rear door that creates a large window, along with amenities like a virtual concierge, breakfast packages, and toiletries and bedding available for order.
Although RollAway is not the first company to convert GM’s BrightDrop vans into RVs, it is tapping into a large potential market with its electric rental option. Detroit-based startup Grounded also announced its own BrightDrop RV in 2023. Mercedes-Benz vans have traditionally been popular choices for RV conversions, and the automaker is set to debut its next-generation electric vans in 2026. However, conversions of commercial vans often result in smaller vehicles compared to traditional motorhomes.
Fully-electric motorhomes may still be a ways off due to limitations with charging infrastructure for larger vehicles. In the meantime, plug-in hybrid RVs like the one displayed by Airstream owner Thor Industries earlier this year could offer an alternative. These vehicles address the charging conundrum while providing a more environmentally-friendly RV option. As technology continues to advance and charging infrastructure improves, it is likely that fully-electric motorhomes will become more common in the future.
The concept of electric RV rentals is gaining traction as consumers become more interested in eco-friendly travel options. This shift towards electric vehicles in the RV industry reflects a larger trend in the automotive market towards sustainability and reduced carbon emissions. Companies like RollAway are capitalizing on this trend by offering electric RV rentals with amenities typically found in traditional motorhomes.
The popularity of electric RV rentals also highlights the growing demand for unique travel experiences and adventure tourism. Consumers are increasingly seeking out environmentally-friendly and tech-savvy options for their vacations, making electric RV rentals an attractive choice. As technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure expands, electric RVs are likely to become more accessible and popular among consumers looking for an eco-conscious way to explore the country.
Overall, the emergence of companies like RollAway offering electric RV rentals signals a shift towards more sustainable and innovative options in the RV industry. With advancements in technology and a growing focus on eco-friendly travel, electric RVs are poised to become a significant player in the market. As consumers continue to prioritize sustainability and unique experiences in their travel choices, electric RV rentals are likely to become a mainstream option for those looking to explore the open road in a more environmentally-conscious way.
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