By Bob Difley
The design collective NAU released a green concept RV called the Ecco, a camper that doubles as an all-electric car. The Ecco’s idea of space-saving is a lot like a mico-home and car combination used for only temporary living.
The expansive surface area permits installation of solar panelsto recharge the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery.
The aerodynamic five-person Ecco, roughly eight feet wide, sixteen feet long, and six feet tall, slightly smaller than the boxy VW camper, is built with lightweight aluminum.
When parked, the Ecco unfurls a sail-like back that allows people stand up inside, unfold beds, and even access a toilet.
The Ecco also has a 240 volt plug-in for modern charging stations when the sun isn’t shining. But you’ll need to do a bit more than collect your spare change to buy one, though a price hasn’t been announced, it will likely price out at over $100,000. Read more.
Check out my website for more present day RVing tips and destinations and for my ebooks, BOONDOCKING: Finding the Perfect Campsite on America’s Public Lands(now available in a Kindle version), Snowbird Guide to Boondocking in the Southwestern Deserts, and 111 Ways to Get the Biggest Bang out of your RV Lifestyle Dollar.
Sean Williams
Hello everyone,
While I am not ready for all of this high tech stuff that we are talking about here, I was hoping to maybe get some insight on a new unit in general. My family and I are very new to the RV world and are oblivious to what we are even looking for. We are thinking that we want a new travel trailer but aren’t real sure on what brand or on where to get one from. If you guys have any suggestions on where to try to find one, that would be great!
Dan Rambow
It is 2011, about time we start getting some futuristic looking vehicles promised to us when I was a kid back in the 60’s.
With the Shuttle program gone, and the space program in limbo, we might as well put creative minds to work on our mobile living on the ground 🙂
Too bad, concept vehicles are always abandoned for the practicality of mass production and marketing.
Bob and Julie
Whooo Weee! I like it. Sign me up. Does it come in Blue?
I do have a question.
In very high winds, does it self-stow? And if so do we all come out as cubes with blinking eyes as we see so often in cartoon shows?
I know when my leg is being pulled.
Great fun!
Keep ’em coming. 🙂
Geoffrey Pruett
Owned one of that design with a more practical (bumpers) body style made in good old GB in the 60’s. Pop up top with all sliding doors for close quarters and ample top area for solar panels with probably equal performance provided by an anemic 4 banger and 3 on the tree. Cost a lot less! It was more usefull than would seem to be the case as used a small parking area for easy shopping trips and very easy on fuel. Not having to locate a place to sleep in a non english speaking country made up for the short comings in twisty road handling and somewhat marginal brakes. Our current A gets 8 in hill country 10 on normal freeway or flat land driving, the GB unit was about triple that but you could brew coffee while getting up to speed on the freeways. Seems like there are always trade offs.
GaryM
Hey Bob…
Thanks for bringing this information to us. I bet that the folks who were around in 1911 would think that we are out of our minds driving around in our huge trucks, pull campers, & motorhomes taking everything including the kitchen sink, generators and toys. I bet the only thing in my camper that they would truly appreciate is my cast iron skillet that I inherited from my Grandmother.
Got to grow with the times and saving the earth is an important part of the growth. Heck, when we first started camping (in a tent) I never thought we would have a big 5th wheel with slides. How silly was that 40 years ago?
Keep the shiny side up.
G
Manuel Enos
I must agree with the MOST STUPID IDEA that was put forward by the Carson person…I will stick with my Newmar Dutchstar!!
Byron
How does it do on rough roads? Where’s the wheels and suspension? Where’s the A/C? What about hot water and holding tanks? Lots to be answered and tested.
Does it sleep 5 or just carry five?
At this point, I wouldn’t buy one, especially at that price.
Drive safely
Byron
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Deborah Holder
Thanks for sharing this Bob! Looks like something out of a science fiction movie…lol…but then so does the electric car I drive (ZAP) around town. Would love to read more about it…any pointers?
butterbean carpenter
Howdy Bob,
That looks like a neat electric razor.. And on a paltry 1/4M … Whatever happened to the electric Winnebago they had running around California last year.. We got a news flash AND THAT WAS ALL.. The GoRving.com site is driving some kind of
‘green’ Winnebago, but he doesn’t say much about it..
Smooth roads, clear skies & balmy breezes !!!!!!!
Tom Smith
I’m betting some of our tax dollars went to a grant for NAU to design this? One way to cut our spending is to suspend all non-medical research grants for a year or two until we get our economy stabilized.
Carson
I will be the first to respond…that is the most ridiculous thing price wise as well as visual. I would not put my hard earned money in something that looks like this going green is one thing but going in a silver bullet is another. This is over the top…