tesla semi RV concept imagines zero-emission motorhome

a startup called vanlifer, which designs campervans for clients all over the world, has imagined the in-development tesla semi truck as a zero-emission, all-electric motorhome. the concept design is a six-person RV, which includes a full kitchen, living space, and bathroom.

the official all-electric battery-powered class 8 semi-trailer truck isn’t actually set to hit the road until 2021. but that hasn’t stopped vanlifer revealing a concept motorhome it says could easily build mount onto the back of the semi, ahead of its scheduled release.

‘we’ve designed a concept motorhome build which would be built onto the back of the tesla semi – tesla’s class 8 electric truck,’ explains jason h, founder of vanlifer. ‘[it] could make the world’s first long-range all-electric motorhome or RV.’

the motorhome build would need minimal modification to the chassis of a tesla semi, only requiring the addition of composite structure onto the semi’s back. the tesla semi will have a maximum tow weight of 36 metric tons (80,000 lbs.), which is more than enough to tote a motorhome on the back.

‘our concept is a six-berth with a full kitchen, living space, toilet and all the other luxuries of high-end motorhomes and RVs,’ adds jason. ‘the tesla semi with enhanced autopilot and a range of up to 500 miles on a single charge is very exciting. here at vanlifer, we see it as the future of electric motorhomes, campervans and RVs.’

jason also notes that the range of 500 miles makes it ideal for motorhomes, ‘so you can clock up some big drive days without the accompanying gas-guzzling guilt.’ he also argues that with a guide price of $180,000 for the 500-mile version isn’t that expensive for a large luxury motorhome. tesla says the semi will enter production in 2019 and is already taking reservations at $20,000 per truck.

project info

company: vanlifer

model: tesla semi-home

type: concept