Battery maker partners with RV brand

Battery maker partners with RV brand

The 2019 Space Craft fifth-wheel RV. Courtesy Volta Power Systems

A West Michigan battery manufacturer has added its touch to an energy-efficient RV line.

Holland Township-based Volta Power Systems partnered with Concordia, Missouri-based Space Craft Manufacturing, a builder of custom trailers and RVs, to bring the “first” fifth-wheel RV with an automotive-grade lithium-ion energy system to market, according to Volta this month.

The system supplies three times the energy as traditional lithium-ion systems in less space and without the need for a “noisy generator.”

“The new RV system means true freedom from shore power and the ability to explore anywhere without the noise,” said Jack Johnson, co-founder, Volta Power Systems. “It’s also exciting to see our technology implemented alongside other highly sustainable systems.”

The tow vehicle is equipped with Volta’s 58-volt charge supply, enabling users to power the fifth-wheel while they tow and have a fully charged system when they arrive at their destination.

Volta’s roughly 20,000-watt-hour system provides up to 21 hours of run time on a single charge, while powering air conditioning, the refrigerator, lighting, entertainment and more simultaneously.

The new fifth-wheel Space Craft also features an advanced shower system by Osys Mobile that cleans and processes water to cut consumption by “up to 90 percent.”

The vehicle cuts its footprint further with a 24,000 BTU LG Mini Split air conditioning system that reduces air conditioning energy consumption by “up to 65 percent.”

The RV also draws power from the sun with 1,800 watts of solar panels on the roof.

“Space Craft is leading the RV market with the most innovative and sustainable fifth-wheel RV on the road today,” said Greg Wallman, president, Space Craft Manufacturing. “We’re thankful for our partnerships with companies like Volta and Osys to make that a reality.”

Founded in 2014, Volta Power Systems provides lithium-ion energy storage solutions for small and mid-size businesses in the RV, marine and specialty vehicle industries.