The automotive world is charging into an electric future — and the recreational vehicle industry isn’t far behind. Electric trucks, SUVs, and even performance cars are already changing consumer expectations, and now, electric RVs are emerging as the next frontier in this sweeping transformation.
At Kunes RV, we believe that dealerships have a crucial choice to make: wait until the wave of electrification hits, or start preparing now to lead it. With the first electric motorhomes and trailers entering production and new concept models generating buzz, this revolution is not five years away — it’s already beginning.
The EV Moment Has Arrived for RVs
For years, electrification in the RV space seemed like a distant concept. Large batteries, limited range, and high costs were barriers. But that landscape is shifting quickly. Companies like Winnebago and Thor Industries have introduced fully electric RV prototypes, with features like integrated solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and battery systems capable of powering off-grid travel.
More importantly, the demand is growing. Consumers — especially younger, environmentally conscious adventurers — are actively seeking cleaner, quieter, and smarter ways to travel. They’re drawn to the promise of an RV lifestyle with reduced emissions, lower fuel costs, and high-tech amenities. And when they start looking for electric RVs, they’ll expect their dealership to be ready.
Why Dealerships Must Act Now
Meeting the needs of this evolving customer base requires strategic planning well ahead of the curve. That means preparing not only the showroom floor, but the entire ecosystem that supports RV sales and service.
The first priority is infrastructure. Most traditional RV dealerships aren’t equipped to handle EV charging at the scale that will soon be required. Level 2 chargers are a baseline necessity, but planning for Level 3 DC fast chargers is a forward-thinking move — one that anticipates future models with larger batteries and faster charging needs. This also involves updating electrical systems, coordinating with local utility providers, and possibly integrating solar power to offset increased energy use.
Service departments face a steep learning curve. Electric RVs require technicians who understand high-voltage battery systems, regenerative braking mechanisms, and electronic control modules. Unlike traditional RVs, servicing these vehicles involves diagnosing software, managing thermal systems, and ensuring battery health — a major departure from the familiar combustion engine repairs.
Even sales and customer service teams will need retraining. Understanding charging times, range optimization, mobile energy storage, and campground compatibility will become essential knowledge. Staff should be equipped not just to sell these units, but to educate buyers on how to get the most out of their electric RV experience.
The Changing Buyer Profile
There’s another force pushing this transformation — the customer. Today’s RV buyer is younger, more tech-literate, and more environmentally aware than ever before. Many are first-time RVers coming from hybrid or fully electric passenger vehicles. They expect their recreational vehicle to reflect the same sustainability and innovation.
This generation isn’t just looking for a camper — they’re looking for a smart, connected mobile lifestyle that aligns with their values. Electric RVs offer that possibility. But without dealerships ready to guide them through this new territory, these buyers may take their business elsewhere.
At Kunes RV, we recognize that these early adopters will soon become the mainstream. Being ready now means not only capturing their attention — it means establishing long-term trust as a forward-thinking dealership brand.
Taking the Lead: How Kunes RV Is Preparing
Kunes RV has already begun laying the groundwork for this transition. We’re evaluating charger installations across locations, working with manufacturers on EV inventory planning, and investing in training programs for our teams. It’s not just about reacting to trends — it’s about setting the pace for what comes next.
We’re also looking beyond our dealerships, collaborating with charging networks, green energy companies, and even local municipalities to build a broader ecosystem for electric RV travel. Our goal is to make Kunes RV a hub for EV education, service, and support, offering customers the confidence they need to explore the future on four electric wheels.
The Road Ahead
Electrification is more than a technological upgrade — it’s a fundamental shift in how people experience travel and the outdoors. And like any major shift, it offers opportunity for those bold enough to embrace it early.
Dealerships that start preparing today will not only stay competitive — they’ll help define the next generation of RVing. From installing chargers to retraining staff, the steps taken now will determine who leads and who lags in this rapidly transforming market.
At Kunes RV, we’re not waiting for the future to arrive — we’re building it. And we’re inviting our customers and our industry peers to join us on the journey.
The EV revolution is coming to the RV world. Kunes RV is ready to lead the way.
