Folks, it was inevitable. The EV revolution in automobiles is happening right now, and it just so happens to coincide with a major global resurgence in camping and the whole vanlife thing. We know that electric RVs are already out there, but as far as we can tell, this would be the first Tesla-based motorhome in the world.

The mastermind behind this project is a man named Travis Rabenberg. You might expect this build to incorporate Tesla’s Model X SUV, but it’s actually based on the Model S P90D. Rabenberg calls it the Tesla Roamer, and as you can see, it deletes the sedan’s rear haunches for a small living space that has a pop-up roof, a bed, and provisions for water to operate a sink and toilet. And since you can't have an electric motorhome without solar power, the Tesla Roamer incorporates a solar panel with the capability of generating 1,000 watts of juice.

There’s another interesting aspect to this particular build. Rabenberg isn’t simply seeking to create an electric camper with decent range; he wants it to be exciting, as well. With the foundation being a P90D, its electric powertrain can generate up to 691 horsepower (515.2 kilowatts). Provided all your camping gear is properly stowed in the back, acceleration for the Tesla Roamer should be brisk, to say the least. In fact, Rabenberg expects this RV to hit 150 miles per hour, which would be enough to set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest motorhome, and yes, he already has plans to go for the record. We suspect such velocity is of little interest to typical RV fans, but this isn't a typical RV. And honestly, having a camper that can hang with cars on the Autobahn certainly has some cool factor.

At this point, we only have a couple sketches of the project, but we’re told this isn’t just a bit of vaporware. Rabenberg plans to show off the Tesla Roamer prototype next week at a special event in Michigan focusing on electric vehicles. His mission is to promote sustainable travel and appeal to younger generations who may not be interested in larger campers that are undeniably thirsty with fuel.

As such, Rabenberg plans to take his Tesla Roamer on a cross-country tour this summer, then jump across the pond to drive from the UK to Dubai for the 2020 World Expo. We'll bring you more from the prototype's debut in Michigan next week, and again when Rabenberg completes the finished build. 

Source: Michigan.gov, Travis Rabenberg

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Electric school bus, Tesla motorhome prototype to be featured along with other electric vehicles at April 17 ride and drive event in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. – An electric school bus and a Tesla motorhome prototype made by TV host Travis Rabenberg will be featured along with other electric vehicles at the Michigan Energy Office’s EV ride and drive April 17.

The bus will be on display, as Michigan’s first electric school buses are expected to roll out in late 2019 or early 2020 through a funding opportunity at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Money from the Volkswagen settlement is designed to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality for children.

Author, entrepreneur, and world traveler Travis Rabenberg will bring a prototype of a Tesla electric motorhome to the ride and drive. He is making a Tesla Roamer motorhome with an expected top speed of 150 mph and range of 200 miles in the hopes of breaking the Guinness World Land Speed Record for an electric motorhome. To encourage sustainable travel, Travis will drive the Tesla Roamer from England to Dubai, where the motorhome will lead the parade of electric vehicles into the World Expo 2020.

The electric vehicle ride and drive is hosted by the Michigan Energy Office and co-sponsored by Midwest EVOLVE and Greater Lansing Clean Cities. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Michigan Agency for Energy, 7109 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing.

Several EV models – including all-electric vehicles and hybrids – will be available for people to look at, ride in or drive. EV owners will answer questions about their experiences.

The Michigan Energy Office will host the event as part of its mission to accelerate economic growth by encouraging investment to advance mobility, manufacturing and healthy communities.

Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities is a coalition of stakeholders working to grow the market for alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.

The Midwest Electric Vehicle Opportunities: Learning, eVents, Experience project is a partnership between the American Lung Association and eight Midwestern Clean Cities coalitions in seven states. The project educates consumers, as well as public and private fleets, about the performance and environmental advantages of electric vehicles.

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