Kingsley Coach, Inc. has announced it is considering alternatives for a
hybrid version of its K-3 model custom motorhome as part of an
environmental and fuel-economy push designed to make Kingsley’s K-3
motor coach the first hybrid RV model on the market. The Kingsley K-3 is
among the largest and heaviest RVs on the road, powered with engines
from Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo and Freightliner — names more often
associated in 18-wheeler circles than in the RV manufacturing community.
The hybrid being considered would be either a regular gasoline
engine married to an electric motor, or it would use a hydrogen
injection system to help improve gas mileage and reduce emissions.
Kingsley is also pursuing the use of solar panels on its coaches as an
alternate source of power for convenience items within the coach.
“We have started discussions with several manufacturing
companies about the concept of a hybrid RV and are excited about the
possibilities,” stated Allan Smethers, CEO. “With the current high cost
of fuels, it clearly makes sense for us to explore the possibilities of a
hybrid technology. Preliminary research indicates that fuel savings can
amount to 35 percent on electric hybrids and 15 percent on hydrogen
injection systems,” Smethers added.
