While many Americans desire to own an RV, they rent from companies such as Cruise America and a popular option. Now a Silicon Valley startup aims to provide an alternative to electricity.
RollAway breaks cover in 2023, announcing plans to rent out dozens of electric RVs based on General Motors BrightDrop vans. It's now accepting online reservations starting this week, Electrek reports, though the website notes that rentals appear to be fully booked for fall 2025.
RollAway electric RV rental
Reservation managers will receive a key fob to the electric RV through RollAway measures 270 kilometers widemore than 250 miles the original quoted start in 2023. The conversion includes an opening rear door that creates a large picture window when opened, and RollAway plans to offer hotel-like add-ons like a virtual concierge, breakfast packages, and toiletries and bedding left to order.
While the rental angle is new—and tapping into a potentially huge market—RollAway isn't the first company to use GM's BrightDrop vans for RV conversions. Detroit-based startup Grounded has announced its own, affordable BrightDrop RV for 2023.
RollAway electric RV rental
Mercedes-Benz vans have long been popular with RVers, and the automaker aims to keep that momentum going with its plans. nprevious generation electric vans will start in 2026.
The conversion of commercial vans is still leading to smaller cars than the old ones, and fully electric versions of those behemoths may be a long way off, especially because of the charging infrastructure not measured in these supercars. Currently, plug-in hybrid RVs such as exhibit shown by Airstream owner Thor Industries earlier this year it could provide an alternative to the car while dealing with the charging problem.