Coachmen\u2019s new RVEX is an all-electric Class B motorhome built on GM\u2019s BrightDrop delivery van platform, targeting an MSRP of about $150,000. The company pairs BrightDrop\u2019s largest available Ultium traction pack with an RV-specific living buildout and quotes an estimated 270 miles of range for the finished vehicle. That price point places the RVEX well below some BrightDrop-based rivals on the market, and it puts electric van life into reach for more buyers who have found full EV conversions prohibitively expensive.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Designer: Coachmen<\/p>\n
Grounded\u2019s G3, the closest BrightDrop-based competitor, is offered in multiple trims with reported pricing from roughly $165,000 to $200,000 depending on options. Both vehicles share the same BrightDrop 600 chassis, but Coachmen found cost savings through innovative lightweight materials that don\u2019t compromise functionality. The company worked with Genesis Products on lightweight cabinetry, panel systems, and other interior components. Genesis reports a roughly 45 percent reduction in cabinet weight and savings of about 290 pounds versus conventional RV construction, which directly benefits range and performance.<\/p>\n
Grounded RV<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The RVEX makes no apologies for its boxy, utilitarian silhouette. Coachmen retained the BrightDrop\u2019s angular commercial van profile because it maximizes interior volume and simplifies the buildout process. Where traditional RVs waste space with rounded edges and decorative molding, the RVEX uses every cubic inch for living space or storage.<\/p>\n
The exterior maintains the BrightDrop\u2019s distinctive front end with its wide windscreen and modern LED lighting signature. Large side windows flood the interior with natural light, a significant upgrade from the windowless cargo van that typically serves package delivery fleets. The design language reads purposeful rather than sleek, which makes sense for a vehicle targeting practical adventurers over luxury travelers.<\/p>\n
Coachmen\u2019s most significant design departure appears at the rear. The split-opening tailgate replaces the standard cargo doors with an innovative two-part system. The upper section features a large electrochromic glass panel that switches between transparent and opaque at the press of a button, allowing occupants to control privacy and ambient light independently. The lower section functions as a traditional hinged door for access. This indoor-outdoor connection transforms how you interact with your surroundings compared to conventional RV layouts with small windows and solid walls.<\/p>\n
The vehicle retains the sliding front doors of the BrightDrop van, providing easy access from both sides. The front passenger door received a power upgrade, operating via buttons on the door panel or a remote control, adding convenience over the manual operation typical of commercial vans.<\/p>\n
Under the skin, Coachmen uses the BrightDrop 600 architecture fitted with the platform\u2019s Max Range battery option, which is roughly 172 to 173 kWh in published Ultium configurations. The company quotes an estimated 270 miles of range for the finished RVEX. In BrightDrop form, GM advertises different combined range values depending on battery and drivetrain choices, so the RVEX\u2019s 270-mile estimate reflects the weight and systems added by a full motorhome fit rather than the base cargo van\u2019s advertised figure.<\/p>\n
The BrightDrop 600 powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system generating 300 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. This provides confident acceleration and all-weather capability that matters when you\u2019re hauling a fully loaded RV through varied terrain and weather conditions.<\/p>\n
DC fast charging can add roughly 160 miles in about an hour in ideal conditions, according to GM. Early owner reports show the BrightDrop platform may sometimes top out at charging rates near 120 kW. These are important caveats when you plan long road legs. Unlike a passenger EV where slower charging means a longer coffee break, an RV charging stop affects your entire travel day and campsite arrival time.<\/p>\n
For extended trips, Coachmen specifies the RVEX includes roughly 1,000 watts of solar panels and a 1,000-amp-hour 48-volt house battery system, allowing off-grid camping without constantly seeking charging stations. A 50-amp shore power connection handles campground hookups when available. These systems are designed to keep living loads off the traction battery during stops and reduce the frequency of propulsion charging. You can run your refrigerator, lights, and climate control from the house battery while preserving the main pack for driving.<\/p>\n
Step inside and you\u2019ll notice the RVEX abandons traditional RV aesthetics. Where most motorhomes lean heavily on wood-grain laminate and brass fixtures that scream 1990s vacation rental, Coachmen opted for a cleaner, more contemporary approach. The Genesis Products cabinetry uses lightweight materials with a modern finish. Corrugated metal accent panels add industrial texture without the weight penalty of solid wood construction.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The galley-style kitchen runs along one side, maximizing the central living space. Coachmen specifies a stove, convection microwave, and a 12-volt refrigerator for full meal preparation capability. An 18-gallon fresh water tank and grey water system support the bathroom facilities, creating a self-contained living environment for extended trips without campground hookups.<\/p>\n
The dual sofa arrangement defines the flexible sleeping area. The rear lounge converts into a king-size bed from paired sofas, adapting to solo travelers or couples without compromise. The tan upholstery and wood-tone accents maintain warmth without falling into dated RV styling tropes. When you\u2019re not sleeping, the sofas provide comfortable seating for meals, work, or relaxation with sight lines to those large side windows and the electrochromic rear glass.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This design approach reveals where Coachmen saved money versus the more expensive Grounded G3. The G3 underwent what the company calls a \u201cground-up reimagining\u201d with aluminum frame construction, no exposed hardware tracks, and extensive customization options for colors and textures. The RVEX takes a more utilitarian path with visible functional elements and a standardized finish. Both strategies work, but they serve different buyers at different price points. If you prioritize custom finishes and hidden hardware, the G3 justifies its premium. If you want functional space and proven RV manufacturer support, the RVEX delivers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Up front, the cockpit retains the BrightDrop\u2019s standard layout, including an 11.3-inch central touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Coachmen added a passenger seat for convenience during travel, a practical upgrade from the commercial van\u2019s single driver position. The driving position sits high with excellent sight lines, maintaining the delivery van\u2019s urban maneuverability despite the added living quarters.<\/p>\n
Grounded\u2019s G3, one of the closest BrightDrop-based campers, is offered in multiple trims with reported pricing from the mid-$160,000s up to about $200,000 for a fully equipped version. That makes the RVEX\u2019s targeted $150,000 MSRP notable as a lower-cost, production-backed option from an established RV manufacturer rather than a small startup.<\/p>\n
Still, the vehicles aim at slightly different buyers. Grounded\u2019s high-trim builds put more emphasis on bespoke interiors and heavy customization, whereas Coachmen\u2019s approach leans on scale, materials engineering, and standardization to reduce cost while keeping capability. Grounded caters to buyers who want their electric RV to feel like a custom build. Coachmen targets buyers who want a proven RV brand\u2019s dealer network, warranty support, and parts availability.<\/p>\n
The base BrightDrop 600 commercial van that both companies start with has a combined range that GM advertises differently depending on configuration. The RVEX\u2019s 270-mile estimate and the G3\u2019s similar range claims both reflect the reality that adding living quarters, systems, and occupants reduces the theoretical maximum range of an empty cargo van.<\/p>\n
Electric RVs face a unique challenge. Range anxiety intensifies when your vehicle is also your home, and charging infrastructure designed for passenger cars doesn\u2019t always accommodate larger vehicles with specific power requirements. You can\u2019t just pull up to any urban fast charger when you\u2019re driving a van that won\u2019t fit in a parking garage or narrow charging station.<\/p>\n
The RVEX addresses this through its solar panel integration and substantial house battery capacity, reducing dependence on external charging for daily living needs while the main battery handles propulsion. This separation matters more than it might seem. A passenger EV driver worries about making it to the next charger. An RV driver also worries about running their refrigerator, water pump, and climate control overnight without draining the driving battery.<\/p>\n
The targeted $150,000 price point positions the RVEX competitively within the traditional RV market while offering electric propulsion benefits: lower operating costs, quieter operation, and reduced maintenance compared to diesel alternatives. The pricing advantage versus the Grounded G3 provides budget room for charging equipment installation at home or additional accessories like awnings, bike racks, or upgraded solar panels.<\/p>\n
Coachmen\u2019s approach demonstrates that electric RV pricing can reach practical levels through strategic material choices and engineering efficiency rather than simply accepting premium positioning. The RVEX proves that electric van life doesn\u2019t require six-figure budgets that exclude most potential buyers. For families ready to explore electric adventure travel, this represents an accessible entry point from an established RV manufacturer with 60 years of experience and the financial backing of Forest River and Berkshire Hathaway.<\/p>\n
That backing matters. Small RV startups come and go, leaving buyers with orphaned vehicles when warranty issues arise or parts need ordering. Coachmen\u2019s established dealer network and parts supply chain provide insurance against those risks.<\/p>\n
The Coachmen RVEX offers a pragmatic route to electric van life. It pairs a large Ultium battery and BrightDrop drivetrain with lightweight materials and a full living fit, and Coachmen is emphasizing practicality and dealer support as part of the package.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For anyone weighing an EV motorhome, the key checks remain the same. Verify the vehicle\u2019s real-world charging speeds for your routes, since the 120 kW limitation affects trip planning more than the optimistic one-hour claims suggest. Confirm dealer pricing and options at purchase, as targeted MSRPs don\u2019t always match showroom numbers once destination charges and dealer markups apply. Compare trim-for-trim equipment against rivals like the Grounded G3 to understand whether the price difference reflects missing features or simply different business models.<\/p>\n
The RVEX won\u2019t set range records or win design awards, but it brings electric RV ownership within reach for buyers who\u2019ve been priced out by six-figure customs builds and startup premiums.<\/p>\n
The post Coachmen RVEX: This 270-Mile BrightDrop-Based Electric RV Targets $150,000<\/a> first appeared on Yanko Design<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Coachmen\u2019s new RVEX is an all-electric Class B motorhome built on GM\u2019s BrightDrop delivery van platform, targeting an MSRP of about $150,000. The company pairs BrightDrop\u2019s largest available Ultium traction pack with an RV-specific living … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n