China's RV market approaches billion-dollar scale

Offers for the supply of the new Chinese BYD Wanaka motorhome, built on the hybrid BYD T5DM chassis, have appeared on the Russian market. The semi-integrated camper is available for order from China, with delivery, customs clearance, and all fees included in the price. The motorhome features a hybrid powertrain with 204 hp, 1200 Ah lithium batteries, and 2200 W solar panels. The price starts at 10,070,000 rubles including VAT, with the final cost depending on the configuration.

IMTEST tested the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 battery-powered cooler. It features integrated wheels, a fold-out table, and a bottle opener. Cooling from 22°C to 7°C took 19 minutes, slightly above the claimed 15 minutes. After power-off, internal temperature rose from 7°C to 12°C in 34 minutes, indicating limited insulation. Holding-mode power consumption is about 140 Wh, among the highest in the test group.

On June 26, the Furong Guoli motorhome villa hotel opened in Xiangtan, Hunan Province, featuring 120 units with private courtyards along the Xiangjiang River. Part of the 6th Hunan Tourism Development Conference, the project offers a '2-day, 1-night' urban micro-vacation. Each motorhome includes a terrace, outdoor kitchen, and parking, set on a 10.5-hectare site with 65% green space and themed areas inspired by the 'Eight Views of Xiaoxiang'. The hotel caters to couples, families, and groups, with amenities like restaurants, a pool, and meeting rooms.

The Chinese government has released 17 measures to boost the automotive aftermarket, including motorhomes and camping. Authorities are simplifying motorhome registration and land approval for campsites. The automotive aftermarket in China is expected to exceed 10 trillion yuan in the next 5-10 years.

Zeekr has launched the 7 GT in Europe, a 4.8-meter electric shooting brake built on Geely's SEA platform. It offers rear-wheel drive (421 hp) or all-wheel drive (646 hp, 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds). Battery options are 75 kWh (LFP) and 100 kWh (NMC), with a range of up to 655 km. The 800V architecture supports fast charging from 10% to 80% in 16 minutes at 480 kW. Pricing starts at €44,990 for the RWD version, undercutting rivals by €15,000.

Chinese company Juzheng Auto converted a Toyota Hiace into an RV with a VIP lounge. The van features leather seats that fold into a bed, LED ceiling lighting, a TV, and a sink. A notable addition is a toilet, which is rare in converted vans. The conversion costs approximately $50,000.