�
The ERV 199R has 2000W worth of solar on the roof .
The battery is connected to a 5000W inverter , which itself is connected to all of the van ’ s general power outlets .
Inside , you ’ ll find a 274L compressor fridge and – most impressively – a full electrical induction cooktop , griller and electric oven . That ’ s right : no gas is required to cook your meals . What ’ s more , the inverter and battery have enough grunt to run the cooktop and oven , the fridge , a kettle , a toaster , the 28L electric hot water service , a hairdryer and even the reverse-cycle airconditioner simultaneously . The air-con unit is mounted under the bed . Retreat intentionally chose the Truma Saphir under-bed unit , rather than a roof-mounted aircon , in order to free-up roof space for solar .
The all-electric theme continues outside the van . Retreat has fitted a Weber Pulse barbecue to a slide-out tray at the nearsidefront , out from under the awning . The Pulse operates on electricity , rather than gas , and it ’ s just a case of flicking a switch inside the tunnel where the barbecue lives , and then turning the temperature dial on the barbecue .
If the thought of being sustained entirely by free , renewable energy when caravanning doesn ’ t impress you , or you otherwise remain skeptical about this technology , here ’ s another benefit : having no gas appliances means there ’ s no need for vents . No vents means no dust – the bane of the caravanner ’ s life .
40 \