Winnebago Industries, the iconic manufacturer of RVs and motorhomes, has announced that it is set to acquire lithium-ion solutions provider Lithionics Battery. The move will enable Winnebago to harness Lithionics Battery’s cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise as it ramps up production of electric RVs.
Winnebago has been in the RV business for decades, but with the industry shifting rapidly toward electric power, the company has been working to develop new solutions. Its electric RV prototype, the eRV2, made its debut earlier this year, but with a range of just 108 miles, the vehicle still has a long way to go before it can compete with traditional combustion vehicles.
By acquiring Lithionics Battery, Winnebago will be able to accelerate its development of sustainable energy solutions for RVs, boats, and other outdoor products. Lithionics Battery specializes in delivering “house power” to appliances and other electrical features in these products, and has been a vital supplier to Winnebago in the past.
The acquisition will allow Lithionics Battery to continue to develop battery systems from its Florida headquarters, while operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Winnebago. The deal is expected to close in Q3 of this year.
Winnebago CEO Michael Happe has stated that the acquisition of Lithionics Battery will allow his company to “develop unique and diverse battery solutions across our portfolio, driving organic growth and supply chain security, and allowing us to capitalize on consumer preferences for fully immersive, off-the-grid outdoor experiences.” With the shift toward sustainable energy solutions accelerating in the RV industry, this move positions Winnebago to stay ahead of the curve and continue to deliver innovative solutions to its customers.
