Is Your Fishing Lifestyle About to Change Forever? Discover the Shocking Truth About All-Electric RVs!

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly mainstream, a fascinating intersection emerges between these innovative machines and the outdoor lifestyle. For many outdoor enthusiasts, the question arises: can you live full-time in an all-electric RV while fully engaging in activities like fishing and camping? To explore this challenge, my wife and I are embarking on a 30-day, 1,600-mile road trip across Florida in a 24-foot all-electric camper van, the Grounded G3, manufactured by the Detroit-based company Grounded.

This article serves as an introduction to the vehicle that will be our home for the next month. Throughout our journey, we will delve into real-world tests of EV charging, solar power, daily living, and outdoor accessibility, sharing insights and experiences along the way.

The Grounded G3: A Compact Luxury on Wheels

Walking inside the Grounded G3 feels akin to stepping into a small, modern apartment. The interior is clean and sleek, boasting higher quality materials than those typically found in standard RVs. The galley kitchen is equipped with essential appliances, including a sink, a refrigerator with a small freezer, and a multi-purpose cooking unit that combines an induction stovetop with a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven.

The back half of the van serves as the living room and dining area, featuring long couches along both sides and a large, adjustable tabletop between them. Each couch can comfortably seat four adults, though I find myself pondering whether some of that space might be better utilized for storage. Time will tell.

These couches can convert into a queen-sized bed, and there's a second queen-sized bed mounted on a lift system above it. The retractable dining table allows the upper bed to lower for sleeping. This configuration could potentially accommodate four adults—two on the sofas and two on the lifted bed—provided that the guests are nimble enough to climb the kitchen counters to access it.

For travel, however, the RV only includes two seat-belted seats, raising questions about how we would fit additional guests. For now, we are open to seeing how the space best serves our needs.

Storage options abound: the Grounded G3 features deep drawers, a medium-sized wardrobe, large pull-out spice rack-style drawers, and overhead compartments. While the electric systems are primarily housed beneath the two large couches, there remains ample storage, including a pull-out shallow storage area accessed through the backdoor. Overall, the layout seems to offer a reasonable amount of storage for a van of this size.

In terms of amenities, the Grounded G3 includes a compact wet bath with a shower and toilet. As someone who is taller than average, the shower appears a bit snug, leading me to believe that I might prefer using campground facilities whenever possible. Nevertheless, having an onboard shower is a nice luxury after a long day spent fishing or hiking.

Utility Meets Modern Technology

The front cab of the RV reminds you of its utility heritage, with wide design features, sliding pocket doors, and a deep, recessed dashboard reminiscent of delivery trucks. These elements may not exude luxury, but they offer functionality. The dashboard includes ample storage for frequently accessed gear, such as sunglasses and a flashlight, while the large sliding doors facilitate easy entry and exit, regardless of surrounding vehicles.

At roughly 10 feet tall and over 24 feet long, the Grounded G3 is compact enough to maneuver in traffic yet spacious enough for comfortable living. Grounded estimates a real-world driving range of over 270 miles per charge, though weather and terrain conditions will play a role. The company also provides a 20-foot version for those looking for something slightly smaller.

Notably, the Grounded G3 has undergone some design revisions, including a switch from a roller-style rear door to a traditional hinged model, which enhances insulation and adds a rear window. The roof is outfitted with 1,000 watts of solar panels, supplying energy to essential appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, water heater, and air conditioning. All-wheel drive adds confidence for navigating less paved roads, though its low ground clearance may limit true off-road adventures.

Additionally, Grounded has developed a mobile app that allows users to control essential functions—from lights to appliances—remotely, adding an extra layer of convenience.

While I may have concerns about certain layout choices, it’s worth noting that the G3 is just a prototype. Grounded employs a modular system, enabling owners to customize layouts based on their unique needs. This flexibility allows for rapid production of personalized vehicles.

As our journey begins, we are eager to see how the all-electric Grounded G3 performs in real-life outdoor situations. Over the next month, we will document how this EV handles the demands of life on the road, particularly in the context of fishing and outdoor activities. Stay tuned as we share insights on planning a fishing trip in an all-electric RV, managing charging along the route, and our experiences with campgrounds, local dining options, and long travel days. Will the Grounded G3 meet the needs of a dedicated fisherman’s outdoor lifestyle? Only time will tell.