RV Business

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) (“Dragonfly Energy” or the “Company”), an industry leader in energy storage and maker of Battle Born Batteries®, unveiled at the American Trucking Associations annual Management Conference & Exhibition its Dragonfly IntelLigence technology for the heavy duty trucking industry. This patent-pending smart battery technology gives fleets and truck drivers real-time system monitoring and app-based connectivity, providing full visibility over their battery system. Building upon the proven reliability of Battle Born Batteries, Dragonfly IntelLigence represents the next generation of the Company’s energy storage solutions, designed to optimize performance and efficiency in demanding commercial applications.

Dragonfly IntelLigence communication technology empowers drivers with real-time insights into their entire battery system, providing visibility at both the individual battery level and the system as a whole. By combining a wireless mesh network with Bluetooth connectivity, drivers can use the Battle Born mobile app to monitor battery life, set custom alerts, and access historical usage data. This comprehensive connectivity, unique to Dragonfly Energy’s system, provides a significant advantage over competitor Bluetooth solutions, and will provide drivers with peace of mind and enhanced control over their power source. Additionally, through the Dragonfly IntelLigence Hub, OEMs can transmit battery data via external communication protocols, such as RV-C (Recreation Vehicle-CAN), allowing for seamless integration with in-cab displays and fleet management systems.

This new, advanced smart lithium solution provides a powerful addition to the Company’s award-winning Battle Born® All-Electric Auxiliary Power Unit (“APU”), delivering enhanced capabilities beyond what was previously available. The advanced monitoring capability of Dragonfly IntelLigence, gives drivers the visibility to now have complete confidence in the company’s lithium powered system’s ability to maintain power during rest periods, eliminating the need for idling or auto start/stop.

“The integration of our patented Dragonfly IntelLigence technology marks a significant advancement for our APU solution,” said Wade Seaburg, chief revenue officer of Dragonfly Energy. “This upgrade gives drivers comprehensive visibility over their battery system so they can rest easy knowing the battery won’t drain nor the truck restart while they are trying to sleep. By prioritizing driver experience and efficiency, we’re helping fleets reduce costs and improve sustainability.”

The Battle Born All-Electric APU, equipped with Dragonfly IntelLigence as an optional upgrade, is available now to fleets and OEMs, with public availability to owner/operators expected by the end of the calendar year 2024.

For more information about Dragonfly Energy, visit DragonflyEnergy.com.To learn more about Dragonfly IntelLigence click here.

About Dragonfly Energy

Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) is a comprehensive lithium battery technology company, specializing in cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and full system integration. Through its renowned Battle Born Batteries® brand, Dragonfly Energy has established itself as a frontrunner in the lithium battery industry, with hundreds of thousands of reliable battery packs deployed in the field through top-tier OEMs and a diverse retail customer base. At the forefront of domestic lithium battery cell production, Dragonfly Energy’s patented dry electrode manufacturing process can deliver chemistry-agnostic power solutions for a broad spectrum of applications, including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. The Company’s overarching mission is the future deployment of its proprietary, nonflammable, all-solid-state battery cells.

To learn more about Dragonfly Energy and its commitment to clean energy advancements, visit www.dragonflyenergy.com/investors.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and statements regarding the Company’s intent, belief, or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Dragonfly IntelLigence, the Company’s future results of operations and financial position, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, market size and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “may,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” “forecast” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include those set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC available at www.sec.gov. If any of these risks materialize or any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

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The post Dragonfly has Smart Battery Tech for Truck Lithium Systems first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – The city of Elkhart is part of a growing region in northern Indiana, and local leaders and companies are investing, according to a report by Inside INdiana Business.

Mayor Rod Roberson says companies not only look for places where there’s an employment base, but also where there’s a strong quality of life for people in the area.

“It’s almost like an experiential sort of relationship. You want people to experience your city,” Roberson said in an interview with Inside INdiana Business reporter Mary-Rachel Redman. “Elkhart is the anchor for Elkhart County. We realize that we are strong economically, but we want to make sure that our city appeals to people in a way that also represents that.”

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert towing brand.

The post Video: Mayor Rod Roberson on Elkhart’s Rosy Outlook first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

GOSHEN, Ind. — Debuting in mid-September at America’s Largest RV Show, Keystone RV unveiled one of its new premium single-axle travel trailers. Later in the same month, the second premium single-axle travel trailer made its debut at THOR Industries’ Dealer Showcase in Elkhart, Ind.

Taking the industry by storm, Reign and Sprout elevate the camping experience with their compact layout and impressive amenities, according to a release. Both ergonomical designs feature an exclusive automotive-finished aluminum exterior, 100% composite flooring, and structurally composite experience shell, as well as Glow Edgeview exterior accent lighting. Equipped with Dexter’s Torflex torsion axles, campers will appreciate a smoother ride, minimizing road shock and vehicle damage over time.

Despite their size, these brands offer ample storage and space for all the necessities. Their effortless, ergonomic storage solutions create additional space in unexpected places, from underbed storage to unique shelving and cabinetry. Paired with European inspired interior design, Reign and Sprout bring a unique offering unlike anything else in the industry.

Damon DeJesus has been appointed the National Sales Manager for Reign and Sprout. DeJesus brings a valuable combination of RV industry creativity and experience to the role and will be responsible for leading the brand’s sales team and driving growth.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Reign and Sprout team and provide Keystone’s customers with a refreshing, new solution.” said DeJesus.

With Keystone’s history of providing significant value for the money, Reign and Sprout create a whole new avenue for our consumers to enjoy a fun, long lasting travel trailer that is extremely easy to camp in.

For more information, visit keystonerv.com to learn about Reign and Sprout. Dealers interested in stocking their lots with these brands can contact National Sales Manager, Damon DeJesus at [email protected].

The post Keystone Intros Premium Single-Axle Travel Trailer Brands first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The national average for a gallon of gas popped two pennies higher to $3.21 since last week as large swaths of the country deal with severe back-to-back storm damage. Like Hurricane Helene, Milton will not severely impact national gasoline supplies but will affect demand in areas with destroyed infrastructure, flooded roads, and power outages, according to AAA.

Overseas, the tension between Iran and Israel continues, which is causing a slow wobbling in the price of oil but no steady upward movement.

“All this terrible weather lately could cause regional prices to rise as drivers flock to the few open stations with gas,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “But as roads are cleared and power is restored, stations will be able to be re-supplied, so any upward pressure on prices should be fleeting.”

With an estimated 1.2 million AAA members living in households with one or more electric vehicles, AAA tracks the average kilowatt-per-hour cost for all levels of public charging by state. Today’s national average for a kilowatt of electricity at a public charging station is 35 cents.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand surged from 8.52 million b/d last week to 9.65. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks plunged from 221.2 million barrels to 214.9, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 10.2 million barrels daily.    

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.21, 5 cents less than a month ago and 47 cents less than a year ago.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell by 33 cents to settle at $73.24 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 5.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 422.7 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Quick Gas and Electricity Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.67), Hawaii ($4.59), Washington ($4.05), Nevada ($3.91), Oregon ($3.67), Alaska ($3.65), Illinois ($3.50), Utah ($3.50), Idaho ($3.44), and Pennsylvania ($3.38).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Georgia ($2.72), Mississippi ($2.75), Texas ($2.80), Arkansas ($2.81), Oklahoma ($2.81), Louisiana ($2.83), Missouri ($2.84), Kansas ($2.84), Alabama ($2.86), and Tennessee ($2.86).

Electric

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (24 cents), Delaware (26 cents), Nebraska (28 cents), Texas (29 cents), Vermont (30 cents), Michigan (30 cents,) Utah (30 cents),  Wisconsin (30 cents), and North Dakota (30 cents).

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (55 cents), West Virginia (45 cents), Montana (43 cents), Arkansas (42 cents), Idaho (42 cents), New Hampshire (42 cents), South Carolina (42 cents), Kentucky (41 cents), South Dakota (41 cents), and Alaska (41 cents).

The AAA Fuel Report will take a vacation later this month and will not be posted on October 17th and 24th. However, it will return on the 31st in time for Halloween.

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.

The post AAA: Pump Prices Higher as Hurricane Milton Wreaks Havoc first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Erich Keilich has taken over as CFO of the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group in September 2024. The economics graduate was most recently CFO of the CPI Gruppe Deutschland in Ulm. He was previously responsible for pioneering projects corporate development, process optimization and cost efficiency as CFO of Bauknecht Hausgeräte GmbH. Before joining Bauknecht, he worked in a variety of international finance roles for General Motors.

Harald Hiller, President and CEO of AL-KO Vehicle Technology, commented: “I am delighted that we have gained Erich Keilich as a leader with transformational experience who will enrich our management team. With his wide-ranging experience in finance and his determination to optimize processes and results, he will make a valuable contribution to the further development of our company.”

The post New Chief Financial Officer for AL-KO Vehicle Technology first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – GE Appliances, a supplier of refrigerators, air conditioners, stoves washers and dryers for the RV industry, will return as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo.

The Convention/Expo will take place Nov. 11-15, 2024, at Paris Las Vegas and is sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center. 

“GE Appliances has increased the number of products it offers RVers dramatically over the past few years,” said Convention/Expo Committee Chair Chris Andro, Hemlock Hill RV Sales in Southington, CT. “We are grateful to have GE as one of our valuable partners.”

“As we have grown our offerings for RVs, we have continued to provide the type of quality products GE built its reputation upon,” said Attila Krizsan, senior director, recreational living for GE Appliances. “By backing the Convention/Expo, we hope to continue to show our commitment to our RV dealer partners.”

About the RV Dealers Convention/Expo

The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry. 

The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.

To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.  

Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].  

The post GE Appliances a Bronze Partner for RVDA Convention/Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: During the recent Glamping Show Americas, Woodall’s Campground Magazine (WCM) Editor Ben Quiggle conducted several interviews with people at the show to give everyone a chance to learn more about the variety of accommodation units that were displayed. Over the next few weeks, WCM – a sister publication to RVBusiness – will highlight these videos and the companies that are manufacturing these units in an effort to show off the innovation in the glamping sector. In this first video, Quiggle chats with Zach Stoltenberg, the outdoor hospitality director for architecture firm Clockwork, about the partnership the company has developed with Mscapes. Mscapes was highlighting its new NOMAD cabin. 

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert towing brand.

The post Video: Mscapes Shows Off ‘NOMAD’ at Glamping Show first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ESSLINGEN, Germany – The growing number of electrical functions in modern vehicles is reducing the installation space according to a press release from Eberspaecher.

Reliability and monitoring of vehicle electric systems are also becoming increasingly important – especially for autonomous driving. Eberspaecher is rising to these challenges with the extremely powerful and compact PowerSentinel Advanced Switching Solution (PASS). The new semiconductor switch carries and safeguards high currents in various environments in low-voltage networks up to safety integrity level ASIL D.

Whether it’s in redundant vehicle electric systems for autonomous driving, for critical safety loads such as electric brakes and controls (“X‑by‑wire”) or as an electronic semiconductor-based fuse (e-fuse)—the PowerSentinel protects subnetworks and isolates them from the vehicle electric system in case of an emergency. This feature is essential, for example, in the case of short circuits, cable breaks and overvoltage events. The semiconductor switch can carry currents of up to 2000 A for a short time and 200 A continuously. The low quiescent current of less than 100 µA with an active disconnector prevents discharge of the battery. The semiconductor switch was initially designed for 12 V, but the option of a 24 V or 48 V variant will be available in the future.

Optimized geometry and needs-based configuration
The growing number of electrical functions is increasing the demand for control units in modern vehicles—and therefore space is becoming ever tighter. Moreover, every gram of weight saved plays its part in extending the range of electric engines. With dimensions of 14.76 by 10.8 by 2.19 cm, the PowerSentinel makes installation in the vehicle very easy. In addition, the modular concept behind the configuration of the switch offers the customer maximum flexibility in terms of both hardware and software. For example, there is a choice between various safety levels up to ASIL D in accordance with ISO 26262 and a variety of diagnostic requirements can be met. The PowerSentinel comes with a LIN bus connection to the vehicle electric system as standard. CAN is also available as an alternative. The PowerSentinel was designed in-house by Eberspaecher and its specifications have been drawn up on the basis of intensive discussions with customers and market analyses. It will be available from the end of 2024.

Patents for lower power loss and smaller space requirements
In the PowerSentinel, Eberspaecher brings together its expertise and experience from more than 20 years of development in automotive electronics. The patented current measurement with no shunt resistor reduces power loss and waste heat. This means there is no need for a heat sink even at continuously high currents, which in turn reduces the installation space required. The optimized busbar concept is also a patented approach that makes transport of the current through the printed circuit board as efficient as possible and generates less waste heat. Extensive knowledge of semiconductor-based switches in modern vehicle electric systems is also evident in the equally innovative diagnostic capabilities. It is possible to test the switch continuously in closed and conducting state without opening it—even while driving. The PowerSentinel is a flexible component that can be used in various circuit configurations to protect the low-voltage electric system of modern vehicles.

The post Eberspaecher PowerSentinel Offers Safety for High Currents first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ATHENS, Texas — The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) announces an expanded class schedule for the first quarter of 2025, doubling available seats to meet the overwhelming demand for its hands-on training programs.

As one of the highest-rated RV technician and inspector training facilities in the nation, according to a release, NRVTA offers comprehensive five-week courses that promote entrepreneurship while equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing RV industry.

With elective courses such as solar installation and generator repair, NRVTA continues to address the evolving needs of RV owners who rely on certified technicians to keep their vehicles in top condition. The increased availability of these specialized courses is a direct response to the rising popularity of mobile RV tech services across the country, driven by the success of RVTAA-certified technicians, many of whom are found through the RVTAA Tech Locator.

“With thousands of certified technicians already on the road, there is still a pressing need for even more to keep up with the demand,” Kelly Bradley, COO at NRVTA. “The expansion of our class schedule is essential to meet this growing demand and ensure that technicians are fully prepared to enter the field with confidence and expertise.”

The NRVTA’s unique hands-on approach is what sets it apart from other training institutions. Through repetition and muscle memory, students gain real-world experience by working with the very equipment they’ll encounter on the job. NRVTA has invested millions of dollars in equipment, allowing students to practice and refine their skills in a controlled, hands-on environment. This focus on practical experience ensures that graduates are prepared for the demands of the field from day one.

In five weeks, NRVTA students develop the knowledge and proficiency required to launch their own mobile RV businesses or join established teams. The academy’s programs are designed to not only teach the technical skills but also foster entrepreneurship, empowering graduates to take control of their careers and thrive in a booming market.

As a leading provider of RV technician and inspector training, NRVTA is committed to supporting the industry by equipping its graduates with years of hands-on experience in a matter of weeks. With the expansion of the 2025 class schedule, NRVTA is well-positioned to continue developing the next generation of skilled RV professionals ready to meet the needs of the growing RV community.

For more information or to enroll in NRVTA’s courses, visit www.nrvta.com.

The post NRVTA Adds Classes to Meet Demand for Mobile RV Techs first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was written before hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall. Since then, the OHI Foundation has created a $75,000 fundraising goal to support parks impacted by Helene. To learn more, click here. 

The OHI Foundation is seeking further help to support its disaster relief efforts as requests for such support continues to rise due to the increasing number of natural disasters occurring.

Recently, the Foundation had to pause distributing disaster relief support due to a lack of funds.

“We’ve exceeded our budget for the second year in a row,” noted Terry Munoz, chairman of the foundation. “We have the money that is earmarked for the school through the George O’Leary fund and then we have our unrestricted funds or donations that we use for disaster relief. It has been an unprecedented year for disasters and we have received numerous requests that we have funded this year.”

Munoz noted that the foundation has had to have some tough conversations recently with park owners seeking help that the Foundation couldn’t give aid to at the moment.

Disaster Relief support is funded 100% through donations from park owners/operators across the country, and some industry suppliers, like Tengo Internet, have given thousands over the past several years.

Krystine Harris, vice president of finance for OHI, noted that both 2023 and 2024 have been “significantly over budget.”

• Fiscal Year 2024 (ends 9/30) – Disbursed $31,500 — these figures were gathered near the end of August
• Fiscal Year 2023 – Disbursed $34,500

Type of Support Provided

Parks may apply for any, or all, of the following:

• Up to $1,000 Grant For Interim Relief For Personal Use
• Up to $3,000 Grant for Interim Relief for Business Use
• Up to $1,000 Grant For Providing Shelter, Food, Clothing, etc., to Victims of a Natural Disaster, including Park Staff

* Parks must apply for Disaster Relief Funds within 60 days of experiencing a disaster.

Munoz said he hopes to highlight all of the work that the Foundation does to support the industry.

“We want to make sure that we’re getting the word out of who we are and what we do,” he noted. “Our tagline says, ‘It’s in our nature to help,’ and that’s what we do. We want people to know that and how we do that, whether it’s through disaster relief or scholarships, which help people improve their businesses by attending OHI’s national school.”

To donate to the fund, click here. 

If your park experiences damage from any natural disaster, you are eligible for funds from the OHI Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. 

Click here to apply for assistance. 

You DO NOT need to be an OHI member to apply.

The post OHI Foundation Seeks Relief Donations as Need Skyrockets first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.