Powering the future: A conversation with Lithionics President Eric Meadows

Winnebago Industries is focused on innovation and putting our customers at the center of our design and our products. Lithionics' lithium-ion battery technology powers a number of applications in the outdoor recreation industry and beyond - including some of our own premium outdoor products. We sat down with Eric Meadows, president of Lithionics to discuss the role they play within the company and his vision for the future of the brand and its energy-efficient solutions.

Q: Who is Lithionics and how is the company impacting the outdoor industry?

A: We are on a mission to make the best and safest power management systems. Our goal is to provide safe, high-quality solutions that minimize environmental impact while elevating the outdoor experience for our customers. As electric power sources gain popularity, people are getting more creative with their outdoor adventures. Lithionics battery solutions allow customers to fully enjoy their RVs and boats, while going off grid and being more independent and adventurous. For example, they can park and have the comfort of AC without worrying about excessive emissions and without needing to fire up a generator at a campsite or RV park. Or they can enjoy all their electronic comforts on their boat without idling or running a diesel generator.

The outdoor recreation industry is really the perfect arena for our products - especially as the electrification trend continues.

Q: What is your vision for the role Lithionics will continue to play as part of Winnebago Industries and in the industry?

A: We aim to be the leading provider and educator of the best battery technology and integrated systems for reliable power that is safe to travel down a freeway or on rough seas. Whether that's independent energy for an outdoor adventure with your RV or reliable power for a semi-truck driver to have a comfortable heated or cooled night's rest, we strive to be the center of excellence for professional-grade, portable energy solutions.

As a premier brand in the energy space, we owe it to our stakeholders and the industry to do our job: educate consumers, OEMs and the public on what makes emission-free battery energy so attractive and create the best solutions to meet their needs.

Q: What projects on the horizon are you particularly excited about?

A: Right now, we are a lithium-ion battery manufacturer with the most advanced technology in terms of safety, quality and reliability at our core. We're excited about building on that foundation with the power ecosystem surrounding the battery - alternators, inverters, and system controllers and solar controllers - all while keeping our focus on those top value propositions.

Q: What does the future hold for Lithionics?

A: We have a lot of opportunity and room for growth in the RV and marine markets. More and more customers are converting to lithium-ion power and that's fortunate for us as we carry on our mission to provide the best and safest power management solutions to meet their needs.