- An 80 kWh battery powers the motors of this trailer.
- The trailer can be folded down to a height of just 6 feet 9 inches while on the road.
- In the United States, the starting price of this trailer is $125,000.
To combat the range limitations caused by the weight and aerodynamics of trailers, many EV drivers are unable to tow with their vehicles. In response, Lightship has created a solution in the form of an electric trailer with its own powertrain. This innovative trailer can help EV drivers reach destinations that were previously out of range.
The Lightship L1 is a travel trailer measuring 27 feet in length, and it prioritizes renewable energy and aerodynamics to enable off-grid camping without relying on noisy and polluting generators. Its unique design aims to reduce the impact of towing on the range of EVs or the fuel efficiency of gas-powered vehicles.
The Lightship L1 has a unique design that allows it to be just 6 feet 9 inches tall when on the road and expand up to 10 feet tall when parked to provide standing room for adults. Its angled front and rear ends allow it to fit snugly behind most trucks without disrupting the airflow, which helps to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics.
The Lightship L1 travel trailer is equipped with an 80 kWh battery and electric motors that power its wheels to assist with acceleration and climbing, reducing the strain on the towing vehicle. The same battery can also power the trailer when it’s parked at a campsite without an electrical connection. To avoid using gasoline generators for recharging, the roof of the trailer is equipped with solar panels that can generate up to 3 kW of power. According to the company, this solar setup can help maintain the battery’s charge for up to a week. Additionally, the trailer’s design allows it to expand to 10 feet tall when parked, providing ample space for adults to move around comfortably. When on the road, the trailer can be collapsed to a height of just 6 feet 9 inches to minimize the impact on the range of the towing vehicle. The angled front and rear ends of the trailer are designed to fit into the space behind most trucks without affecting airflow.
The interior of the Lightship L1 trailer has not been revealed in real-life photos, but only in renders. The renderings show a roomy dinette that creates a U-shape around the front, with a square sink, an integrated oven, and a hob situated on the left side. On the right side, there is a long counter with cupboards and drawers.
The Lightship L1 features a bathroom at the rear that spans the width of the trailer. The interior is filled with natural light thanks to the numerous large windows. Some of the windows on both sides are also designed to open upwards, which should allow for good ventilation.
Due to the folding design of this caravan, it has a downside of limiting the placement of sturdy items to the bottom half, preventing the hanging of cabinets from the ceiling and restricting the size of a residential fridge.
The Lightship L1 has a unique feature that the 4 to 6 people who can sleep inside will have to share a large bed created by converting the dinette. However, this combination of an electric vehicle and a trailer comes at a cost, with Lightship announcing a starting price of $125,000 in the United States.
The Lightship L1 is eligible for a tax credit due to its solar panels and battery, which can reduce its price to $118,400. As pre-orders have already started, interested buyers can reserve a spot on the list by placing a $500 deposit, and production is scheduled to begin in late 2024.
Recently, Airstream has teamed up with Porsche to introduce the Studio F.A. Porsche Concept, indicating that Lightship is not the only company to reveal a futuristic caravan.
The Studio F.A. Porsche Concept is a compact travel trailer measuring 16.4 feet in length, and it’s intended to house two individuals while being towed by smaller gas-powered or electric vehicles. This trailer’s small size and adjustable suspension allow it to fit into standard residential garages while also enhancing aerodynamics and accessibility.
One of the unique aspects of the Studio F.A. Porsche Concept travel trailer is its pop-up roof, which includes solar panels. Additionally, the trailer has a split rear tailgate that opens up to reveal two seats and a clear view of the surrounding environment.
