Correction, March 9, 3:00 p.m.: A previous version of this article listed an incorrect pre-order price.
Ben Parker and Toby Kraus, two Tesla veterans, have founded a new company that seeks to rethink another type of vehicle: recreational vehicles. Today, they’ve revealed their first product, the Lightship L1, an electrically assisted camping trailer that they claim can be towed by an EV without affecting its range.
“With 90% of the market comprising of towable RVs, we began by creating an all-electric travel trailer that is unlike any RV available today and that is just the beginning,” said Kraus in a release. “We are leveraging our expertise in automotive EV development and design to build a brand that creates delightful outdoor travel experiences for everyone and brings even more people into the pastime of RVing.”
Thanks to its efficient, pop-up design, Lightship claims that the L1 is three times more aerodynamic than traditional travel trailers, which helps it reduce its impact on a towing vehicle’s range.
It also has an 80 kWh battery back onboard, which is roughly equivalent to the battery pack in something like a Mercedes EQC. That means that when it’s on the road, the trailer actually pushes itself, which Lightship claims means that an electric vehicle with a 300 mile (483 km) range will be able to go all 300 miles, even while it’s towing the trailer.
Read: Winnebago Unveils 110-Mile, Electric RV Prototype, Production Model Coming Soon
That’s not just helpful for electric vehicles, though. It also means that an internal combustion truck can go farther. With gas prices reaching record highs last summer, many owners would have doubtless liked to get all of their miles per gallon.
In addition to helping power itself, the L1 has up to 3 kW of solar power, which means that the trailer can power the living needs of its occupants, reducing the need for propane or a diesel generator, once owners have arrived at their site.
The Lightship L1 measures in at 27 feet (8.2 meters) long, 8.5 ft (2.5 meters) wide, and up to 10 ft (3 meters) tall in camping mode. Fully loaded, the trailer weighs a hefty 7,500 lbs and can sleep four to six people, depending on configuration.
Unfortunately, all of that space and innovation comes at a cost. With a starting price of $125,000, it isn’t designed for the budget-focused camper. For those who are excited about the concept, though, the Lightship L1 can now be pre-ordered for $500, and production is expected to begin in late 2024.
