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A US startup called Lightship aims to become a Tesla maker of RVs with battery-powered travel trailers.
Founded in 2020, Lightship on Wednesday unveiled the L1, a trailer powered by an 80-kwh battery pack, which can not only power the equipment, but also help propel the trailer. This propulsion system means the EV towing it won’t lose range, and the internal combustion vehicle’s fuel economy won’t suffer, according to Lightship, which claims in a press release that a 300-mile EV “will still be a 300-mile EV.” while towing the L1.
Measuring 27 feet long, 8 feet wide and 10 feet high in maximum space camping mode, the L1 is also more aerodynamic than a traditional trailer, and can run on battery power for up to a week without recharging, according to Lightship. The solar panels can also generate up to 3 kw of power, eliminating the need for a propane or gasoline generator, the company claims.
Lightship L1 battery powered travel trailer
Lightship was founded by former Tesla employees Ben Parker and Toby Kraus, and claims to have veterans Rivian and Lucid, as well as electric bus maker Proterra and autonomous driving startup Zoox, in its ranks as well. Parker and Kraus aim to apply the same ethos of these companies to the RV market.
“Lightship takes a clean approach to building all-electric RVs in the same way that Tesla disrupts established automakers,” according to the release.
The L1 is definitely like Tesla in one aspect. Its $125,000 base price is about the same as a loaded Model X Plaid after its recent price cut. Lightship claims the L1 will qualify for a $6,600 tax credit, and is currently accepting $500 reservations. Production is slated to start in late 2024.
Lightship L1 battery powered travel trailer
RV life with an electric vehicle will require some new approaches, as real-world reach can be cut in half when towing a trailer. Lightship isn’t the only company working on such an approach.
Airstream last year revealed the eStream, with claims that it could potentially increase range (or mpg when towed by a gasoline vehicle). It builds on the E-Home Caravan made by European motormaker Dethleffs, with technology from supplier ZF.
Colorado Teardrops has revealed a different concept — in which the vehicle pulls an extra battery pack on the camper trailer, which is then used to give the EV an extra charge.
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