Lightship RV has just announced the development of a new travel trailer that aims to solve the problem of range drop experienced by electric vehicles (EVs) while towing. The Lightship L1 boasts an ultra aerodynamic design, electric power plant, and 80 kWh battery pack that allows it to propel itself while being towed, preserving either the range of an EV or the fuel economy of a gas vehicle that’s towing it.
According to Lightship RV, this means that “a 300-mile range EV used to tow it remains a 300-mile range EV, and a 25-mpg gas truck remains a 25-mpg gas truck.” The company has effectively eliminated one of the major hurdles for EV towing, opening up new possibilities for all-electric travel with trailers.
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The L1 is a 27-foot-long travel trailer that stands 6 feet, 9 inches tall in Road Mode and 10 feet tall in Camp Mode. It weighs around 7,500 pounds fully loaded, making it light enough to be towed by any half-ton full-size pickup, including electric ones like the Ford Lightning and Rivian R1T. The roof and dual awnings are covered in solar panels that can produce 3 kW of energy, allowing for boondocking without access to power for up to a week or more. Additionally, the L1 can even charge an EV with the sun’s rays.
The RV is designed to sleep 4-6 people, with the bed converted from the main lounge area. It has an indoor and outdoor kitchen, and the onboard bathroom is a wet bath that includes a rainfall shower. All of the appliances are electric, eliminating the need for propane on board. Unfortunately, the sizes of the fresh water, grey, and black tanks have not been revealed yet.
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The L1 is not cheap, starting at $125,000 or $118,400 after tax credits. However, the market for high-quality RVs with higher price tags is growing, and Lightship RV’s impressive team of co-founders, including people from Rivian, Proterra, Lucid, and Tesla, ensures that the L1 will offer features and build quality that cannot be found in mass-market brands.
The L1 is now available for pre-order with a $500 deposit at www.lightshiprv.com, with expected delivery in late 2024 when production begins. This innovative RV is a game-changer for the electric RV market, offering a solution that could make all-electric travel with trailers a realistic possibility. With the Lightship L1, owners can enjoy the freedom to go anyplace and do anything they want while not emitting anything harmful to the environment.
