Lightship, a start-up for zero-emission recreational vehicles (RVs), has unveiled its first trailer. The Lightship L1 comes with a battery-powered drive that helps tow it without needing (much) more fuel or electricity. Behind it are former Tesla engineers.
Ben Parker is the CEO of Lightship. He spent five years as a battery engineer at Tesla and worked on the Model 3. He co-founded the zero-emission RV start-up alongside Toby Kraus, who serves as President of Lightship. Kraus also worked at Tesla, first in finance and the Model S. In 2016, he moved on to Proterra (also led by a former Tesla man) and was responsible for deploying the company’s heavy-duty EV technology.
While both mention carrying over their experience into the RV market, they make no mention of direct technology transfers. In fact, spec data remain scarce, but there are targets.
The Lightship L1 shall become three times more aerodynamic than a traditional travel trailer. The company also mentions proprietary propulsion. With up to 80kW of onboard battery capacity, the electric powertrain allows the trailer to propel itself and achieve near-zero range or efficiency loss for the tow vehicle.
And, we may add, indeed, the Lightship is made for better views with its panorama windows. Pictures on the website also reveal a PV roof described as residential scale. The press information further specifies 3 kW of solar power used to provide electricity for the living needs of the campers. Lightship adds the “no-compromise” battery system could provide a week of off-grid power without charging.
It is a feature of particular importance to CEO Parker, who embarked on a 6,000-mile road trip at the start of the pandemic, which he described as “one part soul searching, one part business research”. He also found “inefficient, unreliable product designs and a power experience that relies on smelly, noisy, gas or propane generators (which) fundamentally hinder the amazing experience of travelling in the outdoors”.
What is more, Parker smelled a business opportunity. “One in 10 American families own an RV, but the RV industry hasn’t experienced innovation for decades,” so the CEO. We want to throw in the RV tag from our archive here, however, as there have been attempts at electrifying the recreational industry for some time.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Still, a trailer of that size and style is new, and Lightship is currently prototyping. The company is also on the road and will be out for a showcase at the SXSW festival in Austin from 11 to 13 March. Those camping folks interested may reserve the L1 trailer for $500 online.
Lightship is working towards a starting price of $125,000 or $118,400 after an available tax credit and aims for production to begin in late 2024.
Keyword: Ex-Tesla staff launches electric RV trailer Lightship L1