Tesla-inspired off-grid caravan arrives

As Australian RV manufacturers rush to market with full electric caravans, some of their American counterparts are stretching the boundaries of what’s possible when it comes to caravanning off the grid and having to rely solely on renewable energy.

First there was the super-sized Pro-EV caravan from California manufacturer Living Vehicle; a battery pack on wheels with enough on-board power to fast charge its electric tow vehicle and stay off the grid indefinitely.

Now there’s the Lightship L1 travel trailer, a futuristic off-grid caravan that is the brainchild of a couple of ex Tesla employees and has been dubbed the “first purpose built all-electric RV”.

The designers of the Lightship L1 prototype are throwing the kitchen sink, technology, design and engineering wise at their eye-catching creation, which is scheduled to go into production in late-2024

Its sleek exterior including integrated windows and tail lamps is claimed to be three times' more aerodynamic than conventional caravans, after its designers “spent thousands of hours in the virtual wind tunnel”.

“Our roots are in vehicle development where every design is rigorously prototyped, validated and tested for durability,” said Lightship Co-Founder and President Toby Kraus. "From the doors and windows to the automotive-grade composite body, every part of the L1 is engineered to last, so you can enjoy endless experiences.”

Helping make towing easier is a travel height of just over 2.0m, along with the option of motorised axles that help 'drive' the tow vehicle and improve its range when towing.

“A low center of gravity, with batteries packaged in the chassis and an electric drivetrain on the trailer’s wheels bring you the most stable towing experience possible,” he said.

The 8.1m long by 2.55m wide Lightship L1 caravan utilises telescoping hard-side walls to raise its roof electrically to 3.0m high in Camp Mode, and deliver an impressive 2.25m interior height.

External highlights include a sleek slide-out kitchen with sink and induction cooktop, and extra-large opening windows on all sides to deliver a glasshouse effect from outside and panoramic views from within.

Internally, the minimalist open-plan design delivers a large lounge/dining area that converts to bedding at night, along with a kitchen with induction cooktop and dishwasher, and a spa bathroom with overhead rainshower, toilet and porcelain floors.

Extensive use of durable, eco-friendly materials include stain-resistant countertops made from ocean waste, and an automotive-grade seat upholstery made from around 70 per cent recycled polyester.

The ground-up design features a “purpose-built EV backbone” with either 40kWh or 80kWh lithium battery pack which when combined with up to 3kW of solar power (including from two extendable solar awnings) should be enough to power all the appliances off the grid for at least seven days.

The Lightning L1 can also be used to charge up your EV tow car when camping, or run the home appliances when parked in the driveway.

The techno-laden travel trailer will sleep up to six people and weigh up to 3402kg fully loaded.

“With 90 per cent 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,” Kraus said.

“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.”

The company is currently taking $US500 deposits on its website to reserve one of the first production versions. Two models are being advertised: an entry-level L1 Essential priced from $US125,000 (around $A190,000), and a top-spec L1 Long Range with drive motor from $US151,500 (around $A230,000).