Is this the future of camping?
Battery-stacked camper trailer doubles as mobile charging station for electric tow vehicleAmerican manufacturer Colorado Teardrops has come up with a real-world solution to the problem of range-anxiety when towing a caravan or camper trailer with an electric vehicle.
Due to go into production next year, the new Boulder EV adventure trailer is aimed at owners of smaller, battery-powered tow vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, and combines a lightweight, aerodynamic teardrop camper design with a built-in battery bank that provides back-up power for the battery-powered tow vehicle when off the grid.
According to the Boulder, Colorado-based business, the camper's massive 75KwH lithium-ion battery pack (the same size as a Tesla Model 3 Long Range) is located in an actively cooled, sealed section under the trailer, and is topped up using an EV charging station either at home or on the road.
The camper can then be used as a mobile charging station for the EV tow vehicle and, with the aid of DC-DC Level 3 fast-charging, will add up to 160km driving range in 10 minutes, or recharge 80 per cent of the tow vehicle's batteries in around 80 minutes.
Measuring 4.875m long by 2.05m wide by 1.825m high (overall), the Boulder EV camper's expected Tare weight of around 880kg and ATM of around 1600kg should make it towable by quite a few full electric tow vehicles currently available.
Helping keep the weight down is an insulated aircraft-grade aluminum body, with hardwood interior fit-out and torsion axle suspension. The compact interior layout includes seating that converts to a queen-size bed, with another two bunk beds for the kids, and a rear lift-up galley for cooking and food preparation.
There should also be plenty of natural light filtering inside when opened up, thanks to a 'galaxy-gazer' window and gull-wing side doors.
Colorado Teardrops plans to offer a Bluetooth app so owners can monitor battery charge from a smart phone, and hopes to also offer 'recharging on the run' to go with stationary, road-side battery top-ups.
"Many electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla currently do not allow charging from outside sources while the vehicle is moving," the company said on its website.
"We are actively monitoring this situation, working with third party solution providers, and will work with EV manufacturers to encourage this feature – and we will embrace it when this capability is ready."
A range of camping options will also be available, including a space heater, air-conditioner, induction stove, on-demand hot water, and battery-charging accessories like solar panels and a portable power-generating windmill.
Colorado Teardrops is currently taking orders for the new all-electric teardrop camper model, with prices starting from US$45,000 (AUD$62,000). First customer deliveries are expected in August 2022, with plans to export to Europe and possibly other countries including Australia.
Related:
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Can you tow with an electric car?
World's most powerful caravan hits the road
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