The Lightship L1 travel trailer is a fascinating creation. One of its most interesting features is its electric drivetrain. It ensures minimal range or mile-per-gallon efficiency loss for the towing vehicle. But there’s more. The L1’s features also include a potent solar power system, all-electric appliances, connectivity features, loads of modern amenities, and a unique aerodynamic design.

Clean-Sheet Approach to Development of an All-Electric RV

The Lightship L1 was officially announced in March 2023. It’s the brainchild of Tesla veterans Ben Parker and Toby Kraus. The pair saw an opportunity within the RV industry reminiscent of their early experiences at Tesla. “One in 10 American families own an RV, but the RV industry hasn’t experienced innovation for decades,” said Ben Parker, Lightship Co-Founder and CEO. “Inefficient, unreliable product designs and a power experience that relies on smelly, noisy, gas or propane generators fundamentally hinder the amazing experience of traveling in the outdoors.” In response, Lightship is adopting a clean-sheet approach to develop an all-electric RV, drawing parallels to Tesla’s disruption of established automakers. The Lightship team, comprised of individuals with backgrounds from Rivian, Proterra, Lucid, Zoox, and Tesla, bring a wealth of expertise in automotive EV development and design.

Three Times More Aerodynamic Efficiency than Traditional Trailers

The first thing you’ll notice about the L1 is that it doesn’t look like other RV trailers. The unit has a hyper-efficient design, surpassing traditional trailers with three times more aerodynamic efficiency. Its telescoping vehicle design is a key feature. When retracted it minimizes the trailer’s frontal area and creates the most aerodynamic trailer in its size category. Equipped with an electric powertrain offering up to 80 kWh of onboard battery capacity, the trailer can propel itself, ensuring minimal range or efficiency loss for the towing vehicle. Also, the battery system can provide a week of off-grid power without recharging. It’s paired with 3 kW of solar power through panels on the roof. Additionally, the L1 offers 50 percent more solar power through two extendable solar awnings.

Composite Body, Low Center of Gravity, Numerous Windows, and More

The Lightship L1’s automotive-grade composite body measures 27 feet in length and 8 feet 6 inches in width. Standing at a road-mode height of 6 feet 9 inches, the RV transforms to an impressive 10 feet in camp mode. It’s worth noting that the low road-mode decreases the effect of crosswinds. The trailer’s fully loaded gross vehicle weight reaches 7,500 pounds. Functionality-wise, the Lightship L1 accommodates a sleeping capacity of 4-6 individuals, depending on the chosen configuration. Furthermore, the L1 has a low center of gravity. This is due in part to the batteries being in the chassis and the weight of the electric drivetrain on the trailer’s wheels. Other features of the L1 include an outdoor camp kitchen with induction cooktop, numerous windows (even in the shower), large countertops, and ample storage. Additionally, there’s a spa bathroom with high ceiling and a rain shower overhead.

The Electrification Transformation Doesn’t Stop at Passenger Cars

Lightship Co-Founder and President Toby Kraus notes that the company is applying its team members experience with EV development. “With 90 percent 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. 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.” Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures notes that the L1 will transform the road trip. “The electrification transformation doesn’t stop at passenger cars. What Ben, Toby and the team are bringing to life will revolutionize the road trip forever. We’re thrilled to co-lead this round with Prelude Ventures and partner with Lightship to bring the L1 to campgrounds around the country.”

The L1 is Just the Beginning for Lightship

Lightship’s Kraus notes that the L1 is just the beginning. “We take pride in what we’ve created at Lightship and have been humbled with the reception of the L1. Building an all-electric RV from the ground up and a brand-new U.S. based manufacturing company around that product has taken the hard work and dedication of an incredible team with outstanding support from our network of investors. We have a bold vision for the future of recreational travel, and this is just the beginning of what’s to come from Lightship.”

About Lightship

Established in 2020, Lightship holds the distinction of being America’s pioneer all-electric RV company. Its mission revolves around reimagining the recreational vehicle experience. This is through the creation of aerodynamic, battery-powered trailers tailored for the electric age. As the larger shift towards an all-electric transportation gains momentum, Lightship assumes a pivotal role. The company is actively engaged in constructing a crucial element that facilitates the electrification of pickup trucks and SUVs.

Pilot Manufacturing Begins in 2024

Recently, Lightship successfully concluded a $34 million Series B financing aimed at advancing the production of the Lightship L1. This financial milestone is a turning point for the company as it constructs the manufacturing system and supply chain necessary for L1 production. Consequently, pilot manufacturing at the newly established production facility in Broomfield, Colorado is scheduled for late 2024.

Lightship L1 Pricing

The Lightship L1 comes in two versions. The Essential has a starting price of $125,000 or $118,400 after an available tax credit. The L1 Long Range, which includes the electric drive motor, starts at $151,500 or $139,600 after tax credit. Lastly, both versions are available now for a $500 pre-order at lightshiprv.com.