This Ex-Tesla Engineers' All-Electric RV is the Future of Travel
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
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This week, we get a behind the scenes look with Co-founder and CEO of Lightship, the first American electric RV manufacturer. The upcoming Lightship L1 is a self-propelled electric RV. It features an electric motor, 3 kilowatts of solar, and an 80 kWh battery pack that results in a near zero-range loss when towing with an EV and works equally well when coupled with a conventional gas powered SUV or pickup truck. The co-founders Ben Parker and Toby Kraus are both former Tesla engineers with years of experience in the industry and gave us a sneak peak of what this $125,000 traveler trailer is capable of. Share this video and let them know what you think in the comments. We're hoping to test this out in the upcoming year as it nears production.
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Can't win if in Utah California and a number of other states... Really ruins it for me
I did not notice if windows open and screens are there. I do really like this camper.
Digital nomad style for a couple
Very nice, clever design! And cushion covers are washable: score!!
Integrated bckup or surveilance cameras?
Hell yeah extra counter space over the toilet!!! duh! And hell yeah, privacy! Put this lady on your team!!!! You should have thought of this stuff yourself. She's like schooling you on her first visit!!!! lol
I recommend if not already added:
1. Electric stabilizers
2. RO water filter
3. Back up camera/s
4. Outdoor flood lights
5. Power outlets/access outside
6. Starlink option potentially prebuilt in to keep flush roof
7. regen braking
8. On board air
9. easy spare tire access , maybe one on a drawer type mechanism
10. Tire fairings that can flip up for easier tire changes
Backup cameras that also serve as security Sentry mode option.
All very good suggestions!
I don’t agree with anything on this list, you are expecting way too much common sense out of a big company. This is a company we are talking about so they will do as many idiotic things as possible. What you were talking about is way too realistic/useful.
@@ZxAMobile they're not a big company yet, though? They're a startup. Crunchbase says they've only completed Series A funding so far & have/had 1-10 employees. It looks like they don't even have a finalized production model for their first product yet.
@@wasurera They’re well-funded = big company = poor common sense.
For the Lightship crew.... 1) convection oven option (replacing the microwave) 2) push notifications for temperature inside and message on the display showing it's temp controlled (dog mode) 3) auto-lock all drawers/cabinet doors when in travel mode (top down)....traditional rv hinges and capture hardware sucks/fails over time 4) 360 backup camera system (option?) 5) non-pink interior option 6) love the pass-through but needs to have a screen (retractable? magnetic?) for keeping out the bugs/mosquitos... and I'd electrify that screen and add a blue/bug light option ;-) 7) the floor in the pass-through should be on rails, sliding out the side to access removable bins. 8) self-leveling? 9) integrated fresh water filter 10) perimeter lights directed at the ground and sides when reversing at night. I'm off to reserve one of these and then to your career page, I need to be part of this endeavor. very exciting.
I want a smaller version for 2 people that’s less expensive. Hope they are working on that!
Model Y towable smaller version!
I was thinking the same thing. A smaller option please.
Exactly
That's probably years down the road. They're probably gonna try and make money and show this as a proof of concept. I'd follow the tesla strategy
Yes I want a smaller version .
60 years of RVing experience behind me and in that time I've owned two Hi-Lo trailers with the same concept of raising and lowering the upper portion to improve aerodynamics and they were the best towing trailers I've ever had. They were also some of the best built trailers ever made [ my old 1968 is still going strong today after having almost 5 feet of snow dumped on the roof in one snowstorm]. I applaud this company for attempting to produce a modern version of the Hi-Lo but they are not seasoned campers and it shows in the overall design and lack of interior storage----the dishwasher is a huge waste of usable space. Real campers are not opposed to washing their own dishes. I hope they put some real-world camper input into this RV as I do feel they are headed in the right direction.
I lived in a 28ft fema camper with no slides with 6 kids for 4 years. I would have gladly sacrificed space for a dishwasher.
Still, I see no closet space in this unit. That's a must. Also a washer/dryer combo
A big problem in the RV industry is quality control, serviceability and reliability. Make sure your RV is hassle free and it just works!
Impossible with ICE
@@larryc1616nonsense!!!! You realise that it all comes down to quality control right! Wtf are you talking about!? And with ICE you literally can go everywhere you want! In Australia they have even an Offroad rugged RV company called BRUDER! it's a beast.
It better since this thing is tiny and costs 5x what a travel trailer would run. This thing makes no economical sense in it's current form.
To be realistic you will never get a hassle free Rv unless you are paying a ton of money. If you look at a house it can be a issue with it just settling. Now thunk about the fact that you are driving this down a hwy/ road. It is virtually impossible not to have issues. However customer service could be better.
Thats like saying make sure your boat is hassle-free. People have become too spoiled and with that obese.
Love it! So glad to see this. I was just telling my wife the other day, " someone needs to make a self powered travel trailer to save us all from having to have an over powered vehicle just for occasional use as a tow vehicle." This is an awesome solution and I love that it also has so many other features/benefits too.
They have a name for a self powered travel trailer, it's called an RV. You wokesters really stupify yourselves without any self-awareness.
Have you seen the Pebble Flow?
Two charge port thoughts: 1) Keep the charge port close to wherever current RVs have theirs. Most campgrounds are already set up for this location. 2) If you're going with the NACS standard, think about how your owners will be pulling this into a charging station. Most stations are not set up for pull-through charging, so this may require parking the RV in one stall, disconnecting it, then putting their charging vehicle in a different stall. I'm thinking your charge port needs to be toward the back left, in an area similar to Tesla vehicles, in order to make this possible.
I was thinking the same, but in most places, if you can even back this in to charge, you would be blocking all access to others going in or out. To bad you can’t do a supercharger extension cable.
Just install dual charging locations
Pam here….I would think the solar panels are ‘charging’ the vehicle as they travel and tow? So the need to charge when driving would not be as crucial? Then would be set up, charging from panels and campsite plug in.
@@KeithandPamBilyeu No way they make enough power to power the car while driving, and wouldn't be safe to run a cable between the two while on the road, either... hence why they only allow it to charge the electric vehicle when stopped.
Good luck trying to charge that thing at a charging station along with the Ev towing it!
What an awesome camper! I completely agree with you Kim, that the space above the throne should have an additional flip-up counter-space extension. The exterior HVAC system is a game changer as well. The built in track system is brilliant for additional storage, and other usage options. Such as closed bag duffles, mesh bags for the beach, an expandable rack to dry out your towels, or even hangers for space savings can be easily custom fit as you're loading up for the trip.
Concerning your trip where you had to leave the camper to go recharge the truck because you hadn't noticed the headwind, couldn't you program your trip into the battery monitoring system, to keep track of the tow vehicles usage, the solar panel's input, brake-assist recharger, and database of charging stations locations in route (as they come online), and alert you of a range short-fall before it becomes an unwelcome surprise? The charge monitor could determine suggest a possible alternate route(s), before or after heading out, allowing you to keep rolling down the road, instead of having to drop n' charge like you were forced into doing?
I love that you're partnering with other companies that provide recycled plastic components! I think you should consider expanding on that idea any and everywhere possible. Perhaps reaching out to the ocean plastic recycling company that makes the bracelets.(major brain farting their name)
And lastly, this unit could easily become a portable Tiny House line, with an added washer/dryer, maybe a retractable awning, and utilizing open source component suppliers, and less pricy materials and options.So, are there any plans to make an affordable unit, so that poor schmucks like me can get something like this, or is this concept just for high the end market? I, as well as many others, could easily live in a self sustaining trailer like this. Perhaps with the need of an additional solar array. I know you said that you read every suggestion, so I want to thank you for baring with me to the end! Keep up the great innovative work!
As a conventional RV owner.....black out glass should be standard in the bathroom and optional for the rest of the trailer. A composting toilet should also be an option as this would allow the black tank to be used as grey water which would extend your offgrid stays. I can see your design becoming the modern replacement of the Airstream. I think your challenge will be usable longterm storage both internal and external for those of us who fulltime or work from the road.. Good luck!
How about a washer/drier?
if you travel more north you really want to block out the light when you want to go to sleep.
Have you seen the Pebble Flow?
Living Vehicle. Look it up.
The LV needs to have an electric drive as well. I like what ya'll have done.
The Dishwasher was a major highlight in my opinion. The solar panels were definitely the selling point to me. I like the thoughtfulness of this design.
Looks like a Fisher and Paykel Dish Drawer. We've had these in out house since 2011. We have upgraded to their later models.
Ideas for Ben Parker and Lightship's final product: Controllable Privacy Window Film (when no power is being used they are opaque), multiple point leveling system for uneven campsites, top model should have remote controller trailer moving system for positioning at campsites and hooking up to tow vehicle, dinning table to be able to raise to standing height and to have an add-on right angle add so that you can use the front edge of the bed as a dining area also for more people, surround camera system that can be used when towing and as security system while camping, internal spot to tie downs for bicycles so that they won't be crushed during tow mode, add on fabric canopy system for the entire outside of the camper to give shade since this will be parked in a sunny area so that the roof solar panels will recharge the batteries onsite, Charge ports on both sides of the trailer - front/back either opposite sides or across from each other, tailer suspension system that can adjust for rough terrain at low speeds, outdoor cooking pull out similar to Rivian, TV that raises and lowers behind the couch bolster between the kitchen counter and dining area.
If it is self propelled you automatically have a trailer moving system right? Just write the software, done.
And perhaps a small storage under the table that goes down for a bed if there is room. For instance, on the outside area of the rectangle table put drawers to hold silverware, cutting knives etc.
One of the best camper product interviews ever! Unlike most hosts, she actually lets them talk and tell the story. Thank you!
Since it's self propelled, you could add a steerable tongue wheel or a dolly with a hitch ball on top so it could be maneuvered into tight parking spots without having to be hitched to the tow vehicle.
Now I see this after I posted my comment.
Completely agree! The Caravan Motor Movers are just so cool - especially if you want rotate 180 degrees into a back-in spot.
or u can learn to park
@@zxKrookedxzit’s not about parking, it’s about being able to maneuver in small places where theres not enough room for the tow vehicle to fit. Unless you’ve done a lot of towing, it’s hard to visualize
How does self propelled aspect work. Does it just try to match wheel speed so it’s weightless? Or say towing up hill how does it know how much torque to give.
I have actually been thinking about this type of trailer for several years now. One part of my concept was to use an electric force measuring device in the hitch to control the motor assist. This would be similar to the hydraulic surge brakes in older rental trailers but would control assist as well as braking. I assume this trailer uses something like that. If this is the system being used, you may be able to add another cool feature easily. If you install a lever temporarily into the hitch, you could directly apply pressure to the sensors and move the trailer around by hand by causing the motors to activate. This way, you can move it around without a truck and easily pull the trailer into tight spots or to the truck to hook it up. You may need differential sensors to detect side to side pressure and activate the drive motors individually. If you are using powered motors in the trailer, you probably already have some kind of hitch angle or yaw sensor in the hitch to improve stability, so you may already have the equipment installed. You would also need the motors to operate in forward and reverse. Also, when you install the lever, it would be a good idea to set the maximum speed of the motors so they never let the trailer move faster than a slow walk when it is operated manually. It should also come to a complete stop when the handle is released. You may want to incorporate an electric parking brake if that is not already a feature.
It seems like this would be a good addition to any trailer because it would make them easier to hook up. Yours has its own power source, so that wouldn't need to be added. I have some ideas for emergency braking also, if you are interested.
Brilliant observation in the bonus footage about how campgrounds are already equipped with good charging infrastructure. For the last two years of "Tesla camping", I've used the camper outlets in the sites to let the car have as many "fill-ups" as I need to explore the local area from the camps. I love the solar panels on the roof though which I hope will power most of a 3-4 day camp out.
Storage? If your going for a week, you need clothing, food, cleaning supplies. Not to mention specialty things for the destination. Love the open feel, but for sleep 6, there would be stuff all over with no storage. Needs lots more closet, cabinets, under belly.
Yes to security cameras. Concerned about privacy/window shades. Storage is a big problem. Could you make an expandable cabinet that goes floor to ceiling as the roof goes up? Needs a TV. I agree with the comment that it seems good for a weekend. Tough for long trips.
Great product and product idea. This product could be wildly successful because of the technology team that put it together.
A couple of addition ideas that I can see ....
1. A drop-down or pull-out raised patio deck on the back - big enough for two lawnchairs (with or without a door from the camper's bathroom)
2. Push outs add space via wall panels in other campers, but in your case you could extend width by splitting the entire camper down the middle - and widen it 6 to 8? feet, as well as push up, once you reach the campground. This could easily allow another 1000 volts of charge as well. Its a big engineering job counting more weight , leveling needed, etc. but it could almost double square feet.
3. A sky lounge on the roof? I realize you want solar up top ordinarily, but an outside ladder might give an "adults-only" area and break from the sleeping kids - with a view - at night.
4. More solar. Why not 5000 watts, and really make it useful for charging both the trailer to 100% daily - and some of the tow car as well.
5. Awning - for shading the main door. Wind monitored to autoclose.
6. SpaceX Starlink integration
I've been waiting for this RV all of my life and I'm almost 60. Thank you so much for creating this!
Hello Ben and Kim,
First of all, the trailer looks great and love many aspects….being a current travel trailer owner….there are few things I would give you feedback on.
1 - don’t use carpet! I noticed the floor was carpet in the living space….change that to a durable laminate.
2 - storage - really try to increase storage….maybe upper cabinets in kitchen and linen and clothes storage in the living space.
3 - add an outdoor shower
4 - seems like the only window that opens is in the doorway…is their an screen to keep out the mosquitoes?
5 - venting - do you have any fans/venting in the bathroom and also above the range?
This was such a great interview, and it was so free flowing. Ben's enthusiasm for his work is such a pleasure to see. My wife and I converted a vintage camping trailer ourselves to be an all electric food truck, and we had a similar feeling about the generator based norm that food trucks have. So nice to see such a solid team put together for a great idea and product! I wish the lightyear company the best😊
74 year old life time rv owner absolutely love your vision for the future. The idea of a powered trailer is fantastic. You are up there with Tesla and Edison just keep going just keep thinking you are the future.
Kim, great job with this interview! My advice is to get this to market ASAP! This concept is amazing! Get a basic unit out there sooner rather than later! The market is primed for something like this, so don't delay by trying to add features. There will be opportunities to sell accessories later, get a product out there as soon as you can.
Really? It’s 125k. That’s insane.
@@donaldducko6580the market isn't set for a 6 figures trailer.
I respectfully dissagree. I've always been against the "get it out now, there's plenty of time to redo or fix it later approach."
There are some basic things to discuss before this should go to market. This unit is poised to cater to millennials, but with boomers budgets right now the purchasing crowd is very small for this unit even at the low end price range.
@@donaldducko6580airstreams are just as badly priced!
Awesome design! ❤ As some others mentioned, a smaller two person model to be towed by a Tesla model Y would be popular. Would definitely choose long range upgrade offering and the privacy windows would seal the deal. Look forward to the finished product/products!
Awesome product. Thanks for this in-depth look Kim. Ben seems like a great guy!
Friendly suggestions:
An optional closet that extends all the way to the ceiling on that passenger side where the 4 storage cubes are now. I know it ruins the open/modern aesthetic but for a larger family buying this, it'd be a welcomed trade off.
Also, the ability to plug in more external solar panels. I have a foldable 500 watt array and being able to pack that and just plug it in to the camper like I do my existing solar "generator" would be awesome. They could even sell their own expansion set.
The final one is a nitpick but the sink basin in the bathroom looks too shallow. I realize it has to be narrow to fit and that is fine but I can't stand shallow sinks because then my clean hands keep touching the dirty basin of the sink!
I'll start saving now and hopefully my name will get added to your reservation list in the coming years!
3 suggestions:
1: When you get an RV spot next to a river, lake, ocean, mountain view, etc., you will most likely back in to the spot. This means that the most stunning views will be at the back of the RV. I would put the bed/couches in the back and the bathroom in the front.
2: I am sure you are going to do this, but I think auto-leveling is a must in a tech advanced RV
3: Go with more timeless colors on the concept vehicles. Red is less likely to be received well by the majority (even though I think its a great to have as an option)
I also vote for the Smart Glass (Liquid Crystal Privacy Glass) windows.
I LOVE THIS CONCEPT! Thank you for taking RV's the direction that they need to go
I love this concept and I don’t HATE the look of the interior but I’d like it a lot more without the odd pink color fade upholstery. I like things as simple as possible and would want to change it to a solid color or small pattern and something more neutral or even a blue or dark green. But probably brown or just grey. Grey is really in style right now. It has been for a long time and will go with any kind of decor.
I agree with you on the color. Can never go wrong with natural beige and greys. An option for natural wood trim would be nice as well.
I'm guessing they will have options for colors to choose from. This is just prototype for now.
Photochromatic all automotive windows please! Rv included! Also, this RV is my wet dream! I'm very impressed. The only thing I wish this had which I didn't see in the video was an ability to drive or maneuver the RV when it's disconnected from the vehicle itself. It makes getting into super tight spots way easier.
Also, are their job openings in your facility in Colorado? I'm currently living in Boulder and working in Louisville. I'm a huge tech nerd, and a technician currently working at Sierra Space.
When you got to the dishwasher my wife was sold. Before the demo was done she was in love & wanted to adopt you! Make sure the carpet, couch, etc. are tough enough to handle large dogs. Make sure there is lots of storage & security cameras.
Put the charge port on the far back , not the tongue. Imagine pulling up to a charge station. You can back the rear close to a charge port, but the only way to get the tongue close to the charge port is to park parallel to it, which would block several charging ports from other cars.
A cold weather option that replaced the AC with a heat pump and/or heated floors would be great. Also, Starlink system.
I think the AC is a bidirectional heat pump already per the video.
Bathroom has to be a little bigger, you can see the RV has full bathroom and toilet, so similar layout can be done. I love the concept of All electric RV, Icannot wait to buy one. The interior needs to be updated, the interior feels more of a diner style than a home. Hope that helps. Excited for Lightship RV.❤
This is a pretty good idea in principle. I think this is the new direction for towing. If only there was a standard comms protocol between car and trailer for relaying things like throttle position, brake position, speed etc. so trailer can have better control, though I think they can look at the “tongue pressure” to gauge what the lead car is doing.
there already is for brake position. I think he's over estimating the range of the tow vehicle (though have a motor in the trailer will help, I highly doubt you'd get as you would normally).
I think that if both vehicles are modern EV's, they cold be linked via Bluetooth for real time communication.
@@jamescwintersjr8131 you have way too much faith in Bluetooth, hell wireless anything isn't going to give you enough reliability for something like this.
Just one more system to fail , sorry
Most rvs tap out the rv pedestals current just to operate the AC and systems and not for charging
Thank you Kim & Ben for sharing this nice RV... some input for your Design team to consider 😊
- use Smart Glass for privacy or remote type Smart Shades
- add more storage in toilet
- exhaust for your induction cooker
- if possible add pull out table for outdoor cooking
- add water system for outdoor use (faucet or shower)
- add option to setup rear camera that can connect to drivers panel
- consider to lift up the RV for tough road
- add motorized projector screen for entertainment
- retractable awning for sunshade
Great, it is certainly a good start and a step in the right direction.
I have had many RV units over the past 30 years, from trailers to large 40' diesel pushers.
Requirements for me are a Full Time very comfortable queen size bed, large fridge and separate freezer, and if possible a recliner.
Full time real bed is a must and never use carpet on the flooring.
Looking forward to the future developments, they should partner with a experienced Indiana RV company to combine RV experience with technology.
Best of luck.
Great points! Bed always available is a must.
$125,000USD holy moly
Compared to some sprinter style vans that's actually pretty cheap. Some campervans costs $200k and doesn't have as much as this RV does.
I met someone that owned Ford dealers in Texas. He has a 350,000 camper
Actually it’s same price as similar length airstream, 30 years ago I made $28 an hour, now I make $82 an hour as an electrician. Everything cost more but everyone makes more money, so in reality nothing changes
Looks like a winning direction for this startup! I do wish there had been an interior shot of the shower area: I still have no real idea of how it is setup. Also amount of water storage!?
Personally instead of a lowering bunk I could use an option for office type setup with perhaps a short throw 4k or 5K mini projector for the monitor. Will be watching for more info.
This is RV is a possible "standard" setting design. I cannot see how any existing RV can compete with the very minimal, but utilitarian design. What an innovative approach; you essentially make the RV an electric vehicle and your hauling vehicle (car or truck) will not experience "range depletion". This could very well be a standard setter for all RV designers,...very innovative 👍🏾
This is very well thought out, would go good with a Cybertruck.
1. Add 360 cameras to it.
2. Add another door on the opposite side.
3. Separate the other sleeping areas from the main bedroom area.
4. Add USB-C ports at every seating area and household outlets close by.
5. Add a big TV that slides in and out of a counter space.
6. Integrate Bluetooth speakers in the walls and ceiling for a theater experience.
Reach out for more ideas. 💯👍💪
you forgot one:
7. increase the price by +50%
Yes to the extra countertop space in the bathroom. Have it so you can shut the toilet lid and then raise up additional countertop space. As a woman, this would be amazing to be able to get ready and feel like you aren’t compromising on space.
Two questions/suggestions.
1) Does the trailer have regen built in to recharge it's batteries?
2) have you considered making a tow trailer with batteries underneath for regular towing?
Great concept.... since you read all the comments... the 2nd bed with the table that lowers you said you can put a matt there for a bed. Also the height of the table seemed to go to the level of the existing cushion. I may have misunderstood, but the last thing you want is to have to have an accessory to sleep. I.E. the matt should be the cushion where you can use it to sleep on and not have to put a matt on it. 2nd thing is that it makes total sense as to why the master bed is where it is. The bathroom used as a separator from master bedroom to rest of RV is a good concept for creating separate spaces. I'd say that is something that is missing in the L1. Not to copy the old manufacturers, but there are some things they have figured out quite well over the decades. Food for thought. Wish you had the window tinting working on the prototype!
Any plans for a Toy hauler version?!?!? Also a screen door or even the magnetic kind would be great to keep bugs out since the door is a 2 step process.
The best part about Battery powered RVs is that the components required for powering all the electronics that would normally require a seperate battery, inverter, etc, are all already included. All that is required is for the manufacturer to publish how to tap into the EV battery and inverter
Have you considered an incinerating toilet? You could skip the black tank and only have to deal with gray water. That would be awesome! They come in both 110v and 220v. Consider it as an option because that is what I would want on an "all electric" RV.
I like the overall idea. issues are, closing off the bathroom and main bedroom. A curtain is good for a bedroom, but a split door would be best for a bathroom. Look to some of the modern boats for kitchen and storage ideas, you already have some of that with the drawer Refrigeration and dishwasher. Under seat storage is a must, no wasted space is the mantra. Good Luck.
I've been getting into tiny homes, vanlife builds etc. If they really will look at this one idea I think is great is a double sided tank for each water tank. So you can filter the water for potential reuse. If you filtered shower water it'd be fine for reuse. The same goes for washing machine water and even dishwasher water.
I've got a ton of these ideas while looking into these builds.
I don’t think that would be legal, the tech to purify water is expensive
@@andrewfuller8440 huh?
The government can stop you from providing your own water?
You're thinking of destination tech I think.
No, they won’t allow any bullshit device that doesn’t work, it’s part of health and public safety
This not only is a great design and build but USER FRIENDLY threw out everything especially on those panl things that confuses the heck out of many of us. They really did amazing on this .I really wanted and RV but after seeing this I'd really go with what is going to give me user-friendly cost efficate etc etc that you don't get on the rv's
This is honestly the *first* electric RV that I’m genuinely interested in. Very nicely done. Will be keeping an eye on this. Thank you for this thorough review.
This is a level of quality consciousness and innovation you never get from RV manufacturers. This is really exciting.
I would give up the dishwasher in favor of storage space. A dishwasher is one more thing to go wrong. Tends to end up as storage for dirty dishes unless large family. Water savings disappear when you take into account pots and pans.
My biggest concerns with the design are that the windows are at rock level and will have a good chance of getting broken when traveling and the insulation quality is very low with that many windows so it won't be good in very hot or cold environments.
Obviously they never camped in this.
This exactly is why most rv trailers don't have front windows or if they do they are small or set high up on the trailer.
Yeah, my concern as well. I'm guessing their response is that with the amount of solar they have on the vehicle you can run the heat pump "for free" to overcome the lack of insulation. This is clearly a vehicle built in and for California.
This Travel Trailer design uses the same concept as the HiLow's and from what I saw in the intro video the front window is covered when the trailer is in its travelling position (down). The concern would be more about the two side front windows getting broken when travelling.
Good question. When you’re towing is there a lot of vibration and that is a lot of windows. How strong are the windows how thick are the windows? What is the protection from the sun coming into the RV Does it stay cool with all those windows and if one breaks or crack how much will it cost to replace that window would it be covered under insurance just like my regular car if a rock hit my windshield my insurance replace it free. so if a rock hit any of these windows and it cracks driving down the highway, I doubt my insurance will pay for it. And you know on the highway there’s a lot of debris fly up and hit your RV
I've worked with Tesla/SpaceX and I've seen him enough times to remember his face, but never spoke to him or thought he was building something so incredible.
This looks awesome! I hope you have a way to plug in additional solar collectors. When camping we may want this parked in the shade, which renders the attached collectors useless. But if we could plug in an unattached collector and put it out in the sun we can still collect some energy.
I would imagine you can just run the ac and still be surplus energy
But the roof would provide shade. Would it have to be parked in the shade? The roof with the chromatic window shading he mentioned would keep the inside cool even in the sun no? I've never camped in an RV so I really am just asking.
@@sunzmobile Camping in full sun in the summer sucks. But with the amount of solar this has I'd choose full sun over shade. No way you can travel with enough portable solar to make any meaningful difference. When we camp we like to "Boondock" in a mountain area away from people. We like to cook outdoors and only really sleep in the RV or cooking prep. I think we'd have no problem camping for a few days without charging the RV.
Solar still collects energy in the shade, not as much, but with MPPT solar controllers, you can still get energy.
Light weight polymer using recycled plastics as filler and honeycomb construction for strength and Photo-chromatic glass make sense provide the glass is not too thick. Ideally separate activation to allow sun block / privacy and yet still have some natural light makes sense. Opaque or black out function huge benefit. Window coverings or blinds are low cost but weight also is cumulative. love the larger bathroom design and another lift up bench over the WC makes sense. integrated solar panels on whole of roof 100% winner. soo cool.
This is a great idea. Any plans on a smaller version? Say 16’ or so?
Overall this i a great comcept and pretty darn well laid out. Being of an age where comfort is more important than form, bodies do wear down, my biggest suggestions revolve aroud a north-south bed that uses true queen sheets and then storage. A bed that I can use like a residential bed is essential when you have back issues, not just for sleeping, bu for making the bed.
Food and clothing storage, I love the open sightlines, is there enough room to give us some overhead cabinets for clothing? Also find a spot to commit to a pantry, the kitchen is well laid out, but needs more dry good storage. I look forward to where this goes. Like you said, towing is a show stopper for a move to electric for me. I want to be able to hop in and head out for a few weeks and not have to spend my time out there in charging stations all day. 😁
Great points here. Agree with all of them.
Love the concept. I also would be more interested in a smaller 2 person matched to a Model Y. I assume you can 'drive' this from the tongue to maneuver it into charging and camping spaces and you could move the trailer to the hitch instead of backing to the trailer. Hitching needs to be easy as I see no easy way to charge the car (and/or trailer) without dehitching. Have you tested it in the southwest in the heat? I know how hot my Model Y gets in the sun with its glass roof and this looks it would have similar heating.
I was thinking the same thing.
This is a 2 person RV alreqdy
I know he said he obsesses over comments so I hope he sees this but I know a huge part of "glamping" is when things inevitably experience technical or physical difficulties we'll say. How will the extended warranty work out, like not only cost but, things like being on the road and needing things fixed immediately how will you go about giving insight for repairs to a favored repair service, will repairs only be covered at specific locations, and what will customer service look like. Other than that maybe a fold up or slide down tv so those cleaning can also watch. Also, something I am interested in would be could a vehicle not rated for 7,500 lbs. tow it from campsite to campsite as long as it doesn't exceed the lightship range? Love the look and concept, cant wait to see the quirks worked out (if any) and maybe the electro shades since you don't need "bolt on's" but would also hate to screw in shades on this beauty! Keep it up, looking forward to what the future holds!
Very cool. Had a question on the carpeted flooring choice. If going out in the wilderness, wouldn't vinyl or hard flooring make more sense to keep it clean?
True
Yes! I agree no carpet!
Weathertech
Photochromatic was my biggest concern that there were too many windows and no privacy but I’m glad he mentioned it.
Love this!!! Yes more pull out counter space and yes on dark privacy glass. Is it possible to make a somewhat soundproof wall that pulls up or down or from the side, for one snoring person. Also high profile for ruff mountainous terrain. I love the solar roof! We have a Cybertruck on order, love to pull this behind ❤️
Reach for the ceiling against. That was beautiful to watch.
How much clearance from the bottom to the ground? Does the battery pack have an integrated skid plate for bad roads ?Really cool trailer.
Very impressive! I drove a 36' Thor hurricane 10,000 miles across the country and this checks nearly all the problems I had.
Questions:
Can it be driven with people inside?
Starlink Sattelite internet integrated?
A way to wash clothes? Perhaps a convertible dishwasher or in the shower area.
Runflat or airless tires?
Can you hang out on the roof without damaging the panels? I hung out on the roof of mine a lot!
Excellent work all around. I'm so excited to see this in production.
Agree this is the future of EV travel. Here in Australia Caravanning is huge mostly among retired couples looking to spend their savings and travel our great country. Good luck.
What?! I'm a software engineer in Broomfield, CO! Can't believe this is being built in my backyard. So cool!
Yes, for more counter space over the toilette. A fold up option as long as it fits, would be great. Especially if you're at a campsite that has showers and bathrooms.
I was just thinking the other day about how RV's haven't changed much over the years on the exterior design. The interiors have changed quite a bit as far as being lighter and brighter and looking more like a studio with the islands, fireplaces, and various accecnts like backsplach, barn doors, and accent walls.
It's about time the exterioir is completely redesigned.
This trailer is absolutely fantastic.
My only concern is that I did not see enough storage for my kitchen items like pots and pans and dishes and blenders and electric griddle and so forth.
Great design. This is exactly what we have been brainstorming that is needed in the RV world to make EV trucks work with RVs.if this is your MVP, it is very impressive. Keep up the good work and innovation.
For sure getting the minimalist Tesla vibe with this and I am loving it.
Don’t forget to add starlink satellite internet capability
I love his stories. They are interesting, but he is also a great storyteller. I would love to sit around the campfire and just listen to as many stories as Ben would be willing to share
Great job you three! Great questions, great answers, and great filming! I like the product!
Thanks for watching
From memory the university of western Australia invented a clear glass solar widow a few years ago, that would fit perfectly for this also
Love Ben's story about the food trucks at Tesla's HQ. I work at a different company nearby & we would sometimes sneak over to Tesla's parking lot because they had the best food trucks.
Loved the fact tesla didn't even share an electric plug. And dozen and dozen of engineers eat there every day... guess elon never bothered to eat outside his factory 😅
Game Changer! Few changes storage, doors, suggested are from serious RV’ers. Privacy - roll down, pull down to slide from side? Imagine a super tear drop version.
What an awesome RV! I’d love to see a smaller version- 17-21 foot is perfect for a couple traveling to national parks!
Bigger is better!
The fact this helps not just EVs but ICEVs as well makes this a *game changer*
Ben, are you hiring Mechanical/Electrical engineers? This is very cool! So excited to see where this company goes! It’s cool to see thoughtful engineering entering a space where it’s been lacking. Thanks for the video!
The company will be going far depending on affordability. When this rv can afford a small amount of population, then ...
@ivanarrow7543 no rv's are affordable
@@avag6132 I heard prices in the end it is.
Consider adding a twin bed or Island Bed option vs a Queen. Retired (older) people don’t like crawling over the other to get out of bed at night.
The concept is fantastic. It would be interesting so know that numbers on dry camping from a power stand vs propulsion.
I absolutely love it.
Can you incorporate security features into the lightship. Often a big concern is personal safety and break ins
Drive system that locks in camping and parked mode. Collapse the unit for when your away from the unit
This will definitely be more useful for long term campers. People who plan to spend at least a week in one spot and only plan on moving less than a "full tank" of charge before parking in their next spot. Full-time boondockers would love this type of setup.
nope, it's all windows and no insulation, cold and hot! There is also no outside storage. Who wants to park in the sun all the time to charge batteries?
@@armadilllo The average boondocker/anyone who camps at places other than designated campgrounds.
The insulation will be an issue but considering this isn't the production model they have time to change it.
The impressive and essential thing is the concept behind assisted trailers as even with gas engines this could increase fuel economy drastically.
that's what I like about pro electric people, divert pollution somewhere else and virtue signal how great they are. I am a typical boondocker and I would never buy one, too many windows and no outside storage, hot in the summer, freezing in the winter not to mention the price for a 27' trailer, my motorhome cost way less than that and has gobs of storage and has a range of 600 miles and takes five minutes to fill, my batteries charge while driving, it doesn't lose power in the cold or heat, if I need new batteries I'll go by Costco and spend $300 for two, batteries are always degrading from the first time you charge them, how much is a new battery for this thing? You're not saving a dime or the earth.@@urmomsahoe1
The Lightship is amazing. Yes to the privacy window glass. Thank you for another great video!!
Thanks for watching!
Two things: washing machine /dryer combo and self-leveling / automatic hitching system that can simplify unhitching / hitching, which is especially important at EV chargers.
Crazy amount of engineering 👍. First travel RV that I would consider buying. Great video Kim. Thank you.
No to the shelf over the toilet, but YES to the privacy glass! I wouldn't want people to have to clear and put away a shelf to use the toilet.
WOW! This is so cool!!!! Let's go Kim Java and PJ!!! 👏
Things: You need a residential style north south queen/king bed. Maintenance of the gear racks and motors as well as the manual raising and lowering of the hi-lo system needs easy access. Built in ladder so you can access and walk around on the roof to clean the solar panels. Better access for the attachment points of the weight distributing hitch. This is a toy for the rich; design a $30k 23’ model for us meager middle class folks.
Great Interview!! Not gonna lie, I was impressed by their innovative approach and hope it inspires future builds in the industry. Though this build was more regular glamping I think they can tailor it to a more rugged setup just as Rivian has approached the EV segment. Interesting how several key engineers have been coming out of Rivian and Tesla so potential for success is certainly there. I would straight up go for one if it had a more overland build.
I perosnally think the Shower needs rethinking especially with the mirror on one side and the foldable bathroom counter. Can't imagine they are very practical nor very durable long term and it feels like there are way better solutions in newer RVs displayed in conventions these days or the bigger Airplanes like the A380.
Would also be interesting to venture more into Ori Furniture esc stuff, where you dont use a standing desk in the middle of the room but actually furniture designed for the job.
Its also always good to take a look into Japanese and chinese small livining space solutions. They are genuises in how efficient they have their furniture set up and how multipurpose nearly everything is
I’m for a smaller / more affordable version of this down the line
Was it just me or was this guy *in love* just check his body language at the end 100% into her.
She for sure was feeling that vibe and cool with it btw.
I like where this is going. I’ve been wondering if trailering would move forward with solar panels,batteries,& motors built into the trailer. This concept could be applied in so many ways. This could make a horse trailer possible.
The charge port being in the tongue just needs consideration for accessibility at charging stations, the middle area would seem very challenging since most charge stations are designed for plays that only reach to either end of the vehicle and since this would be towed putting a charge port in the middle seems like a logistical challenge.
The privacy glass that’s smart is a must, and like suggestion from above they should be opaque by default.
Will there be a version that the Model Y can tow?
Love the concept! Having trout river camp in Maine. This could also power fixed cabins, LED and H2O pumps using roof solar. Liking this big time.
Even though I don't believe EVs are ready for prime time, with battery shortcomings and grid infrastructure limitations, this is a really impressive design. I agree with some of the other comments that a 2-person sized unit would be a nice addition. As would a "video game mode" on that display where you could take it outside and position the trailer on the campsite or even do the hitching and unhitching out on the road then move the trailer alone.
Having owned quite a few RVs, those front windows look great but you dont want any glass that low when its folded. Your vehicle and the vehicles next to you will 100% throw debris at some point. If the glass could tuck down "Inside" of the bottom half and still be water proof that would solve that problem.
High-low RV meets George Jetson!!! I love it ❤. I also have L 1-3. Lee, Luke and Logan