Lightship’s New L1 Electric Camper Is Built To Power Almost Anything, Including Your EV – SlashGear

While the ability to camp off the grid in generator-free, electrified solitude is undeniably appealing, what truly sets the L1 travel trailer apart is it’s self-propulsion system. Powered by a 40 kWh (or optional 80 kWh) onboard battery, the L1’s electric powertrain is capable of propelling itself a distance of up to 300 miles to help reduce drag on the tow vehicle. Not only does this greatly reduce the loss of range experienced when towing heavy loads with an electric truck, but it increases the fuel economy of gasoline or diesel powered tow vehicles, too.

The Lightship L1 is fairly large at 27 feet long and 8.5 feet wide. However, the company claims that it’s significantly more aerodynamic than traditional travel trailers. For example, the height reduces from 10 feet while camping, down to 6 feet, 9 inches for towing. Although “pop-up” trailers are nothing new to the camping world, the L1’s execution is quite elegant. The pop-up section is rigid, not fabric, and is full of panoramic windows to bring nature inside. 

Depending on how the L1 is configured, it can sleep between four and six people. The onboard batteries are assisted by up to 3 kW of roof-mounted solar power and, according to Lightship, can support the electrical needs of up to seven days worth of camping.

Pricing for the electric travel trailers start at $125,000 (before tax credits). While not exactly inexpensive, that figure is in line with other premium brands such as Airstream, which don’t have as much technology. Production of the L1 is expected to begin in late-2024, but customers can reserve theirs now by placing a $500 deposit at lightshiprv.com.