But since the start of 2022, companies like Mercedes-Benz, Winnebago, and Thor Industries have unveiled electrified RVs concepts, signaling that the previously nonexistent industry could begin ramping up soon.
Daimler
Source: Insider (1) (2) (3)
In late January, Thor announced two electric models: a camper van and an Airstream-branded travel trailer.
Thor Industries
Source: Insider
And two weeks later, Airstream officially debuted a deep dive of its travel trailer, aptly named the eStream.
Airstream
Let’s take a closer look at the travel trailer, which keeps Airstream’s classic “silver bullet” look with an electrified twist.
Thor Industries
All of the recently unveiled electrified RVs have just been concepts. But Winnebago, Mercedes-Benz, Airstream, and Thor’s models are all fully functioning, including the eStream.
Thor Industries
The Airstream brand created the eStream with its parent company, Thor Industries, and Thor’s partners.
Thor Industries
The travel traliler was built on a platform developed and tested by ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Airstream’s sister company Dethleff, Bob Wheeler, Airstream’s CEO, said during an online unveil of the eStream.
Airstream
Using this platform, Airstream was able to create a tiny home on wheels that addresses both eco and range anxiety.
Airstream
The eStream and its interior amenities are powered by a battery system and solar panel-lined roof that allow the trailer to stay off-grid for over a weeks or “as long as they really wish,”McKay Featherstone, Airstream’s vice president of product development and engineering, said during the unveiling.
Airstream
This power system can also charge the trailer’s electric towing vehicle.
Airstream
The kitchen separates these two slumber spaces. Here, you’ll find amenities like a cooktop, refrigerator, and stove all powered by the trailer’s power systems.
Airstream
There’s even a bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink.
Airstream
And for those who want to live and work off-grid for weeks at a time, in the future, the trailer will also have 5G and WiFi connectivity.
Thor Industries
This connectivity boost will allow the trailer’s owners to adjust amenities like the lights and air conditioner through Amazon Alexa voice commands or the dedicated smartphone app.
Airstream
The app can also be used to plan and optimize trips …
Airstream
… or as a “remote control” for the trailer, allowing the eStream to drive itself so you don’t have to manually move it into your campsite.
Airstream
From the exterior, the eStream may look like any other Airstream aluminum “silver bullet,” like the one shown below.
Airstream
But its maker tweaked the body to reduce the eStream’s drag by 20% when compared to a classic Airstream, increasing the trailer and its tow vehicle’s range.
Airstream
