Electric vehicles (EVs) have often been criticised for their limited range, especially when towing a trailer of considerable size. However, US-based start-up Lightship claims to have developed a solution to this problem with its L1 caravan. Founded by two ex-Tesla senior staffers, the L1 seeks to place little to no burden on the tow car by using its own 80kWh battery and electric motor of unspecified power. A 40kWh model is also available, although it misses out on the additional propulsion.
According to Lightship, the pop-up style caravan can take the weight off an EV tow car for up to 483km (300 miles), allowing the vehicle to achieve its range claim unhindered. The same applies if a petrol or diesel vehicle is towing the L1. Once fully loaded with gear, Lightship says the L1 weighs in at 3400kg, putting it just under the legal limits of many body-on-frame 4WD wagons and utes currently on sale in Australia.
The L1 can be towed by a range of electric pickups in the US, including the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Hummer. However, in Australia, the only option currently available is the LDV eT60, which is capped at 1000kg. In order to provide its range boost to a towing vehicle, the trailer itself needs to be charged. Its 80kWh battery would take a weekend to charge from a household power socket or around a day from an AC wallbox.
Inside the 8.23m pop-up caravan is the usual suite of equipment, including sleeping quarters for up to six, an interior kitchen with a stove, a pull-out camp kitchen, a pull-out awning, toilet, shower, and much more. The roof of the L1 comes decked out in solar panels, which Lightship says can provide up to 3kW of power, which can slowly recharge the battery when not in use. With its 80kWh battery fully replenished, Lightship says users should be able to stay off the grid for a whole week, though this will likely depend on individual usage.
Lightship says prices for the 80kWh flagship variant with the electric motor will start at USD$151,500 (AUD$230,572). Deposits are currently being taken in the US, with production expected to begin in late 2024.
Despite its cost, the Lightship L1 represents a significant step forward in the development of EV technology. It offers a practical and innovative solution to the problem of limited range when towing, and could potentially change the way people think about using EVs for long road trips.
