“We think it’s kind of the perfect travel trailer for The Electric Age, states Ben Parker in the above interview. Parker, co-founder/CPO of Lightship RV, is referencing their debut product, the AE.1, Cosmos Edition Aero-Electric travel trailer.
Designed from scratch, the AE.1 is unique because it has batteries and an electric drivetrain. This translates into better fuel economy or range for the towing vehicle. The batteries and the 1,800 Watts of integrated solar means a propane system or gas generator to power the refrigerator and water heater is unnecessary.
Although on the high end of the travel trailer market ($250,000 for the Cosmos edition set for summer 2025 production with several lower-end models rolling out at the end of 2025 and into 2026 starting at $125,000), its design offers unique features. For instance, it can serve as a home backup power system. It is essentially a smart home on wheels with easy external connectivity to the Internet, as well as electronic control of things such as the wastewater valve.
Parker explains that their construction techniques – such as composite body pieces instead of rivets – differ from incumbent trailer manufacturers. He indicates that they are designing and building for reliability. His aspiration is that the quality of the AE.1 will allow it to be passed from generation to generation.
Interview Highlights #
- 00:20 – An overview of the AE1 Cosmos edition
- 02:06 – What sort of safety standards must it meet?
- 03:02 – How does the trailer and pulling vehicle stay synchronized?
- 05:15 – What about rough roads?
- 07:21 – Batteries enable new features
- 09:56 – An EV masquerading as an RV
- 11:08 – The EV automobile industry background is an advantage
- 12:18 – A different construction approach
- 13:45 – A connected, electric drive train also enables new features
- 15:12 – All the standard trailer fittings and more for use in an RV park
- 17:20 – Home backup power support & potential to arbitrage the grid
- 19:03 – Built in the United States
- 20:14 – There is potential for these to be Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- 21:16 – The licensing possibility
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