Pebble – A Software Defined Travel Trailer – #ces2025

The Pebble Flow is an electric travel trailer designed to eliminate the common hassles associated with camping through advanced technology and a unique hardware platform. Stefan Solyom, Pebble’s CTO, emphasizes that the Pebble Flow is a “software-defined vehicle,” which enables features like remote control parking and automated leveling with the push of a button.

Electrifed = Simplified #

This next-generation vehicle is built on an electrified chassis with in-wheel motors, allowing it to reduce the load on the towing vehicle while in motion. This design also facilitates automatic deployment of jacks and stairs for quick setup at a campsite, and touch-free waste disposal.

The Pebble Flow is equipped with a 45 kWh battery and integrated 1.1 kW solar panels, powering its all-electric amenities such as an induction cooktop (which is removable for outdoor cooking), smart glass, and an electric refrigerator. A silent heat pump is incorporated for efficient thermal management of the batteries and the cabin. The Pebble Flow can also serve as a home power backup. As an all-electric vehicle, it eliminates the need for propane tanks.

An Nvidia Orin computer, including GPUs, acts as the “brain” of the Pebble Flow, fusing sensor data from multiple cameras and other sensors to enable its smart features, such as automated hitching. This system precisely controls the in-wheel motors to align the trailer with the hitch ball and connect automatically.

Unique Design Means Unique Features #

The body of the Pebble Flow is constructed with composite outer panels. The interior features a spacious design with large windows and skylights, offering a 270-degree panoramic view. These windows are made of smart glass that can turn opaque at the touch of a button, providing privacy and eliminating the need for traditional window coverings.

Inside, the dinette area offers a “nook” with open windows and skylights, and the table can be easily converted into a bed. The vehicle also provides ample and accessible storage throughout. All appliances are electric, with both 110V AC outlets and USB ports for charging devices. A dedicated office area can be transformed into a queen-size Murphy bed at night.

For waste disposal, the Pebble Flow includes a macerating pump and toilet to efficiently and easily manage waste.

Shipping from Silicon Valley #

Pebble began production of the Flow in early 2025, with Founder Edition deliveries expected before the end of spring. The Founder Edition includes all options such as solar panels, motors, and future software updates and features. According to the FAQs on Pebble’s website, pricing ranges from $109,500 to $175,000 for the Founder Edition. The Pebble Flow can be charged at regular campgrounds with a 240-volt, 50-amp outlet.

The manufacturing and full assembly of the Pebble Flow take place at the company’s headquarters in Fremont, California, where initial customers will pick up their vehicles. Solyom’s background includes experience at Volvo Cars, Tesla (Autopilot), and Apple, providing a strong foundation for this project. The motivation behind the Pebble Flow was to leverage modern technology to simplify the camping experience and address the existing hassles of traditional travel trailers.

Interview Highlights: #

  • 00:32 – Why have an electric drivetrain?
  • 01:48 – Automated hitching makes it easy for anyone to park.
  • 02:41 – Where are the cameras?
  • 03:18 – It uses in-wheel motors. This means no axle and more design freedom compared to a traditional vehicle. The issues with unsprung mass aren’t an issue, since steering is not required.
  • 03:54 – How do hub motors enable more design freedom for the rest of the trailer?
  • 05:33 – Can it be used with electric or internal combustion engine vehicles?
  • 07:11 – A software-defined travel trailer.
  • 08:04 – How is it constructed?
  • 08:53 – Smart glass eliminates the need for window coverings and reduces parts.
  • 09:11 – Using it as a home power backup.
  • 10:13 – Water inlets and automated waste disposal aided by a macerating pump and toilet.
  • 11:01 – The interior of the Pebble. Nicer than most homes.
  • 11:44 – A fully electric travel trailer with induction cooking inside or outside.
  • 11:56 – Composite counter tops mean less weight.
  • 12:58 – A kitchen table that transforms into a bed.
  • 13:56 – Lots of accessible storage.
  • 14:37 – 110 Volt AC plus the latest USB charging technology.
  • 15:44 – The office area that transforms into a bedroom.
  • 16:20 – A heat pump means no external components on the top of the roof.
  • 18:03 – When will these be available?
  • 18:45 – In addition to integrated rooftop solar power generation, it will also accept 240 VAC power readily available at most campgrounds.
  • 19:02 Automatic leveling leaves move time for relaxing.
  • 20:24 – Remote control simplifies parking and hitching to the pulling vehicle.
  • 21:01 – Manufacturing is in Silicon Valley (Fremont, CA).
  • 21:52 – Is technology licensing in Pebble’s future?
  • 22:11 – The motivation behind Pebble was to remove the hassles of camping.

Author Ken Pyle, Managing Editor

Comments

2 responses to “Pebble – A Software Defined Travel Trailer – #ces2025”

  1. Carlin J Black Avatar

    Very well designed, if I were still camping I would be in line right now.

    1. Ken Pyle, Managing Editor Avatar

      Thanks, for the feedback, Carlin. It seems like it could make a great ADU as well.

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