The Lightship all electric solar self-propelled RV finally made it to production!

[RV_]

Just FYI the newest RV debuts today.

I have been following this rig from concept to today's debut. Back when we were full-time RVrs for seven years, our Ram 1 ton diesel dually long bed truck was getting 20 mpg when we used it as a cowboy Cadillac with no load. But when we hitched up our 36 foot HitchHiker fiver it dropped to 10 mpg. Of course that front of the RV was flat and it was tall. This one expands at the campsite and drops down for travel.

But this one is self propelled so whether gas or electric you will get about the same mpg or range as without a trailer.

Today the initial model went on sale and they aren't cheap. But it is big news for Modern RV design.

They could flop or fly but it will be interesting to watch and see what owners say.

The AE.1 Cosmos Edition Has Arrived:

Your Ultimate Electric Adventure Begins Now   Introducing the AE.1™ Cosmos Edition—the ultimate Aero-Electric travel trailer for those who lead, not follow. This first edition is limited to just 50 units, this exclusive edition boasts two custom-designed colorways that will never be seen again on a Lightship.    Designed for the boldest of journeys, the AE.1 Cosmos Edition elevates your adventure to a new level. As a reservation holder, you have first access to purchase one of the 50 being produced.    Lead the Charge With groundbreaking technology and thoughtful design, the AE.1 Cosmos Edition takes adventure to a whole new era.

TrekDrive   Experience the brawn and brains of towing with TrekDrive™. Combining self-propulsion and intelligent hitch technology means less force and more confidence when you’re climbing or descending.

Inviting Interior   Combining each of the two limited-edition interiors with large panoramic windows, the AE.1 Cosmos Edition creates a seamless connection between modern comfort and the beauty of the outdoors. A thoughtfully designed spa-inspired bathroom and Three-Point Galley Kitchen ensures every corner is as functional as it is stunning.

CampQuiet   Enjoy the serenity of nature with CampQuiet, a self-contained microgrid powered by the industry’s largest solar and battery system.

SwitchBack Lounge   The SwitchBack Lounge is the standard in adaptable comfort, transitioning seamlessly from a cozy daybed to a pre-made sleeping area in seconds. It’s where versatility meets durability meets livability when you’re on the road.

Atlas   The Atlas System is your all-in-one control hub, managing everything from climate settings to energy and water levels with ease. It’s the ultimate co-pilot for your adventures.

CargoCraft   The CargoCraft system offers endless possibilities for organizing your gear, with modular bins, hangers, and shelves that can be customized to suit any adventure. You can see more at their website. Lightship website

Edited December 12, 2024 by RV_

[Kirk W]

Thanks for the update. I had not looked into them lately but we can reserve one today by putting down only $7,500 toward the $250,000 expected price. 

Meet the AE.1™ Cosmos Edition

Edited December 12, 2024 by Kirk W
add a link

[RV_]

Kirk, I posted that link in my OP - here's the sticker shock pricing page - https://reserve.lightshiprv.com/booking/ae1-cosmos

I just posted here as an FYI as I said. I doubt anyone on these forums would buy one. But price is relative. This is radical as it is truly self contained for power and self-propelled, and has none of the same appliances that all RVs have today. But that is all available online for those interested in the links, and many aren't interested. I can't afford a trip to space on an Origin or Falcon flight but I do love to read all the details. Some RVrs might want to read about the newest tech in RVs.

When Philips introduced the first plasma TV in 1997, it was only displayed in four Sears stores and cost $14,999. $14,999 in 1997 is $29,499.34 in 2024 dollars: Inflation calculator

Some folks did buy that TV?? We bought a 75" 2023 QNED TV that was ~$1400 at the BX on black Friday 2023, less than Best Buy by far and no tax. It is amazing!

Price or cost is relative. Many would never buy a TV for more than a few hundred today.

I would never spend $4,404,597.00 on a car but there are many who do. This one won't last long: https://www.jamesedition.com/cars/bugatti/chiron_110_ans/2019-bugatti-chiron-110-ans-awd-for-sale-14474275

Nor would I ever spend $145,775.00 for an Airstream same old same old travel trailer : https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2024-Airstream-Globetrotter®+27FB-5029247857#sid=429134

But I do, as a past full time RVr, keep up with the latest redesign of the whole concept of what an RV is and can do. If making do and cost were the only factor I would never have gotten two top shelf 36' fivers and a Ram 1 Ton diesel Tow Vehicle - I could have made do with a tent right?

Every system on this Lightship RV is different, totally. Airstream has not brought their concept to market yet and no estimate of price. But they still have the same flatter tall front and systems.

Winnebago has a fleet of Sprinter type "Loaners" out there, so we will see where the Industry goes in the next decade both standard and new tech. At the very least interesting:

https://www.winnebago.com/all-electric

Another total innovator Pebble is almost ready for production, it even hitches itself - another one to watch:

https://pebblelife.com/

I'm not buying any of them and price isn't a factor. What we can pay and what we will pay could change next year. But we would only make that investment in an RV if we go full time again.

I can look at the menu with no obligation to order. However I would like to tour all of them when they are actually in production like the Lightship, I expect the Winnebago to be next and won't make a call on the rest.

Safe travels!

 

Edited December 12, 2024 by RV_

[Kirk W]

I too would like to actually see one. I'm hoping that they will come to the Dallas RV Show soon.  We are both old enough to remember when people would have scoffed at the very idea that anyone would be willing to pay the prices for an RV that we see regularly today so, who knows what the future will bring?  It would appear that Lightship may well be to the travel trailer market what Tesla was to the automobile marked not so long ago. 

[sandsys]

I love that the Lightship is fully solar powered but I think my diesel van with no propane system was a good compromise. I bought that van in 2012 so I think I was in the vanguard of people choosing to go all electric but I could only run my A/C if I was plugged in. Everything else ran on solar except my diesel furnace. I loved that van and am sorry I sold it.

Linda

[RV_]

Kirk if they have any at the Dallas show post some pics and impressions!

[RV_]

Linda lots of folks don't want to be any kind of an early adopter solar or diesel vans. I agree that diesel is much more heavy duty than many gas engines. For me, the high torque at low rpms makes diesels ideal for long term towing and hauling loads. While a bit more expensive new, most folks are unaware that a decently maintained Cummins 5.9 will go at least 350k miles trouble free if the lift pumps have already been replaced with aftermarket lift pumps. Many have gone many more miles with the venerable 5.9. As well, just having a qualified diesel shop balance the injectors can and did for me add about 10% or a very noticeable power and acceleration increase. I did my gas years and my diesel years and now our electric years. For now I can rent a utility trailer for $14 from UHaul for a half day when I need to haul sheets of plywood or a refrigerator. I stuck with RAM in line sixes because I know them and the in line six 5.9. Being retired we would never be driving it in freezing weather, just when we need a truck. But a small trailer since my car has a hitch receiver and tow package from the factory.

The good thing for diesel heads or past diesel heads is that we know how durable and powerful they are, and most of the gas owners won't touch a perfect diesel with 100k miles. Out of habit. So we can steal them with 100k miles. We know they are just getting broken in at 100k unless abused. I have never owned any brand but the four RAM diesels My last one had 350k milers on it. The one before doesn't count because it was a short bed and all my others were long beds that rode like a Cadillac I kept the only short bed less than six months so it does not count, my second was a 2500 that had 450k miles on it when I sold it, my first one was a 1992 1 Ton diesel dually long bed that had 100k miles on it when I bought it from a diesel mechanic that just went through it and had well over 600k miles when I sold it still in excellent condition to a friend who still uses it on his farm today. I immediately put in the 1993 under bed oil fan stock RAM oil cooler. I had to replace the injector pump and lift pump on it for about $2200 and for the seven years towing full time then construction and flipping houses for a few years after that was no expense since I bought it cheap with 100k miles on it from a major diesel mechanic in San Antonio who used it only as his personal truck. He Painted it and went through it before I bought it.

If I were to go RVing again today it would be one of those two years Rams 5.9 Cummins and I would search for it as long as needed.

Only as an example because I have not checked this one out. This one at 210k miles would, if it was taken care of and I checked it out and it met my criteria has 210k miles on it and would likely give another 140k miles of good service. But that only as an example, YMMV. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-2006-Dodge-RAM-2500-c5418#listing=353680853/NONE/DEFAULT

 

Caveat Emptor, as some folks don't have the patience to go through a lot of used vehicles and some that do have terrible luck, which we can have with a new vehicle of any kind. I don't propose you do as I do. Just another alternative. 

Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!

 

[Kirk W]

15 hours ago, RV_ said:

if they have any at the Dallas show post some pics and impressions!

I certainly will, but so far I've not heard of any here. I'm thinking that they might come to the big spring Dallas RV Show that takes place in Feb. Let us know if they show up in Denver. 

[RV_]

We will.