The Fully Electric Airstream eStream Concept
Wouldn’t it be great to have an RV trailer that could drive itself, park itself, and go completely off-grid for weeks? If your answer is yes, Airstream thinks like you.
The iconic manufacturer has added many features to the eStream that make it a dream RV to “tow” behind your vehicle. “Tow” is in quotes because the eStream actually has a built-in electric drivetrain that drives it along behind your tow vehicle.
A trailer that helps boost your fuel economy while towing? It’s a thing now. But wait, that’s not all the eStream can do. The trailer is packed with a host of features that make it the ultimate design for anyone looking for a carefree RV experience.
The eStream lets you have all the comforts of home wherever you happen to be. This 22′ trailer is completely electric. High voltage batteries, an expansive solar rooftop, and advanced electronic systems provide a completely off-grid experience wherever you camp.
The interior
Airstream has a reputation for hand-crafted quality. The eStream is no exception to that. It’s beautifully decorated inside with sleek white cabinetry and ample windows with curtain window coverings.
Rooftop solar power
The eStream has the traditional Airstream look and boasts 6 rooftop solar panels to help it power itself. A space-age, LED wrap-around tail light stretches across the back wall. Numerous exterior LED strip lights remind us that this is definitely a concept vehicle.
Towing/driving the eStream
The eStream has a full powertrain integrated into the chassis. This means it can either work hand-in-hand with the tow vehicle or drive itself under instructions from a remote control, which makes it easy to park when you get to the campsite.
This trailer has built-in sensors to help stabilize the trailer without needing a weight-distribution hitch. The trailer’s single axle has two motors that work to actively extend its towing range.
The future of Airstream
Airstream created the eStream to explore possibilities and to give themselves something to shoot for in the way of an eco-friendly design.
“We’ve seen some of this technology emerging in European RV design over the last couple years,” said McKay Featherstone, Airstream VP of Engineering and Product Development. “But the eStream brings together multiple technologies and combines them in this complete package. It’s comfortable, connected, and built with the intent to expose what’s possible in the future of Airstream travel.”
Chat with other Airstream owners
You can learn more about Airstream’s eStream concept on their website. For even more inside scoop on the “silver bullet,” connect online with other Airstream enthusiasts on AirForums.com or check out the latest listings on AirstreamClassifieds.com.
Not truly self-sustainable. Their stated design goals are to be anywhere, for as long as you want. Technology has a long way to go to achieve those goals. First and foremost, goal would be energy independence from charging stations. Given the current efficiency of solar panels you would need lots of solar arrays on top of the e-stream, assuming the sun is unobstructed, just to keep even with the daily power demands. Second is independence from a potable water supply and wastewater discharge. Neither goal is currently achievable. However, it does spark innovative design thoughts about “what if?” On a marketable basis a new e-stream will have to have the same capabilities and be at least as user friendly as current models with some new concepts at a competitive price.
Will Airstream ever manufacture a fifth wheel trailer in the 27′ range?
This RV will probably cost over $100,000. Too far out the average person’s price range.
Agree!!!!!
Having used solar on our rig for 13 years, I have a lot of questions about this. 80% of federal campgrounds do not have electric hookups. And most of those campgrounds are covered in trees. Which will severely limit the charging capability of this trailer. If it’s cloudy, or raining It will never fully charge up. This trailer might be fine for a weekend trip to go a couple hundred miles but you could not expect it to work for a two week trip without a lot of time spent at charging stations when your trying to get to a campground before it fills up for the night. This setup will severely limit your travel distance and where you can stay. Imagine having to charge the trailer with those huge batteries for and hour or longer and then hook up your EV and charge it. Your going to be at a charging station out on the road for hours burning daylight.
When you say “High voltage batteries” how high of voltage are you referring to?
Too bad they eliminated propane – this will severly limit battery life (think water heater and range). That being said – i’ll wait until Version 2.0 or 3.0 comes out. I can’t imagine the bugs in the first generation.
Will this tech expand the list of passenger vehicles suitable for towing the eStream ?
As if Airstreams aren’t expensive enough, had a ton of batteries and a drive train and what are we talking, $200,000?