Thor Industries has just revealed their new electric Airstream concept, the Airstream eStream, a novel idea that seems to put the cart before the horse – literally – when it comes to the future of camping.
Airstream eStream concept
In the video debuting the concept, we are introduced to a sleek, one-of-a-kind travel trailer that uses two electric motors (one for each wheel) that combine for a total of 242 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The motors are powered by up to 80 kWh in battery power. The motors can help drive the trailer under towing, decreasing the load on the tow vehicle for improved mileage and economy. And with an accompanying smartphone app, the trailer can be moved around under its own power to help with parking or hooking up to a vehicle.
“The technology we co-developed (with ZF) creates a synchronized relationship between the trailer and the tow vehicle, enabling the trailer to move in harmony with the tow vehicle, reducing the pulling effect required from the tow vehicle,” explains Josef Hjelmaker, the chief innovation officer of Thor, Airstream’s parent company. “This, in turn, dramatically improves the possible range of the combination. In essence, we’ve turned the trailer into an electric vehicle.”
The eStream also offers intelligent voice control and complete mobile device integration (thanks to Amazon Alexa), along with some undeniably trendy and eye-catching interior finishes, 900 watt worth of solar panels for off-grid living, and will have the ability to monitor the trailer’s charge status, remaining distance and other information with a smartphone app. There are no solid plans for production yet, but the concept seems to be very polished, so hopefully we’ll see them available soon.
