Airstream eStream Concept: 242 hp on your towbar
Airstream, the American manufacturer of those iconic caravans made of high-gloss aluminum, introduced a striking concept called Airstream eStream Travel Trailer at the RV SuperShow 2022 in Florida. Just like the E-Coco caravan that the German Dethleffs showed some time ago, this eStream is also equipped with its own electric drive to spare a battery-powered tow car so that the range remains workable.
The similarity between the eStream and a similar idea in Dethleff's E-Coco is not surprising. Dethleffs is part of the Erwin Hymer Group, which has been under the umbrella of the American Thor Industries for a few years now. Airstream is a Thor label and can therefore use the knowledge and experience gained with the drivetrain and associated technology of the E-Coco. This knowledge has been developed and put into practice by ZF Friedrichshafen. With the Nürburgring in mind, the ZF tuner immediately turned it into 242 horsepower. The caravan is equipped with two electric motors, each delivering 121 hp and drawing the required energy from an 80 kWh battery pack.
Communication between caravan and tow vehicle
The system relieves the load on the car by driving as soon as the force on the tow bar indicates this. When braking, the motors recover energy to charge the batteries. Josef Hjelmaker, Thor Industries Chief Innovation Officer: “Our patented technology addresses the holiday problem of electric vehicles: the limited range. Studies have shown that electric vehicles have a significant loss of range, even when towing a small trailer or teardrop. The technology we have developed creates a synchronized relationship between the trailer and the towing vehicle, so that the trailer works in collaboration with the towing vehicle and less pulling power is required from the car. This greatly improves the range of the combination. We actually turned the caravan into an electric vehicle.”
Off Grid
The large battery pack of the eStream provides another advantage. The new Airstream is also an excellent off-grid caravan. The ability to heat the caravan, run a refrigerator or light it is nothing compared to what the drive uses. The eStream is also equipped with 900 watts of solar panels with which the batteries can also be charged when stationary and without shore power, so that you can camp without power for up to two weeks.
Connectivity
The eStream uses smart connectivity. This makes it possible to remotely control all systems of the caravan. The journey can also be planned using digital tools that optimize the range and support navigation.
Concept
When something is called a concept, the question is of course whether the eStream will also go into production. It's all attractive. The appearance is striking and timeless. The weight on the towbar is minimal because the caravan drives itself. And there is always enough electricity to power the living facilities. And then there is the maneuvering mode. This ensures that you can easily put the caravan in place. In Move mode, the caravan can be steered in all directions using an app.
More information: www.airstream.com/air-lab/concepts/estream
Looking for an airstream caravan? Then take a look www.camperscaravans.nl of op www.caravanstekoop.nl
