Airstream eStream Concept: 242 hp on your towbar

Airstream, the American producer of those iconic high-gloss aluminum caravans, introduced a striking concept called the Airstream eStream Travel Trailer at the RV SuperShow 2022 in Florida. Like the E-Coco caravan that the German Dethleffs showed some time ago, this eStream is also equipped with its own electric drive to relieve a battery-powered towing vehicle so that the range remains workable.

The similarity between the eStream and a similar idea in Dethleffs 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 label of Thor and can therefore make use of the knowledge and experience gained with the drivetrain and associated technology of the E-Coco. This knowledge was developed and put into practice by ZF Friedrichshafen. With the Nürburgring in mind, ZF's tuner immediately turned it into 242 horsepower. The caravan is equipped with two electric motors, each delivering 121 hp and drawing the necessary energy from an 80 kWh battery pack.

Communication between caravan and towing vehicle

The system relieves the car by providing power as soon as the force on the tow hitch indicates it. When braking, the motors recover energy, which charges the batteries. Josef Hjelmaker, Thor Industries Chief Innovation Officer: “Our patented technology addresses the vacation problem of electric vehicles: 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 establishes a synchronized relationship between the trailer and the towing vehicle, allowing the trailer to work in conjunction with the towing vehicle and requiring less pulling power from the car. This greatly improves the range of the combination. We have essentially turned the caravan into an electric vehicle.”

Off-Grid

The large battery pack of the eStream offers another advantage. The new Airstream is also an excellent off-grid caravan. The power to heat the caravan, run a refrigerator, or provide lighting is negligible compared to what the drive uses. The eStream is also equipped with 900 watts of solar panels, which charge the batteries even when stationary and without shore power, allowing for up to two weeks of camping without electricity.

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 serve as navigation support.

Concept

When something is called a concept, the question naturally arises whether the eStream will actually go into production. It all sounds very appealing. The appearance is striking and timeless. The weight on the tow hitch is hardly noticeable because the caravan drives itself. And there is always enough electricity to power the living facilities. And then there is also the maneuvering mode. This ensures that you can easily position the caravan. In Move mode, the caravan can be steered in all directions with an app.

More information: www.airstream.com/air-lab/concepts/estream

Looking for an Airstream caravan? Then take a look at www.camperscaravans.nl or at www.caravanstekoop.nl