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 also has 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 Thor label and can therefore use 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 made it 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 driving as soon as the force on the towbar 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: 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 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 traction from the car. This greatly improves the range of the combination. We have essentially made the caravan 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 light it 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 off-grid camping.

Connectivity

The eStream uses smart connectivity. This makes it possible to remotely control all caravan systems. 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 naturally arises whether the eStream will actually go into production. It's all very appealing. The exterior is striking and timeless. The weight on the tow bar is minimal because the caravan drives itself. And there is always enough electricity to power the living facilities. And then there's the maneuvering mode. This ensures that you can easily put the caravan in its place. 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? Take a look at www.camperscaravans.nl or at www.caravanstekoop.nl