Two iconic brands synonymous with design and function, Airstream and Porsche, teamed up to build a camping trailer concept that’s sure to quench your wanderlust with a modern, aerodynamic design and lighter weight that’s optimized for EV towing. And perhaps the best part – you can store it right in your garage.
Airstream, Porsche reveal camping trailer concept for EVs
In a relationship one could only dream of establishing, the famed aluminum “silver bullet” travel trailer is getting a modern-day makeover from the one and only Studio FA Porsche design firm.
An avid camper, Wally Bryam founded Airstream to improve the experience, including a comfortable place to sleep, a stove to cook, a sink, an ice box, storage, and plenty of walking space.
Byram is known within the company for his motto, “Let’s not make changes, let’s only make improvements,” which has carried on to this day as Airstream is now the longest-tenured recreational vehicle manufacturer across the globe.
As the world looks to a cleaner, more sustainable future, Airstream is improving once again. And who better to take on the task than Porsche’s own legendary design firm, Studio FA Porsche?
With decades of combined design experience, the teams created an urban-influenced 16.4-foot camping trailer that’s modified to improve the electric vehicle towing.
The camping trailer concept improves the already impressive aerodynamics of the Airstream with a new rear shape to improve airflow and flush underside with “reduced drag-creating projections.”
Airstream and Porsche designed camping trailer (Source: Airstream)
In addition, the concept includes a few firsts from the famed adventure brand, including a lowering suspension and insulated pop-up roof, making it easy to store in a standard residential garage (for the first time in Airstream’s 90-year history).
The inside maximizes space with rear seating that transforms from a dining space to an office to a living room. When it comes time to sleep, the seating area converts to an 82″ X 61″ sleeping area.
The kitchenette comes complete with a sink, two burner cooktop stove, and storage that hides in the spacious interior.
Airstream says its Porsche-designed camping trailer is perfect for camping on a campground or off-grid, with integrated rooftop solar panels and lithium battery storage to save energy for later use.
Electrek’s Take
There’s been skyrocketing demand for RVs that started during the pandemic as people sought safe, outdoor spaces. And now, as consumers continue transitioning to electric vehicles, RV manufacturers are looking to fill the growing need for camping trailers designed for EVs.
Airstream’s competitors, like Winnebago and several others, are also working on environmentally friendly options for adventure seekers.
Keep in mind this is still a concept, so it could be some time before we see it hit the market. Meanwhile, all-electric RV startup Lightyear officially debuted its L1 electric travel trailer designed to maintain the full range of the EV towing it yesterday. You can read more about Lightyear here.
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The automaker confirmed that it had a single rear-wheel-drive (RWD) motor, but unlike the previously announced Cybertruck RWD, Tesla said it had 350 rather than 250 miles of range.
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This would point to having the same battery pack as the Dual Motor and Cyberbeast currently available.
At the time, it wasn’t clear if Tesla was launching this specific version for the Middle East or if it was the new Cybertruck RWD to replace the previously announced $62,000 version.
Now, Tesla has opened orders in the online configurator for the US and Mexico of the new Cybertruck Long Range RWD:
It starts at $70,000 before incentive – $9,000 more than the previously announced Cybertruck, but it has 100 more miles on a single charge at 350 miles.
It’s also $10,000 less expensive than the Cybertruck Dual Motor.
You not only lose a motor, but you also lose the powered tonneau. You can buy a “soft tonneau” for $750 and it increases the range to 362 miles:
The new cheaper version also loses the adaptive suspension, the lightbar at the back, the rear screen, and even the bed outlets, according to Tesla’s website.
Tesla says that deliveries are going to start in June.
Electrek’s Take
I might be wrong, but I would assume that the previously announced $61,000 Cybertruck is not going to happen. The Cybertruck is likely proving to be too low-volume to warrant producing different sizes of battery packs.
However, this version might be just to make the $80,000 Cybertruck look better.
It’s not to lose the AWD, the tonneau, the adaptive suspension, and even the bed outlets for $10,000.
These are all pretty essential features of the Cybertruck. I don’t think this version will sell much at $70,000. Maybe they get a few sales of people trying to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit.
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The electric construction equipment experts at XCMG just released a new, 25 ton electric crawler excavator ahead of bauma 2025 – and they have their eye on the global urban construction, mine operations, and logistical material handling markets.
UPDATE: telematics announcement.
Powered by a high-capacity 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery capable of delivering up to 8 hours of continuous operation, the XE215EV electric excavator promises uninterrupted operation at a lower cost of ownership and with even less downtime than its diesel counterparts.
XCMG showed off its latest electric equipment at the December 2024 bauma China, including an updated version of its of its 85-ton autonomous electric mining truck that features a fully cab-less design – meaning there isn’t even a place for an operator to sit, let alone operate. And that’s too bad, because what operator wouldn’t want to experience an electric truck putting down 1070 hp more than 16,000 lb-ft of torque!?
Easy in, easy out
XCMG battery swap crane; via Etrucks New Zealand.
The best part? All of the company’s heavy equipment assets – from excavators to terminal tractors to dump trucks and wheel loaders – all use the same 400 kWh BYD battery packs, Milwaukee tool style. That means an equipment fleet can utilize x number of vehicles with a fraction of the total battery capacity and material needs of other asset brands. That’s not just a smart use of limited materials, it’s a smarter use of energy.
“XCMG remains committed to advancing engineering technology to empower a sustainable future. Our mission is to deliver efficient, intelligent, and eco-friendly lifecycle solutions for global clients,” said Mr. Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery. “Today, 19% of our product portfolio comprises green innovations under our ‘Green Mountain’ new energy line, with full electrification across all series underway.”
On today’s troubling episode of Quick Charge, we explore all the troubles befalling Tesla (and TSLA stock) in the month April – with top executives fleeing the ship, demand plummeting, sales slipping, government incentives at home and abroad under threat, and a raft of receipts brought on by an OpenAI lawsuit hitting the brand, it’s already a bad month for Elon … and there’s still 20 more days to go!
None of this even touches on the $43 million “backlogged” rebate scandal Tesla’s facing in Canada that’s being blamed for people’s negative attitudes about the brand (ha!) or the fact that neither the long-promised Roadster 2.0 or the Tesla Semi will see production anytime this year, either.
The word you’re looking for when you think of Tesla these days is, “cooked.”
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