Introducing the Pebble Flow: An all-electric travel trailer RV with propulsion assist, solar panels
Electric RV specialist Pebble has officially unveiled its flagship product – an all-electric travel trailer called the Pebble Flow. This ultra-aerodynamic trailer features active propulsion assist, universal charging, and solar panels on its roof, enabling extended stays off the electrical grid. Check it out.
Pebble is a California based startup that has been working toward today’s unveiling to deliver a reimagined RV experience that is not only sustainable, but “magical.” The company was founded by Bingrui Yang, who previously led iPhone development at Apple for nine years before leading hardware development for some familiar names in autonomous robotaxis – Cruise and Zoox. During an interview this past June, Yang spoke to Pebble’s mission in revitalizing a relatively stale RV segment:
Pebble was developed to create a hassle-free way to live, work and explore. Consumers have been stuck with the same RV experience for decades. A lot of people want to get into such a lifestyle of freedom but are turned off by the pain points in today’s products. At Pebble, we are automating the hardest parts of the RV experience with the same technologies that power the most advanced automotive innovations, making the whole experience simply effortless and magical. If you know how to use an iPhone, you’ll be comfortable using our product.
Pebble stepped out of stealth mode and into the public eye this past summer with $13.6 million in seed funding in its pockets to help get its flagship electric mobility product over the finish line. Since then, Pebble has merely teased brief glimpses of its all-electric Flow RV ahead of its official launch.
Today, Pebble has given us a peek behind the startup curtain, showcasing the Flow travel trailer in its entirety, alongside an opening of pre-orders. See for yourself below.
Pebble opens pre-orders for its $109k+ electric RV
As you can see from the image above, the Pebble Flow is not your typical travel trailer. In addition to being 100% electric, the RV is an exercise in aerodynamics. In fact, Pebble states the Flow is 300% more aerodynamic than a conventional travel trailer, reducing drag and extending range – very important for towing, especially with today’s EVs that lose a lot of range while towing.
Better still, the Pebble Flow is equipped with its own dual-motor active propulsion assist system, helping bear the brunt of its own load and again, helping maximize range and efficiency regardless of whether there’s an ICE or electric vehicle towing it.
Founder and CEO Bingrui Yang’s previous job experience is present in the DNA of Pebble’s first electric RV, which features tons of automation features that can be controlled directly from the company’s app.
For instance, the Flow’s Magic Hitch feature enables the trailer to position itself and automatically hitch onto the towing vehicle in front of it. “InstaCamp” mode can deploy or retract the trailer’s awning, stairs, lights, and auto-leveling stabilizers to set up or pack up camp in seconds with the tap of a button.
If you’ve ever towed a travel trailer, one of the biggest stress points is backing up and parking, but not with the Pebble Flow. This travel trailer is fully remote-controlled when unhitched, enabling owners to maneuver and park more easily from outside, instead of from the driver seat of their towing vehicle.
For easier off-grid living, Pebble has equipped its electric RV with 1kW of integrated solar atop the roof, enabling self charging from the Sun whether parked or in motion. No matter if you’re out in the wild or parked at home, the Pebble Flow’s 45 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack can not only power all appliances onboard, but can act as an emergency power source during outages. Pebble states this amount of energy storage is 3.5x that of a Tesla Powerwall, offering the capability to operate off the grid for up to seven days when paired with the solar panels.
Today is also the first time we get a full glimpse of the interior of the Pebble Flow, which is touting nearly as much innovation as its exterior. Have a look.
Pebble Flow’s interior, performance specs, and availability
Starting with the sleeping situation, the Pebble Flow sleeps up to four people and comes equipped with a retractable Murphy bed that folds up into a work desk, as well as a (near) full convertible bed. The kitchenette features a 4-in-1 convection oven, 6 cu. ft. (169L) fridge, and a removable induction cooktop that can be used at your campsite or tailgate.
The bathroom features one-touch privacy electrochromic glass, housing a full size shower, toilet, and hot water.
270-degree windows wrap the walls of the towable RV to help bring the outdoors in during working hours or nap time and the aforementioned Pebble app enables owners to control lights, locks, and interior temperature from anywhere. Pebble also says the Flow will come plug-and-play ready to support Starlink satellite internet. Here are some additional specs:
- Dimensions: 25’ L x 7’6” W x 8’8” H
- Required towing capacity: 6,200 lbs
- GVWR: 6,200 lbs
- Murphy Bed: Queen
- Dinette Convertible Bed: 50” x 80” (slightly larger than a full)
- Fresh Tank: 37 gallons
- Grey & Black Tank: 50 gallons
- AC Power: Capable of powering all appliances onboard at once
- Charging: AC and DC compatible
- Charge Rates: Pebble is not sharing at this time
- AC Output: 240V powering a NEMA 14-50 outlet
Pretty cool, right? Right. But such technology does come at a cost, as does most sophisticated leisure beyond car camping. The Pebble Flow starts at a price of $109,000 with the standard 45 kWh battery pack. However, if you want the dual-motor drivetrain and the features mentioned above like Remote Control, Magic Hitch, and Easy Tow, you’ll need to add the Magic Pack.
Combined with the Magic Pack, the Pebble Flow starts at $125,000. The travel trailer will make its public debut at the LA Auto Show from November 17-26 alongside a press conference held by its creators.
Interested? Beginning today, Pebble’s all-electric solar EV is available for pre-order, and deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2024. In the meantime, check out Pebble’s video of the Flow below, which offers our best look at that solar roof:
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A couple years ago, my wife started a new job as an elementary school principal. It was an exciting milestone, but it also came with a stressful commute. The school isn’t far – just a few kilometers across the city – but during rush hour, taking the bus often meant sitting in gridlock for 45 minutes. Not exactly the best way to start or end a workday.
So we got her an electric bike.
Not just any e-bike, either. She picked out a sleek little folding model called the Rayvolt Exxite XS. It’s light, stylish, easy to ride, and best of all, it doesn’t take up much space at home or at school.
But here’s the kicker: it only goes 25 km/h (15.5 mph). It doesn’t even have a throttle. You have to pedal it, you know, like a neanderthal.
And yet… it’s faster than cars. A lot faster.
Her commute now takes about 10 minutes. Maybe 12 minutes if she catches a few red lights. She zips past long lines of idling cars, breezes down bike lanes, and parks right at the school entrance. No searching for a parking space. No waiting for late buses. No moving so slow that you can clearly see a piece of gum stuck on the road. Just hop on and go.
In raw numbers, her commute time has been cut by more than 75%. Now she’s easily traveling 3-4x faster than a car or bus.
And the only thing that changed was swapping four wheels for two – and ditching the idea that the “faster” vehicle is always the one with more horsepower and an extra few thousand kilos to lug around.
She went with something of a sleek-looking e-bike, but anyone could get the same or better performance from a simple, mass-market e-bike like a $999 Lectric XP4, all for a few months of car payments or nearly a year of bus riding. This isn’t expensive stuff. In fact, it’s cheaper, it saves time, and it’s more fun.
In cities choked with traffic, a modest Class 1 e-bike like hers can be 3–4 times faster than driving. Not because it’s a speed machine (it’s not), but because cars are stuck. Stuck behind other cars. Stuck behind buses. Stuck behind the myth that they’re the only real way to get around.
The bike’s other benefits aren’t lost on her either. She gets a bit of exercise every day to help keep her in shape. She gets fresh air. She gets to actually experience our amazing city instead of watching it go by through a window. And she arrives at school with a smile instead of a headache.
At school, she parks in a guarded area. Back home, she can easily take her bike right up to our apartment in the elevator. It’s no muss, no fuss, easy breezy beautiful e-bike girl.
So yeah, I got my wife an e-bike that’s faster than cars. It didn’t take 1,000 watts or some monster battery pack. It just took rethinking what speed really means in a city.
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The best-selling Mercedes-Benz SUV is going electric, and it’s bringing a new style with it. Mercedes promises the new GLC EV “redefines” the face of the luxury brand. Here’s our first look.
Mercedes previews flashy new face with the GLC EV
We will get our first look at the new electric SUV in a little over a month at the Munich Motor Show. Ahead of its official debut, Mercedes has been hyping the GLC EV up as what could be one of its most important vehicles (EV or gas) to date.
The GLC is already the best-selling Mercedes SUV globally and in the US, but the luxury automaker is promising the electric version will take it to the next level.
“Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of our brand,” according to Gorden Wagener, Mercedes’ chief design boss. Wagener says the new look is “the perfect fusion” of lasting design (and more LED lights) that will be used on upcoming vehicles.
The new electric GLC will be the first to showcase the new face. Mercedes gave us a sneak peek of it on Monday, revealing the revamped grille design.
When you pass by the iconic three-point star, you know it’s a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. For over 100 years, the chrome grille has been the face of nearly every model.
Although it’s been updated and evolved, this is its most extreme redesign yet. The new grille is bold and wide. Again, you won’t be missing this one when it drives by.
After adopting a more “EV-look” with the closed-off grille in its first-gen electric vehicles, Mercedes is reverting to a more traditional luxury design, similar to that of Cadillac or BMW, with a chunky, wide chrome grille. An illuminated version will also be available, featuring 942 backlit dots.
Mercedes says the optional high-tech pixel design can even be animated to bring the electric GLC to life.” The iconic star and border of the panel are also illuminated.
The GLC EV is the first of a new family of vehicles that will feature its advanced new MB.OS supercomputer alongside the updated design.
Mercedes is also promising an optional new MBUX HYPERSCREEN, “elevates the interior of the new GLC in a way never seen before.” We will get our first official look at the new Mercedes GLC EV on September 7 at the Munich Motor Show.
The luxury automaker says the event will mark the beginning of a new era with its largest product launch yet. In addition to the electric GLC debut, Mercedes will hold the world premiere for the new CLA EV, CLA Shooting Brake, and Concept AMG GT XX. Check back soon for more updates leading up to the event.
What do you think of the new face of Mercedes? Are you a fan? Or should the luxury brand go back to the chalkboard again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Costco’s EV Marketplace hopes to guide its members through every step of their electrification journey with helpful articles, insights, and resources. The online resource gas just hit its six-month milestone, and to celebrate, they’re rolling out fresh deals on three new Volvo EVs.
SKIP THE STORY: take me to the deals.
“It’s normal to have questions when you’re considering an EV,” reads Costco’s Marketplace copy. “Are EVs safe? How long will my EV last? Can EVs handle harsh weather? We’ve answered these questions and more so you can have peace of mind about living the EV life.”
That’s how it starts, and the Marketplace, true to its word, continues with informational articles about EV incentives (Money Matters), charging FAQs (All About Charging), the differences between hybrids, PHEVS, and EREVs (Hybrids and PHEVs), and Expert Perspectives on topics like autonomous driving and buying usd EVs.
It’s pretty basic stuff, and you’d probably get a lot more nuanced and useful real-world takes on the hows and whys of fitting an EV into your everyday life by reading the comments on Electrek, but the Costco site passes the Jo Borrás Father-In-Law Test™: it’s easy, accessible, and does everything it can to avoid taking any sort of environmental or political stand.
And, best of all, it neatly organizes all the different GM EVs eligible for Costco member discounts. And, now through September, that list includes a (returning) trio of all-electric Volvo models: the EX90, EX40, and Electrek EV of the year for 2024, the Volvo EX30.
Check out the deals, below, and click on the Make/Model names to find more discounts and deals on new EVs in inventory near you.
Costco members only Volvo deals
- Volvo EX90
$ 1,500 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 2,000 incentive for Executive members - Volvo EX40
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Volvo EX30
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members
Costco members only GM deals
- Chevrolet Blazer EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Chevrolet Equinox EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Chevrolet Silverado EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - GMC Sierra EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - GMC Hummer EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Cadillac OPTIQ
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Cadillac VISTIQ
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Cadillac ESCALADE IQ
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members
Brightdrop Costco member deal
Finally, I absolutely must stop and highlight what might be the absolute best deals going. With 272 miles of range and more room inside its walls than your college dorm, GM’s Chevy Brightdrop electric van is one of the best commercial EVs you can buy. As a Costco Executive member, you can get one for yourself or your business with an absolutely incredible $31,500 discount. (!)
You can check out Costco’s EV Marketplace for yourself at this link, then let us know what you think of it as a resource – and if you’d recommend it to your in-laws – in the comments.
SOURCE: Costco; images via Volvo, GM.
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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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