Airstream and Porsche unveil camping trailer ‘optimized for EVs’ that fits in your garage
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.”
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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Environment
U.S. crude oil falls below $60 a barrel to lowest since 2021 on tariff-fueled recession fears
A view shows disused oil pump jacks at the Airankol oil field operated by Caspiy Neft in the Atyrau Region, Kazakhstan April 2, 2025.
Pavel Mikheyev | Reuters
U.S. oil prices dropped below $60 a barrel on Sunday on fears President Donald Trump’s global tariffs would push the U.S., and maybe the world, into a recession.
Futures tied to U.S. West Texas intermediate crude fell more than 3% to $59.74 on Sunday night. The move comes after back-to-back 6% declines last week. WTI is now at the lowest since April 2021.
Worries are mounting that tariffs could lead to higher prices for businesses, which could lead to a slowdown in economic activity that would ultimately hurt demand for oil.
Oil futures, 5 years
The tariffs, which are set to take effect this week, “would likely push the U.S. and possibly global economy into recession this year,” according to JPMorgan. The firm on Thursday raised its odds of a recession this year to 60% following the tariff rollout, up from 40%.
Fueled by incentives from the Illinois EPA and the state’s largest utility company, new EV registrations nearly quadrupled the 12% first-quarter increase in EV registrations nationally – and there are no signs the state is slowing down.
Despite the dramatic slowdown of Tesla’s US deliveries, sales of electric vehicles overall have perked up in recent months, with Illinois’ EV adoption rate well above the Q1 uptick nationally. Crain’s Chicago Business reports that the number of new EVs registered across the state totaled 9,821 January through March, compared with “just” 6,535 EVs registered in the state during the same period in 2024.
Those numbers represent more than 50% growth in EV registrations – far beyond the expected 12% first-quarter increase nationally being projected by Cox Automotive. (!)
What’s going on in Illinois?
While President Trump and Elmo were running for re-election, they campaigned on the threat promise of canceling the $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs. Along with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois’ Governor JB Pritzker made countermoves – launching a $4,000 rebate for new electric cars and up to $1,500 for the purchase of a new electric motorcycle.
At the same time, the state’s largest utility, ComEd, launched a $90 million EV incentive program featuring a new Point of Purchase initiative to deliver instant discounts to qualifying business and public sector customers who make the switch to electric vehicles. That program has driven a surge in Class 3-6 medium duty commercial EVs, which are eligible fro $20-30,000 in utility rebates on top of federal tax credits and other incentives (Class 1-2 EVs are eligible for up to $7,500).
We covered the launch of those incentives when the program was announced at Chicago Drives Electric last year, but the message here is simple: incentives work.
SOURCES: Chicago Business, Ray Cunningham; featured image by the author.
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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.
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 is delivering on part of that reduced downtime promise with the lower maintenance and easier repair needs of electric equipment, and delivering on the rest of it with lickety-quick DC fast charging that can recharge the machine’s massive battery in 1.5-2 hours … but that’s not the slick bit. The XCMG XE125EV can be powered up without leaving the job site thanks to its BYD battery swap technology.
We first covered XCMG and its battery swap technology back in January, and covered similar battery-swap tech being developed by MOOG Construction offshoot ZQUIP, as well – but while XCMG’s battery tech has been in production for several years, it’s still not widely known about in the West (even within the industry).
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
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.
You can check out all the XE215EV’s specs at this tear sheet, and get an in-person look at the Chinese company’s latest electric excavator this week in Munich, Germany.
SOURCE | IMAGES: XCMG.
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