The Lightship RV: A Shrinking(?!), Zero Carbon Home on Wheels!

[@MarcCoteMusic]

This RV looks great and the clever e-axle tackles the biggest problem with EV towing. I wish the company great success with this and future offerings. Also, may I say how much I enjoy Imogen's presentation style? She is clearly knowledgeable, as well as enthusiastic and charismatic, and I love her friendly smile. The channel has definitely stepped up its game with Jack, Imogen and Helen, though it's been a while since she's been on the channel. These three, along with Robert, naturally, are far and away the best presenters on the channel and I don't think I've clicked away from any video featuring one or more of them.... something I can't say when other presenters are on screen. That said, I did enjoy the couple of videos featuring the young woman from Australia... she also was really good.

[@michaelfink64]

Fully (Charged) agree. I do miss Maddie, though.

[@Molishious]

I like the idea of using this as a power source for your home when parked outside and also an office. It’s a lot of resources so you’d want to make good use of it.

[@toronado455]

me too

[@pohkeee]

Yes…it’s awfully wasteful how most RVs are only used a very small part of the year. If they became an integral part of a whole house system year round, that would eliminate the waste factor!

[@Picklemedia]

Yes. Plug it in and it will pay for itself in 500 years

[@Molishious]

@@Picklemedia Well I wouldn’t look at this as an investment, but if you are going to have one seems like it’s much better to have it doing something all the time rather than sitting idle most of the time. Would be a shame to have those solar panels out there in the sun without using the electricity they can generate.

[@Picklemedia]

@@Molishious yeah and if you duct tape a cheeseburger to your forehead you might as well use it to catch flies

[@billthomas8994]

Incredible! The e-axle is truly a game changer as well as the charging and battery storage capacities. Pricing seems very fair for what you get. Wish you much future success.

[@Jaw0lf]

Imogen has been really busy with the videos this past month, she is a lovely and great presenter. This si the sort of thinking we want to see as RV and even caravans in the UK and Europe have been relatively static in shape. Also thinking about towing with an EV and giving it an assist is certainly the way forward. Bonus is that you have electricity to use, wherever you make as your camp site.

[@Yournickshere]

You could look at this as being like a supercar concept for RV/caravan, going forward? A bit ridiculous, pricey, niche.... But could open the door for something smaller, cheaper, accessible. The "doubles as a home battery" thing is great.

[@tone_bone]

I think the only thing holding it back is batteries. As they become more energy dense I could see this on something smaller.

[@JohnReiher]

I wouldn't buy one, but I would rent one. My parents had a GMC Motorcoach and it was a bit of an albatross around their necks. RVs, even towable ones, require a lot of upkeep, so renting one is more desirable than owning one.

[@davidcottrell570]

Interesting concept. A few things, though: needs to be quite a bit narrower, it needs bug screens and attachment points for an awning. A twenty foot single axle version might be more popular, but the price will always be in Airstream territory, so not for everyone.

[@malimish]

I've heard rumors about Airstream trying to do this for years. But I didn't think they had the know how to pull it off. Certainly it would have taken guys like these 2 to make it happen. Congrats on making this a reality.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Yes! We need more founders like these two, bringing industry-transforming ideas to market. As we transition to electric trucks for our tow vehicles, minimizing range loss is key. It'll be interesting to see more about Lightship's vehicle sensing and propulsion assist technology and capabilities. Wonderful episode usual Imogen and _Fully Charged Show,_ and great videographer skills George Collings!

[@Vormulac1]

"I've got so much headroom!" Bless her heart, she'd have lots of space in an airing cupboard. 😁

[@t1n4444]

And in a hobbit house. Obviously.

[@aussieideasman8498]

Didn't get Jack Scarlett to do this one, lol.

[@t1n4444]

@@aussieideasman8498 Hmm ... perhaps JS is becoming more discerning and is shrewd enough not to get involved in such projects? After all of what real interest is this contraption to those who dwell in Blighty? For the money then might be better (?) to simply travel to parts foreign, soak up the rays and the atmos' and not mess about "building" a shelter, in the rain, whilst your partner wonders what (s)he ever saw in you. Far too much technology looking for a home (literally). A project such as this is hardly going to polish Jack's profile if he wishes to review "proper" EVs in future ... perhaps on another platform ... By "proper" EVs I refer to such vehicles that can satisfy the needs of the ordinary car driver ... and powered by hydrogen, obviously. As for Imogen then doubtless she has her own career path and aspirations in mind, and why not? And, if reviewing this "essential aid to camping" suits her, then let's hope that future putative employers share the joke.

[@francisboyle1739]

@@aussieideasman8498 The stand up Jack test!

[@showme360]

Or even when the roof was down!! lol

[@examinerian]

The e-axle idea is suitable for any towing vehicle, and will reduce energy consumption no matter where it is derived. There's a HGV trailer from Krone called the eMega Liner that uses very similar systems (sensors in the trailer kingpin) with up to 500km of range assistance, regen braking, etc. Krone say it will give 25-40% range back to the tractor unit, which will enable current eHGVs to do a full day without a midpoint recharge, and will reduce pollution from ICE HGVs whilst those units continue on in use until replaced as part of the normal business asset cycles.

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

I helped check over and kit out an RV for my friends daughters in Georgia, USA. They were heading off for a weekend. Only a little shocked when Mum asked the girls if they had remembered their guns 😮

[@chrisspanswick7312]

I hope they make a smaller version as well. Brilliant idea.

[@chrishar110]

In 10-15 years every caravan will be like that.

[@onislandtime7]

Amazing! Can’t wait for this in Australia- planning my EV van life adventures ❤

[@Skiridr22]

The RV finally got a well deserved update bring it into the 21st century

[@lampy5490]

"I have a phenomenal amount of headroom... More than I do in my own home." Given how teeny Imogen is, that says more about British buildings than this caravan. Also: Get Jack in there!

[@Yanquetino]

I like the LightShip! I only wish they made a small version for couples -not large families. More the size of the NuCamp TAB 320, that has everything needed, despite its small dimensions. Or the Alto Safari with its retractable roof.

[@oleston]

There are smaller EV RV alternatives from other startups

[@JoelEZ1]

Lightship has stated that this is the first of many models to come in different sizes and orientations.

[@-Lucky-Six-]

could they be missing a huge intermediate market? just simple E Axle trailers, less work to produce than a full RV/caravan and surely theres a market out there now

[@vokstar]

I didn't even think of it being plugged in at home, lets face it that probably where it will spend most the time, it would be so cool to have one just for that purpose, especially if your house has solar/wind generation. I remember that when Ford did the F150 lightening they was surprised that it was tradies that were big fans because typically building sites don't have power for a while, one of these as a site office would be amazing and potentially a niche market for these guys too.

[@stephsoltesz6731]

Very Impresive and innovative for teh RV Universe and I can see other companies looking at this and instantly Face Palming themselves. The collapsing system is great but I can see that will need serious attention for longterm durability. In otherwords must have easy servicing access too ! Last thing needed there is potentially leaky hydraulics. The E-Drive Assist ! AWESOME !! This is also a notion that "should" carry over into other Trailer Platforms up to & including commercial transport rigs. Only to be offered on the 80kWh packed RV ? Sorry, I think that should be offered on the 40kWh one & others... As an Option Maybbe but well worth it IMO. Arerodynamics & efficiency has always been a bugger for Trailers, Airstream & a few others "got it" but so many more just can't grasp it. THIS Solution again is a blend of ideas which really works in this interaction. The kicker here will be the Gaskets & Seals between the body & the top section which is going to be tough. Has to account for all sorts of weather conditions, levels of dirt (on panels etc) which will get rubbed into the rubbers. I also wonder if it would be possible to make a similar one but with a more standard height and closer to the 20' long trailers. More of a simpler more basic model but with Batt (20kWh) maybe, resulting in a more affordable model. I Hope they make this happen and succeed with the ingenuity they brought to this sector. I also hope they don't get "held hostage" by obscure or exclusionary Govern-mental idiocies. Rather I hope they get Big Support to push ahead & innovate the RV industry into the future. PS: I bet we will see similar ideas coming from companies in under 12 Months now that this came out. I'd imagine some are already doodling up ideas !

[@jamesh284]

Let’s hope the uk caravan industry take note!!! E-axle a game changer.

[@JGS123WRPTP]

Not impacting range and no hook up required, hopefully. Completely agree.

[@Aztom40]

Don't see screens on any windows or for an open door. As a lifelong RVer, open windows need screens. Also any kind of curtains or blinds? Very interesting and innovative concept, need to know more about this trailer and if a smaller one is feasible.

[@leomajor88]

It uses electrochromic glass that can change its opacity at will. Screens could be easy to put up or a mosquito net.

[@wellsteadfamilytv9687]

Amazing! I love engineers and the concept. Yes it’s going to be expensive at launch but the founders have a clear vision and initial sales profit will be reinvested to scale and widen the range

[@AtentieCadMere]

I liked this review. Closer tot the roots. Great job, Imogen!

[@chrisnch]

They reinvented the folding caravan, but did manage to make it more fancy.

[@paulbram2]

I just want e axles as a component that can be optioned on any RV. Dexter, get on this!

[@MikeH-sg2ue]

That trailer looks awesome! I think, that a shorter version of it, about 4m long would be, great for us. I’ll be watching out for them! Thanks for sharing!

[@GudieveNing]

This is the future of living. I live on the coast here in the UK and more and more RVs come park every summer. No stress of neighbours etc. And your garden is wherever you park. Only downside is if you cannot park for very long or overnight in some locations for reasons of sanitation I imagine.

[@TimWigan]

Great to see, highly polished, superb perambulators and the Lightship ain't bad either. Let's have more Imogen stuff

[@steveboy2012]

Forward thinking company, i wish them every success in the future. Loved the thought, style and engineering that went into this RV.

[@NoahNobody]

The raised roof is neat.

[@ukraineSpaceman]

О цього разу дівчина. Треба ставити лайк❤

[@JACKnJESUS]

I would like to see the 'next' model invert the windows so they drop out of sight while traveling. The road can be very hard on all those windows. Otherwise...very nice.

[@toronado455]

likely they did this because having the upper half smaller than the lower would make it feel very small inside. the better solution might be to have fewer windows, and some sort of covers over them

[@JACKnJESUS]

@@toronado455 That's what I figured, and I'm sure they thought of every possible configuration before settling on this one. Just...wishing.

[@rogerfinch7651]

It’s Imogen week. Noice 👍😁

[@nathandepuy3044]

A game changer for the RV industry!

[@Pottery4Life]

Thank you. Yeah. A premium product to start. It will be interesting to see what this (RV industry) will evolve into in the next 20 years.

[@videostarish]

It's like a smaller version of 'The truck surf hotel' 👍

[@stuartmeek763]

One of the best of both world ideas I’ve seen. Hopefully it’ll come to UK and Europe too

[@pinkelephants1421]

Great review by Imogen. It's also worth watching Sandy Munro's review of this same product as he comes at it from a more in-depth materials and design angle than it was possible to cover here.

[@AaronSilvas]

Love the innovations, but hope to see them embrace the fully off grid trailers in the future. That means very durable/capable for off roads, and sustainable camping (no black tank for one).

[@LowGuppy]

I'd love to see this design philosophy applied to a more traditional RV platform. The RV industry is glacially slow to change, but they've also learned a lot over the years. There's good reason that RVs use 90% the same parts in different layouts. Glass adds weight slides add weight- prob enough to cancel most or all of the aerodynamic benefits. Def pack it all into the prototype/first model to dazzle but that price point for its size isn't going to shake up the market.

[@orwin64]

How about a LightSHIP boat for inland waterways?…

[@simonpartridge9683]

£92-109K for a caravan at todays rates, plus would be taxed for UK import so probably higher priced still. Wouldn't call that sustainable.

[@mycosys]

I'm not sure why but the lights on Imogen's beltpack glowing thru her jumpsuit is oddly hilarious.

[@foldionepapyrus3441]

The only question with the e-axle is reliability/safety concerns - if a sensor fails so it thinks it should be putting in too much power for the situation (etc) what happens? As long as there is enough redundancy, it reads the brake light signal from the parent vehicle and it always defaults to a dumb load when its not 100% sure with enough ramp time between help and drag to not overly stress the ball joint etc its a great idea. But if it ever fails it could end up being a serious safety concern, that is alot of mass pushing your vehicle around.

[@benwillvv]

Great reporting. Can’t wait to get one!

[@magnesium_subsoil_94]

Ngl I’d rather buy one of this than an actual home in modern times lol. Better and more luxurious than most apartments, cheaper in the long run, and you can move whenever and wherever you want

[@blairjayson]

Perfect for Burning Man.

[@PCRoss2469]

It's a nice design.

[@reginanjus]

Way beyond what I can afford! Of course we like it! But can't even think about buying it!

[@peglor]

With the collapsing roof they missed out on a fantastic opportunity to have the windows go into the body of the trailer so they're completely protected instead of putting them on the outside, but closer to most of the road debris. Anyone who can afford to drop 6 figures on a caravan with an overpriced battery on board will presumably be able to afford to repair the windows.

[@dna9838]

Yes, and those huge windows will quickly turn it into a sauna, and require huge blackout blinds all round for privacy/sleep

[@olavl8827]

You'd still want the top shell to go over the bottom shell, or rain could get into the gaps between the two.

[@peglor]

@@olavl8827 Car windows have been doing exactly that for more than half a century without allowing water into the interior of the car - it was a dumb design choice because at that asking price they're definitely not doing it to make the product affordable.

[@toronado455]

@@peglor car windows are only a few milimeters thick and basically a completely flat surface. This is a thicker and more complex surface to seal.

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

That would be much less space efficient, so the inside would be smaller. The back wall of the cabinets are now the outside wall. If you want the windows to be covered, that means building an extra outer wall outside the windows again. Or an extra inner wall inside the windows, depending on how you look at it. Maybe a fitted soft cover of the whole thing in road mode would be a better option.

[@millerbai]

Yay, the EV pixie is back 😊

[@norwegianzound]

She is rather lovely

[@vesawuoristo4162]

Super wonderful! Marvelous!

[@GudieveNing]

This is so Rivian. Wonder if they will work together? Go well with their trucks from a design angle too.

[@t1n4444]

Hmm ... when you say "so Rivian" ... is that a good thing?

[@th42]

I see Shell is sponsoring you & showing lovely lamppost chargers. Can you ask them to talk to Bristol City Council as we have virtually no on street EV charging. Especially true in residential areas where I’m seeing the gradual increase in EVs.

[@francisboyle1739]

3:03 - Imogen forgets we're not saying 'caravan' so as not to confuse Americans.

[@sixtyseven3337]

Beautiful

I hope the European caravan manufacturers like Kip, Hobby, Adria, Knaus, Fendt, etc, etc. are watching! I feel like their caravans haven’t changed in the last 30 years. It’s still a big white box on wheels that has the aerodynamic features of a brick.

[@Daniel-jm5hd]

Please can we have a version that fits down the UK's country lanes. I think it looks great but agree with the comments regarding the windows in road mode.

[@chrishar110]

Only the ones for 2 people fit in UK country roads.😛

[@danielmadar9938]

Thanks

[@JackMediaComments]

Imogen is so cool

[@paulbeisser]

I agree that she seemed to be a very good presenter but the comment about the long long trailer and airstreams were not correct in the long long trailer that was a 1953 Redman or Redmond. Easy to check on the wiki for the long long trailer.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Very interesting, but out of my budget. 2hrs to set up a tent, have you been camping!🤣 Cheers

[@InquisitiveBaldMan]

She got the full Yurt.

[@3184Patrick]

man with kids and camp kitchens and air mattress what should take 10 minutes usually takes us a damn hour. VERY interested in this. but i'll have to wait for version 2 if its say $60,000

[@JoelEZ1]

Lightship has stated that this is just the first model. Cheaper models to follow.

[@ObsidianWalker]

Found this quite fascinating, would be great to see a real world usage video at some point.

[@Alex-ek5fb]

Looks a bit like a Gobur Carousel or a Trigano Silver caravan. I was wondering when people would work out that you need a lower air resistance with EV's. The EasyCaravaning TakeOff is also a similar idea, but that one is more tent-like. Of course, all of those options are European and hence much smaller and lighter. Also, there are not so many all electric caravans yet (Knaus Yaseo comes to mind, but that one does not fold at all). Anyway, good to see a bit of innovation, even if this Lightyear is unlikely to make it to this side of the pond - it is far too big and heavy. The lifting mechanism is clever, however putting the windows low on the outside when in driving mode is not so smart - it will catch a lot of stones there and get scratched or broken. Would have been smarter to slide the windows inside.

[@tymeismoney3000]

Folks if this thing can do what they say it can the price is on par. Im getting quotes for 70k+ for solar panels installed on my house (FL). At this price point i get a nice RV AND those solar panels!

[@proximaone1350]

a small version so i could tow with my model 3 would be incredible.

[@davidpatterson3080]

Love it, and it wont reduce the range of whatever it towing it.

[@stefanbakker164]

Wonderful RV 🙏😊⚡️♥️

[@charlesrovira5707]

@15:00 I get it. This thing would be a charm to tow. I want one. (I'm still evaluating the *CyberLandr,* a.k.a. _the competition_ so I'll let you know which one wins. ) I plan to convert my investment in my home (and my *Tesla* shares,) into something movable so that I can head out on the road. (I really don't plan on dying in *Noo Joyzee.* )

[@van03de]

Thank you for introducing this brilliant invention! It is understandable that this startup company starts with luxury products to get a return on investment. This being said I am looking for a caravan to be towed by my Kia EV6. Its maximum towing capacity is 1,600 kg. I need a much lighter and smaller caravan.

[@JohnWickFour]

Many great ideas in one package and I love it - BUT does it have regen braking? Wouldn't be hard to add to to electric axle yeah?

[@harrisoncleaver4787]

Very cool product. I’ll be curious to see how the glass on the outside fairs when in drive mode with rocks and things flicking up from the back of the car and other vehicles.

[@charlie-jay]

I own a Prattline LoTow (1989), and the forward window is protected by a mesh screen from stones flung up from the car. No problems with the side windows, or the rear window either. The mesh screen flips up to be an awning when parked.

[@adriabutler301]

I hope I can afford it someday it sounds amazing. Being able to charge your truck and pull your rig, pinch me! It doesn't sound real.

[@brummiesalteno-81]

Very interesting. Blooming expensive though.

[@paulruffy8389]

Camper companies in the UK are still fitting lead acid leisure batteries as standard, thats how stuck in the past they are. Even though lithium offers much more and is bang for buck better value now as well, even before we talk about how solid state will blow those away. So god knows how long it will take that market to start to think about going totally electric. Also diesel heaters are so cheap to buy and run. We need to get to Electic tow cars/vans before we get to all electic habitation, that way there's no tapping into the deisel tank! I think but great to see nonetheless.

[@5252085]

This is so cool!

[@mattyb1418]

RV = caravan? I thought an RV was more like a motorhome that we would say in the UK. Looks incredible by the way 👍

[@d.e.7467]

RV = recreational vehicle here in the States. Just about any vehicle one uses for recreation qualifies as an RV. Simple scooters to snowmobiles to massive busses or trailers pulled by very large trucks qualify as RVs. Due to the cost of owning a home or renting, some RVs serve as both a home and transport.

[@seanlander9321]

Brilliant

[@DougGrinbergs]

Been meaning to bike over there to check it out

[@piyush_HIND]

the trailer should power the EV on the go like a big power bank! hopefully in the future models it can be integrated

[@bryanchannell7715]

There is one that does this

[@intrepidzephyr]

It does indirectly by pushing itself along!

[@timogronroos4642]

Why? The range would be the same and the system would need to integrate every electric car possible. Better to keep it independent of the towing vehicle.

[@logicalChimp]

The issue is that EVs are explicitly designed to *not* move when charging - they need to be redesigned to allow them to draw power from the trailer whilst moving, etc. Instead, adding the electric e-axle on the trailer makes far more sense, as it works with any / every EV - or ICE vehicle - without requiring any modification.

[@piyush_HIND]

@@logicalChimp yes e axle is a game changer

[@jools2323]

Very nice!

[@stevewausa]

We need a version that comes in somewhere around 2500 lbs. Camping for two people, drop the bathroom if necessary.

[@bryanchannell7715]

Love it 🤩

[@SpottedSharks]

I agree with Young Cercei Lannister.

[@Benjamin_Jehne]

If you don’t live in it or use it very regularly, it is such a waste of raw materials for the battery. For someone who use it as a home - nice.

[@grahamjohnson4702]

I didn't catch how far the e-axle will power for before requiring a charge, how much power is stored in its batteries

[@54mgtf22]

Imogen. Cool 😎

[@ygrittesnow1701]

This would be great with a mountable pontoon addition equipped with some Torqeedo engines.

[@hyperverbal]

An electroluminescent premium option would be nice 🥰

[@urbanstrencan]

Interesting concept, would really like to see it here in European market

[@swedishdad]

It's gorgeous, can't believe they invented a 3 ton all-electric human panini press

[@matthewbaynham6286]

That looks fantastic for practical jokes, just wait until your other half is having a shower and then switch it drive mode, and see how fast they finish their shower.

[@justinfowler2857]

125k? Yeah I stick to my 2009 model. It's paid off.

[@rhondaoverman4589]

No mention of holding tanks and size or outside storage, kitchen storage seems very limited. I would live / travel with it full time so need to consider storage is a big deal and being able to boondock for long periods in one place without having to move to dump tanks is another important feature.

[@jarrodf_]

Dope AF

[@douggray169]

excellent video

[@joemacleod-iredale2888]

Not sure dragging around 3.5 ton lump will ever really be sustainable! Take a small tent on the train…

[@AJames-jr8kw]

Or stay in a nice bed and breakfast/ airbnb and go for a hike from there into nature.

[@ChadfromChad]

Very cool, but my total net worth is less than half the RRP 🙃

[@ahaveland]

Same here, and I have a good job! Maybe I could build one out of 2 by 4s, OSB sheets, angle iron and perspex!

[@matt45540]

1 in 10 American households has an RV, but they should probably just be renting one wherever they go. Pulling an RV and owning a vehicle to pull one is quite an expense to use it once or twice a year which is what most people do. You'd be better off driving to where you want to go and renting someone else's or I don't know a hotel room 🙃

[@wigs1098]

No, the hotel room thing doesn't often work due to no vacancies or arriving late at a destination. Doesn't work for those whose travel is more spontaneous. If you live in Australia like I do, the long distances between centres in some regions gives you no options anyway, unless you stop early where there is accomodation and tthereby waste valuable travelling time. We are not all retired and can travel at a leisurely pace. No problem owning a vehicle or rv even its not being used everyday, I don't know why people see this as such a huge problem, given the stats on ownership given in this video, it is clearly not a problem for many people.

[@matt45540]

@@wigs1098 If you look at how many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck even though they make a hundred plus thousand dollars it is. People feel it's something they need to own even though they don't use it. And typically speaking most people in RVs are staying in campgrounds with reservations. Boondocking exists but in America is fairly hard to do and illegal in some places... At least over here on the East Coast. I have nothing against RVs people living them and people use them all the time. But I know a large majority of them that never get used. My grandparents purchased one that had less than 10,000 mi on it after 15 years. A friend about one and immediately started renting it out, just because of the cost and how little they used it. He would literally go drive down the street to the campground to use it. The majority of RV ownership does not make sense. There are definitely use cases

[@matt45540]

Not to mention what a horribly depreciating asset they are. By $100,000 RV it's probably going to be worth less than 20 in 10 years. Regardless of whether you use it.

[@AJames-jr8kw]

I have always liked Imogen's presentations. Just a question, is it sensible to have an e-axle? As long as you are on the road and not a muddy field why not just use the battery in the caravan to charge the car? I guess if you had an ICE car you could reduce the fuel consumption significantly.