The Airstream Basecamp Xe features an incorporated battery pack; however, this does not drive the wheels.
- The inaugural production-model electric camper trailer from Airstream features a 10.3-kWh battery pack.
- In contrast to the significantly bigger and pricier Lightship RV, this trailer lacks motorized wheels.
- The Airstream's battery supplies power to all the devices.
Airstream, known for its distinctive aluminum recreational vehicles, has now embraced electrification with the introduction of the Basecamp Xe. Built upon the standard Basecamp design, this new version features an added battery pack along with multiple solar panels atop the trailer to energize interior conveniences.
As mentioned, Airstream's initial electric camper does not feature electric motors to mitigate the range reduction faced by the tow vehicle. The firm displayed an quite notable electric trailer concept named the eStream In 2022, it featured an extensive 80-kilowatt-hour battery pack and was capable of helping the tow truck while in transit.
While this may not apply, the Basecamp Xe features a 10.3-kWh Battle Born lithium-ion battery bank that powers a completely inverted 30-amp electrical setup incorporating 600 watts of solar panels (expandable up to 900W). Additionally, it includes a 3000W inverter for extra support. As an alternative power source, it comes with a 20-pound propane tank designed to either warm water or the entire caravan using the Truma Combi Eco Plus System, capable of operating on electricity, propane, or a combination of both to generate warmth.
More Electric Camping
- A $175,000 CyberTrailer Camper That Will Charge Your Electric Vehicle Is Being Developed
- The Living Vehicle is an off-grid camper featuring a folding patio deck.
- Lightship’s Self-Powered Electric RV Trailer Enters Production, But Comes at a High Cost
- Thor’s Updated Extended Range RV Offers Unmatched Off-Grid Power for Multiple Days, Boasting a 500-Mile Range
The trailer measures 20 feet in length, features a single axle, and accommodates up to four individuals within a designated sleeping area at the rear. Additionally, the dining table upfront can transform into extra bedding space. It comes equipped with a wet bathroom containing a shower, sink, and toilet, along with a detachable induction cooktop. Optional add-ons consist of a composting toilet, microwave, and air conditioning unit; however, heating is available as an additional feature.
There’s no word on how much time it will take to deplete the battery, but that’s understandable as it all depends on how much energy is used by the appliances. If the 3 kW inverter is maxed out, a full battery should last a little over three hours, but that’s likely an edge case. In normal conditions (not too hot or too cold outside), a full battery should be enough for a day or two of camping.
The Airstream Basecam Xe starts at $76,900. That’s roughly $6,000 more than a brand-new Lucid Air sedan, a luxury EV that can move under its own power. Granted, it would be quite uncomfortable to camp in an Air. That said, the Basecamp Xe is also $22,000 more expensive than the regular, non-electric Basecamp travel trailer.
Is it really worthwhile? Let’s indulge in a bit of mathematics simply for entertainment. With the base price of Airstream’s electric camping trailer, you could instead pay for 384 nights in hotels at $200 per night. Given that most people get about 30 vacation days each year, it would take almost 13 years to use up $76,900 solely on lodging costs.
That doesn't seem like a particularly budget-friendly buy, but we shouldn't overlook the fact that Airstream (and others like it They also offer camping trailers priced at more than $200,000. Despite this, people do purchase them. While you might find comfort in a hotel for cheaper rates, you cannot set up a hotel room beside a tranquil riverside nestled deep within a secluded mountain pass.
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