Lightship is still taking reservations (with refundable deposits) for the other trim levels, too.

From a substantive standpoint, the AE.1 Cosmos Edition is broadly the same as the L1 discussed below. It sleeps four, features an integrated full-length solar roof and battery system for an “all-electric camping experience,” full bathroom, and full “Galley Kitchen” with a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, convection oven, and induction cooktop. The nifty TrekDrive system provides self-propulsion capabilities to reduce the load on the towing vehicle.

Lightship L1 Electric Travel Trailer Road 1

The AE.1’s specs are a little different than the L1. The rooftop solar is only rated for 1.8 kW of output now, rather than 3 kW. The battery is 77 kWh, and e-motor output is unspecified. Charging is via a NACS (Tesla) port and the max charging rate is 155 kW. Lightship claims a 300-mile range for the trailer’s power-assist functionality.

As far as cost goes, the AE.1 Cosmos Edition will set buyers back approximately $250,000, not factoring in any tax credits.

The original article from May 2023 detailing the similar Lightship L1 continues below.

What happens when Tesla, Rivian, Proterra, Lucid, and Zoox veterans leverage their automotive EV design and development expertise to disrupt the stagnant RV industry? You get a San Francisco- and Boulder-based all-electric RV company founded in 2020 called Lightship. Self-proclaimed to be America's first all-electric recreational vehicle company, its men and women are on a mission to advance travel trailers lightyears ahead. Its first intergalactic space traveler is the purpose-built, all-electric Lightship L1 battery-powered travel trailer—EV not included.

Lightship co-founders Ben Parker and Toby Kraus know what it takes to break the mold, to innovative, to thinkoutsidethe box in a segment that is perfectly content with, well, thinkinginsidethe box. After all, they had both been employed by Tesla during the years when that all-electric startup was really shaking up the automotive market. Reimagining—and electrifying from the ground up—the recreational vehicle is proverbially right up their alley. Even the Lightship name seems to testify to the duo's former immersion in the Tesla culture.

The Lightship L1 is not a traditional travel trailer retrofitted with an electric heart in lieu of propane and electric (via gas-powered generators) systems. It's a clean-sheet approach that results in an aerodynamic, self-propelled travel trailer with a seamless, connected all-electric ecosystem, including appliances, features, and modern amenities.

We had the chance to experience the L1 in person as Lightship brought the prototype to the Electrify Expo in Long Beach, and admittedly we were quite impressed. From the outside, the L1 doesn't appear as if it would have much space, but its minimalist modern design goes a long way in making the interior feel open and breezy. Flush-mounted appliances and an abundance of right angles prevent a feeling of clutter. The bathroom area seemed a bit like an afterthought when compared to the rest of the interior space, though if the L1 were parked in a very remote space, the bathroom provides prime opportunity for connecting with nature during a shower.

The company claims the L1 is three times more aerodynamic than a traditional travel trailer, which is really important when it comes to maximizing the tow rig's range (or fuel economy). If you've ever towed a bricklike traditional travel trailer, you understand all too well how some thought into aerodynamics would be a darn good thing.

The Lightship L1 does not have slide-outs. Rather, the whole roof slides up for more room. The idea isn't new, but the execution is newer. It's like a really modern, sophisticated, hard-sided "slide-up" pop-up camper. Obviously, you drive with it down. In aerodynamic road mode, it's 6 feet, 9 inches high, extending to 10 feet when in camp mode. The pop-up section is full of windows for an open and airy, atriumlike atmosphere that makes you feel connected to nature instead of claustrophobic and utterly trapped.

The Lightship L1 has a self-propulsion system (Tesla guys, remember). This electric powertrain, with up to 80 kWh of onboard battery capacity, helps the travel trailer propel itself to assist in towing, resulting in minimal efficiency loss for the tow vehicle by helping the go-process rather than hindering.