The last thing most people think a trailer needs is a drivetrain of its own—that’d make it an RV, no? Well, maybe there’s a case to be made for one that can move on its own after all, as long as it can make hitching, towing, and backing up smoother the way the Airstream-based Thor Estream does.
At the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow, Airstream’s parent company Thor Industries revealed a concept for a trailer with a dual-motor electric drivetrain, which streamlines every step of the towing process. Its remote-controlled motors can maneuver it into place to simplify hitching up, then draw power from onboard lithium-ion batteries to propel it along on the road, reducing the penalty to the tow vehicle’s efficiency and driving range.
https://youtu.be/l-jExmPklKs
On the move, Thor says the Estream’s drivetrain improves its stability, though it didn’t specify how. Presumably, it relies on regenerative tech that effectively gives the Estream torque-vectoring trailer braking and sway control. Sounds useful out on the gusty plains.
Once at its destination and unhitched, the Estream can use that same remote-controlled powertrain to reverse on its own, avoiding that awkward dance of reversing with one’s tow rig. When stationary, the Estream can hook into a local power supply, or simply continue drawing power from its batteries to power onboard amenities, which mysteriously include Amazon’s Alexa. (I thought the idea of sleeping in a camper was to get away from that horrible omnipresent Bezos Bot, but what do I know.)
Hopefully, Thor will rethink allowing Alexa if it decides to bring the Estream to production, as it’s only a concept for the time being. Given Airstream customers’ deep pockets, though, I can easily see them splashing out on a trailer this gadget-filled, even if it costs more than a San Francisco apartment.
Thor Industries Estream concept
Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: [email protected]
RELATED
This Rolls-Royce Dually Pickup Was Built to Tow Other Rolls-Royces
Oh, and to look great doing it.READ NOW
RELATED
This Expanding $2.4M ‘Mobile Estate’ RV Used to Be Will Smith’s Movie Set Trailer
The rig includes 14 televisions, a $200,000 kitchen, and a 30-person screening room.READ NOW
RELATED
2022 Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo Review: The Best Electric Porsche
Haters who snub EVs for not having any soul need to get behind the wheel of a Taycan GTS.READ NOW
Source: Read Full Article