New eStream prototype at the Tampa RV show

[jcl]

Absolutely agree that this is a concept. But for those who perhaps haven’t followed this development project over the last four years, this isn’t the first kick at the can. It is the first one that looks like an Airstream.

Dethleff had a concept trailer with this technology in 2018.



Some more information here

https://www.electrive.com/2018/08/26...amper-trailer/

In the interim, Thor bought EHG, who own Dethleff. That gave Airstream an opportunity. And ZF was brought on board to develop the drive unit further.

They did a well publicized road test over the Alps in the summer of 2021, using an Audi e-tron



Story here, with some more tech details. Resulting range when towing matched the range of the EV when not towing

https://www.electrive.com/2021/07/25...ctric-caravan/

What is new with this concept is Airstream. But over the road testing has already been carried out on the electric assist chassis.

The next mikestone should be the Dethleff version being introduced on this chassis. They can likely do that faster than Airstream.

[jondrew55]

I think the rep showed me this. Sounds like they may have taken an airstream shell and dropped it on this frame.

Originally Posted by jcl

Absolutely agree that this is a concept. But for those who perhaps haven’t followed this development project over the last four years, this isn’t the first kick at the can. It is the first one that looks like an Airstream.

Dethleff had a concept trailer with this technology in 2018.



Some more information here

https://www.electrive.com/2018/08/26...amper-trailer/

In the interim, Thor bought EHG, who own Dethleff. That gave Airstream an opportunity. And ZF was brought on board to develop the drive unit further.

They did a well publicized road test over the Alps in the summer of 2021, using an Audi e-tron



Story here, with some more tech details.

https://www.electrive.com/2021/07/25...ctric-caravan/

What is new with this concept is Airstream. But over the road testing has already been carried out on the electric assist chassis. Resulting range when towing matched the range of the EV when not towing

[jcl]

Originally Posted by jondrew55

I think the rep showed me this. Sounds like they may have taken an airstream shell and dropped it on this frame.

I would give Airstream credit for doing more than that with this concept model, since this isn't a standard Airstream shell. They have thought about aerodynamics, and other aspects, for example.

I do think that they are farther along in the development and testing than some believe.

[jondrew55]

Absolutely. Thor is doing something worthwhile with their R&D money. Probably won't show up just in the Airstream line.

Originally Posted by jcl

I would give Airstream credit for doing more than that with this concept model, since this isn't a standard Airstream shell. They have thought about aerodynamics, and other aspects, for example.

I do think that they are farther along in the development and testing than some believe.

[Cispook]

In a galaxy far, far away … Once upon a time … Dr. Emmett Brown: I need a nuclear reaction to generate the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity I need.

All fun and pun aside, I opine it’s a concept that my 65 years will not see to production.

[jondrew55]

Originally Posted by Cispook

In a galaxy far, far away … Once upon a time … Dr. Emmett Brown: I need a nuclear reaction to generate the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity I need.

All fun and pun aside, I opine it’s a concept that my 65 years will not see to production.

I'm older than you. I expect to see it. Maybe in 5 years. Unless there is a dramatic downturn in the RV and EV industry.

[jcl]

Originally Posted by Cispook

In a galaxy far, far away … Once upon a time … Dr. Emmett Brown: I need a nuclear reaction to generate the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity I need.

All fun and pun aside, I opine it’s a concept that my 65 years will not see to production.

There were two Thor concept vehicles at the show, the e Stream trailer, and the vision concept motorhome. Also a second electric motorhome concept from Winnebago, photo attached. Both motorhome concepts were built on the Ford Transit electric chassis.

I find it interesting that there have been multiple threads with thousands of views and lots of interest regarding the e Stream, whereas there has been next to no discussion of the vision concept motorhome, or the Winnebago BEV. Maybe the Winnebago will come to production sooner.

Thread on the Thor BEV motorhome concept here:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f15...me-230991.html

[jondrew55]

I saw that there. Did not snap any photos of it. We went over and took a peek. There was a line of people to walk thru it, but we just looked in from the back. The guy mentioned the number of solar panels and battery capacity, but I don't recall it. Pretty sure he said it had a 300 mile range.

I'd imagine you'd have to plug into several 50 amp campsites to charge that baby in less than 24 hours.

Originally Posted by jcl

There were two Thor concept vehicles at the show, the e Stream trailer, and the vision concept motorhome. Also a second electric motorhome concept from Winnebago, photo attached. Both motorhome concepts were built on the Ford Transit electric chassis.

I find it interesting that there have been multiple threads with thousands of views and lots of interest regarding the e Stream, whereas there has been next to no discussion of the vision concept motorhome, or the Winnebago BEV. Maybe the Winnebago will come to production sooner.

Thread on the Thor BEV motorhome concept here:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f15...me-230991.html

[jcl]

Originally Posted by jondrew55

I saw that there. Did not snap any photos of it. We went over and took a peek. There was a line of people to walk thru it, but we just looked in from the back. The guy mentioned the number of solar panels and battery capacity, but I don't recall it. Pretty sure he said it had a 300 mile range.

I'd imagine you'd have to plug into several 50 amp campsites to charge that baby in less than 24 hours.

I don't think the charge time will be that bad. It is sourcing the hydrogen for the fuel cell range extender, to get the 300 mile range, that will be the issue, IMO. This is the concept product that should be getting the Back to the Future Mr Fusion comments. The trailer is much more achievable in the near term.