The Airstream Basecamp Xe features an integrated 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 officially embraced electrification with the introduction of the Basecamp Xe. This version builds upon the standard Basecamp design but incorporates a battery pack along with numerous solar panels atop the trailer to energize its interior features.
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 impressively designed electric trailer concept known as the eStream In 2022, it featured an impressive 80-kilowatt-hour battery pack and was capable of helping the tow truck while in transit.
The Basecamp Xe doesn’t work like that. Instead, it features a 10.3-kWh Battle Born lithium-ion battery bank that powers a completely inverted 30-amp electrical setup with integrated 600 watts of solar panels (expandable up to 900W), along with a 3000W inverter. In case of emergencies, there’s also a 20-pound propane tank available for supplementary heating needs such as warming water or the entire RV cabin using the efficient Truma Combi Eco Plus System, capable of utilizing either electric power, propane, or a combination of both for generating 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; Priced Steeply
- Thor’s Updated Extended Range RV Offers Off-Grid Power for Multiple Days with 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 hob for culinary purposes. Among the available add-ons are a composting toilet, microwave oven, and air conditioning unit; however, heating is not included as standard but may be added optionally.
It hasn’t been specified how long it takes to drain the battery completely; this makes sense since it varies based on appliance usage. Should you push the 3 kW inverter to its limits, a fully charged battery might sustain power for just over three hours, though this would probably represent extreme use. Under typical weather conditions—not excessively hot nor cold—a fully charged battery ought to suffice for one to two days of camping.
The Airstream Basecamp Xe has a starting price of $76,900. This is approximately $6,000 higher than a brand-new Lucid Air sedan, which is a luxurious electric vehicle capable of self-propulsion. While camping inside an Air might not be very comfortable, the Basecamp Xe still comes with a premium price tag—$22,000 more than the standard, non-electric version of the Basecamp trailer.
Is it really worthwhile? Let's crunch some numbers, purely out of curiosity. At the initial price point for Airstream’s electric camping trailer, you could instead pay for 384 nights in hotels priced at $200 each night. Given that most people get about 30 vacation days annually, it would require almost 13 years to use up $76,900 solely on lodging expenses.
That doesn't seem like a particularly budget-friendly buy, yet we shouldn't overlook the fact that Airstream (and others like it They also offer camping trailers priced at over $200,000. These units definitely find buyers, and although you might get more comfort from a hotel for cheaper rates, you cannot set up a hotel room beside a tranquil riverside in a remote mountain valley.