Airstream Enters the EV Era with Thor eStream RV Concept
The eStream concept RV comes from Airstream parent company Thor Industries, and it has an electric powertrain developed by ZF.
A pair of electric motors produce a peak combined output of 242 horsepower, and integrated batteries offer 80.0 kWh of energy capacity.
The Thor eStream is just a concept, but it sure looks to us as though the maker is ready to start planning a production model.
It's no secret that towing affects a vehicle's driving range. Thor Industries' Airstream eStream concept attempts to offset this by way of an integrated electric powertrain. This concept camper packs 80 kilowatt-hours' worth of energy by way of its batteries, which then feed a pair of electric motors (one at each wheel) that are capable of producing a maximum combined output of 242 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Those electric motors do more than just take some of the load off the powertrain of the tow vehicle; they also have a Move mode that allows the eStream to maneuver remotely.
Although the electric-assist tech is surely the eStream's feather in its cap, the trailer’s ZF-developed powertrain is far from the camper's only interesting bit. Credit its 900 watts' worth of solar panels that feed energy to those aforementioned batteries, as well as various other systems. This feat allows eStream users to live off the grid for up to two weeks while maintaining many of the camper’s various electrically powered niceties. This includes the likes of the eStream’s voice- and touchscreen-activated climate and lighting controls, as well as its kitchen amenities and various entertainment equipment.
While the Thor Airstream eStream is officially a concept camper, it seems like an idea that ought to go into production. We imagine the mass-market eStream will wear a rather high price relative to other campers of this size, but we also think the model’s trick integrated EV powertrain and large capacity batteries offer peace of mind that’s worth its upcharge. Well, provided Thor doesn’t go too crazy with the sticker sum, that is.
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