Off-grid camping trailer you can tow with your EV
The lightweight camper claims up to six days of off-the-grid luxury, depending on how much you use the appliances.
California-based husband and wife company Polydrops, has unveiled its off-the-grid, electric-powered camper, the P17A, suitable for towing by any vehicle, including your electric car.
Measuring 4175mm long and 1828mm wide, the trailer weighs 544 kilograms, including the solar panels and batteries, and promises to be an all-electric mobile luxury hotel room.
Complete with gull-wing doors, the most affordable version of the space-capsule-styled trailer is fitted with 260W solar panels on the roof and 2.4kWh batteries in the floor, with charging via the solar panels or a 100-volt charging port.
Starting from US$24,990, the P17A can get up to US$36,000 with the largest battery pack and options. An extra US$1850 adds the optional kitchenette module, featuring an induction cooktop, 20-litre fridge and hand-pump sink with six-litre water tank.
For buyers wanting extra power, the batteries can be upgraded to 12kWh for an extra US$8000, and if you want to play some tunes while relaxing in the wilderness, a bluetooth speaker costs US$500 more.
Polydrop claims the largest 12kWh batteries provide power to all components including the air-conditioning, heater, fridge and induction cooktop for more than six nights, however there’s a catch depending on how much you use them.
To reach six days autonomy, campers will need to limit their use of key fittings, using the air conditioning for a maximum of three hours a day, four hours for the LED lighting, 10 hours of refrigeration and seven hours of bluetooth speaker play.
Aimed at a US winter getaway, its lightweight aluminium frame and plywood fitout has enough room for a full size mattress and micro closet in the rear, saying to insulate the trailer enough so you can sleep in short sleeves while out in the snow.
Manufactured in California, Polydrop claims it was able to achieve a range of 394km towing the P17A with a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, with the results based on mostly highway driving. The company added that results will vary depending on the type of EV, driving habits and road conditions.