Powered trailer concepts aren’t new, but they typically focus on solving a single problem, whether that’s reducing fuel costs or powering a reefer unit or utility. The new PowerSled concept is a bit different, promising construction crews the ability to do both.
Developed by the people behind the Lightship electric RV, the PowerSled is a work trailer that bundles an e-axle, solar panels, battery energy storage, and a portable gas generator (boo) in an open trailer chassis. The end result is a towable trailer that can haul 8,700 lbs. without destroying an EV tow vehicle’s driving range, while hauling equipment or supplies and enable crews to get power to a job site without sending a second truck.
“PowerSled is a natural extension of the systems and technologies we originally developed for (the Lightship RV),” explains Ben Parker, co-founder and chief commercial officer at Lightship. “What began as a platform for electric towing and off-grid travel evolved into an opportunity to rethink how mobile power is deployed across commercial environments … as more industries electrify fleets and field operations, combined with state incentive programs, we see strong potential for a more flexible and efficient approach to mobile power infrastructure.”
Uncovering possibilities
The trailer itself has a 12,500 lb. gross vehicle weight rating, and is available with up to 240 kWh of usable battery capacity and a continuous 38 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) power output at 240V. Some quick math puts the weight of the PowerSled trailer empty at 3,800 lbs.
The company says it’s already found a customer for the first batch of its new powered trailers in agricultural drone brand Exedy. Exedy plans to use the PowerSled platform as an operational home base for the aerial crop monitoring and spraying brand’s larger customers.
“PowerSled represents a new era of charging capability for American fleets, delivering greater performance, flexibility, and operational advantages compared to traditional charging setups,” says Scott Binder, Vice President of Engineering, Operations, and Technology at Exedy. “For end users, it means all-day power without the constant noise, exhaust fumes, or compromises that have historically come with mobile energy.”
If it works, the ability to bring mobile power to job and camp sites in a tow EV, without sacrificing that EV’s range, will surely find more customers – even at the consumer level. No word on pricing.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Lightship, via BusinessWire.
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