Lightship
Lightship designs and manufactures all-electric travel trailers featuring proprietary TrekDrive self-propulsion and integrated battery/solar systems, selling direct-to-consumer to premium RV buyers and expanding into commercial mobile-power markets via its PowerSled platform.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Lightship does
Lightship Energy, Inc. (founded 2020, Delaware-incorporated, headquartered in San Francisco with manufacturing in Broomfield, Colorado) designs, manufactures, and sells the AE.1, marketed as America's first mass-produced all-electric travel trailer. The AE.1 integrates a proprietary TrekDrive rear-axle electric propulsion system with intelligent hitch sensing, a 77 kWh LFP battery, up to 1.8 kW of integrated solar, an AeroHub power and connectivity hub, a Canopy Lift system that lowers for road mode and raises for camp mode, and an all-electric CampQuiet climate and appliance suite managed through the Atlas App. The trailer is positioned for EV and combustion tow vehicles alike, with claimed aerodynamic efficiency roughly 3x that of traditional trailers and a doubling of towing range when paired with EVs.
The company operates a direct-to-consumer go-to-market: orders are placed online through lightshiprv.com with a $500 fee and a $20,000 production deposit, financing is provided via Newcoast Financial (terms up to 240 months), and experiential sales occur at the Broomfield and South San Francisco showrooms plus a rolling US pop-up program. Primary revenue is hardware sales of the AE.1 (base $157,500) with attach-heavy upgrade packages (TrekDrive $20,000, Solar+ $10,000, Elevated Living $12,500, Effortless $9,000) and accessories. A wholly-owned sub-brand, PowerSled, extends the same TrekDrive and battery architecture into a commercial mobile-power platform (up to 240 kWh, 38 kW continuous V2L), serving infrastructure, emergency response, construction, and agricultural drone operations (initial customer Exedy Drones). Leadership includes co-founders Toby Kraus (CEO, ex-Tesla/Proterra) and Ben Parker (CPO, ex-Tesla Model 3 battery), plus chiefs across engineering, operations, and creative drawn from Tesla, Rivian, Proterra, Alta Motors, GM, and Nike; total disclosed funding is approximately $53.7M across a 2021 exempt offering, a 2022 Series A led by Prelude Ventures, and a December 2025 Series C.
Lightship firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lightship
- Legal name
- Lightship Energy, Inc.
- Website
- https://lightshiprv.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Lightship designs and manufactures all-electric travel trailers featuring proprietary TrekDrive self-propulsion and integrated battery/solar systems, selling direct-to-consumer to premium RV buyers and expanding into commercial mobile-power markets via its PowerSled platform.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lightship industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric Travel Trailers
- NAICS
- Travel Trailer and Camper Manufacturing (336214), Battery Manufacturing (33591)
- SIC
- Motor Homes (3716), Electric Housewares & Fans (3634), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aftermarket Battery, Charging & Power Accessories Manufacturing (12V Batteries/Jump Starters/Chargers/Inverters) (IMACANAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Truck & Commercial Vehicle Electrification Manufacturing (eAxles/Battery Packs/Fuel Cells) (IMACABAK)
Keywords
Where Lightship is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Francisco
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Lightship business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Electric RV Sales: Lightship generates primary revenue from selling all-electric travel trailers directly to consumers. The AE.1 starts at $157,500 with various upgrade packages available. The company sells directly through their website and at events, with deliveries across the lower 48 states.
- PowerSled Commercial Products: New commercial product line offering mobile power systems for infrastructure, emergency response, construction, and off-grid applications. Initial deployments to Exedy Drones and open for orders through powersled.com.
- Accessories and Add-ons: Revenue from optional upgrades including TrekDrive ($20,000), Elevated Living Package ($12,500), Solar+ ($10,000), Effortless Package ($9,000), and smaller accessories like spare tires, roadside support plans, and bedding kits.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | AE.1 Base Model |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | TrekDrive Self-Propulsion System |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Elevated Living Package |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Solar+ Upgrade |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Effortless Package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessory Add-ons |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Lightship product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lightship designs, engineers, and manufactures the AE.1, an all-electric, aerodynamic, self-propelled travel trailer built for EV and combustion tow vehicles. The trailer integrates a 77 kWh LFP battery, up to 1.8 kW of onboard solar, and a proprietary TrekDrive rear-axle propulsion system that assists the tow vehicle to roughly double towing range and efficiency, enabling week-long silent off-grid camping and 10 kW home backup power. The company also sells PowerSled, a commercial mobile battery and power platform based on the same architecture, configured for infrastructure, emergency response, construction, and off-grid industrial use.
Product overview
Lightship offers a unified product portfolio anchored by the AE.1 all-electric travel trailer, the only mass-produced all-electric travel trailer designed, sourced, and manufactured in the United States. The AE.1 combines automotive-grade engineering with premium living spaces, featuring proprietary TrekDrive self-propulsion technology and intelligent power systems. The company has expanded into commercial applications with PowerSled, a mobile power platform for industrial and emergency use cases. The product ecosystem includes modular add-on packages (TrekDrive, Solar+, Elevated Living Package, Effortless Package, Summit Sleeper), accessories (Trailer Valet, 4K Projector), and services (Remote Diagnostics, Atlas App).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PowerSled: Electric mobile power systems for infrastructure, emergency response, construction, and off-grid applications. Features up to 240 kWh battery capacity, 38 kW continuous power output, and TrekDrive propulsion assist technology.
Products and services
- AE.1 All-Electric Travel Trailer All-electric, aerodynamic, self-propelled travel trailer with 77 kWh LFP battery, up to 1.8 kW solar, TrekDrive self-propulsion assist, Canopy Lift System, CampQuiet all-electric climate and appliances, Atlas app control, and up to 7 feet of interior headroom; supports week-long off-grid stays, 10 kW home backup, and roughly double the towing range of conventional trailers. Sold direct-to-consumer starting at $157,500 across the lower 48 U.S. states.
- PowerSled Commercial Mobile Power Platform Battery-powered commercial work trailer combining Lightship's e-axle, solar, and battery technology with up to 240 kWh storage, 38 kW continuous Vehicle-to-Load output, DC fast charging from 20-80% in 40 minutes, and 8,700 lb payload capacity. Targets first responders, infrastructure operators, public works, and construction fleets needing silent, zero-emission mobile power and tow-assist that preserves EV tow vehicle range.
- Trailer Valet RVR9 Remote-controlled trailer maneuvering device with 9,000 lb towing capacity that enables precise, single-operator positioning of the AE.1 without a tow vehicle. Sold separately as an accessory through Lightship's collaboration with Trailer Valet.
- 4K Projector and Screen Ultra-portable 4K UHD smart projector with built-in Google TV and Bose audio delivering up to 1,000 lumens, paired with an 80-inch retractable screen that integrates with the Lightship gear rail system. Sold as a separate accessory for AE.1 owners.
- Remote Diagnostics and Mobile Service 24/7 access to Lightship's in-house service team, with many issues diagnosed and resolved remotely via onboard telematics. A mobile service team can typically come to the customer's location within 36 hours. Premium Roadside Support is offered as a 3-year plan.
Quantifiable outcome
- Double towing range - 196-mile loop completed with 29% SOC remaining on both truck and trailer
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Lightship
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Lightship technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability2 records
Feature6 records
Lightship partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Exedy DronesflagshipExedy Drones is the first customer for Lightship's PowerSled commercial platform. They plan to use the PowerSled as a mobile charging and field operations hub for drone-based crop monitoring and spraying applications. This partnership demonstrates Lightship's expansion from consumer RVs into commercial mobile power solutions.
- Tom vonReichbauercoreFormer Tesla, Nest, Sunrun, Google, and ICON executive joined Lightship's board of directors in March 2026. Brings over 20 years of experience scaling complex, design-driven hardware and technology companies.
- Trailer ValetminorSpecial collaboration offering Trailer Valet RVR9 (remote-controlled trailer mover with 9,000 lb capacity) at discounted pricing for AE.1 customers.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Lightship competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Pebble: Pebble is a California-based startup developing an all-electric travel trailer with integrated battery, solar, and self-propulsion assist technology. Direct competitor to Lightship in the electric RV category, targeting similar affluent, tech-savvy outdoor consumers with premium-priced towable EVs.
- Bowlus: Bowlus is a luxury travel trailer manufacturer with early adoption of lithium battery systems, off-grid capability, and premium design. Comparable as a high-end, design-forward travel trailer targeting affluent consumers seeking extended off-grid stays, though it is not yet fully electric-propelled.
- Living Vehicle: Living Vehicle is a premium off-grid travel trailer brand with advanced solar, battery, and water systems targeting luxury extended-stay users. Comparable in targeting affluent buyers seeking maximum off-grid capability, though not yet featuring integrated electric propulsion assist.
- Grounded: Grounded is a Detroit-based startup developing all-electric, solar-powered travel trailers with modular interiors. Direct competitor in the electric travel trailer category, targeting similar modern, design-conscious consumers seeking sustainable off-grid recreation.
Broad incumbents
- Airstream: Airstream is the iconic premium travel trailer brand owned by Thor Industries, with decades of brand equity and dealer network reach. Comparable as a premium travel trailer manufacturer targeting similar affluent buyers; lacks integrated EV powertrain but competes on premium positioning and lifestyle brand.
- Winnebago Industries: Winnebago is one of the largest US RV and marine manufacturers with a broad portfolio of towable and motorized RVs. Comparable as a major incumbent with the resources to develop an electric RV competitor; recently launched e-RV electric motorhome concept indicating strategic interest in electrification.
- Thor Industries: Thor Industries is the world's largest RV manufacturer (Airstream, Jayco, Tiffin, Dutchman, etc.) and a disclosed investor in Lightship. Comparable as the dominant RV incumbent with the engineering, supply chain, and dealer network that could replicate Lightship's electric trailer innovation in-house.
- Forest River: Forest River is a Berkshire Hathaway-owned major US RV manufacturer with extensive towable and motorized product lines and broad dealer network. Comparable as a large incumbent with capacity to introduce electrified travel trailer offerings to compete with Lightship.
Others
- EcoFlow: EcoFlow is a leading manufacturer of portable power stations, solar generators, and home battery systems. Comparable as an adjacent player in mobile/portable lithium battery power for outdoor and emergency use, relevant to PowerSled's commercial mobile energy platform competition.
Emerging players
- Polydrops: Polydrops is a California-based startup building aerodynamic, lightweight teardrop travel trailers with optional EV-compatible charging and battery features. Comparable as an emerging player in the electric/aerodynamic trailer space, though at smaller scale and lower price point than Lightship.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Lightship social profiles
Digital presenceLightship financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lightship leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Lightship subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Lightship funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors14 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lightship M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lightship
What does Lightship do?
Lightship designs, engineers, and manufactures the AE.1, an all-electric, aerodynamic, self-propelled travel trailer built for EV and combustion tow vehicles. The trailer integrates a 77 kWh LFP battery, up to 1.8 kW of onboard solar, and a proprietary TrekDrive rear-axle propulsion system that assists the tow vehicle to roughly double towing range and efficiency, enabling week-long silent off-grid camping and 10 kW home backup power. The company also sells PowerSled, a commercial mobile battery and power platform based on the same architecture, configured for infrastructure, emergency response, construction, and off-grid industrial use.
Is Lightship a public or private company?
Lightship is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Lightship founded?
Lightship was founded in 2020. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Lightship based?
Lightship is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.
How does Lightship make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Electric RV Sales are the primary driver. The others are powerSled Commercial Products and accessories and Add-ons.
Who are Lightship's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pebble, Bowlus, Living Vehicle and Grounded. Broad incumbents are Airstream, Winnebago Industries, Thor Industries and Forest River. EcoFlow is listed as an others. Polydrops is listed as an emerging player.
Does Lightship have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lightship.
What industry is Lightship in?
Lightship's product category is Electric Travel Trailers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACANAL, Aftermarket Battery, Charging & Power Accessories Manufacturing (12V Batteries/Jump Starters/Chargers/Inverters), with a secondary code of IMACABAK, Truck & Commercial Vehicle Electrification Manufacturing (eAxles/Battery Packs/Fuel Cells). Its NAICS code is 336214 and its SIC code is 3716.