Elon Musk and Tesla designers probably didn't think about the Cybertruck's styling in terms of how challenging it would be to integrate it in everyday life, down to the choice for a towable. So it's good that Living Vehicle did just that.
Living Vehicle is a boutique-style RV maker from California, U.S., specializing in luxury trailers with outstanding off-grid capabilities. They have no relationship with Tesla, but for the next addition to their already impressive lineup, they chose the Cybertruck e-truck as inspiration and, ultimately, companion on the most awesome off-grid adventures.
They call it the CyberTrailer, a somewhat unsurprising moniker but one that holds the key to its main features.
Introduced earlier this summer, the CyberTrailer comes with a design inspired by the Cybertruck, and features that would complement what you get with the angular truck that Musk has repeatedly described as an EV ready "for the apocalypse." To these, the CyberTrailer adds even more surprises, revealed just recently in yet another teaser.
Photo: Living Vehicle
The CyberTrailer has not been shown in the flesh just yet. Living Vehicle says that the first production unit will be showcased later this summer, and until then, they'll be releasing teasers. The mystery and phased reveal play into the exclusivity of the product, which would probably be best described as a high-end, super-smart, luxury mobile habitat with toy-hauling and off-grid capabilities.
The previous teaser showed a glimpse at the exterior of the trailer, which was as Cybertruck-like as its name suggests. Features highlighted included a sizable solar array with panels on the sides and the roof of the trailer, so that it would be able to run all appliances on electricity and even double as a power source for the EV in case no charging station was nearby.
At the same time, LV shared that their patented water generation system would be onboard, as also would advanced water and waste recycling, and a water purification system. The time has come for the second teaser, which highlights the CyberTrailer's off-grid capabilities, as well as its potential both as an adventure RV or permanent mobile home.
Photo: Living Vehicle
The CyberTrailer will be able to produce up to 5KW of solar energy, which LV describes as "unprecedented in the RV industry and matches home solar systems." In addition to the solar cells on the sides of the trailer and covering the entirety of the roof, customers will also get solar-tracking awnings, which tilt automatically to capture the most energy throughout the day.
The CyberTrailer features a hybrid energy system with solar power and backup power generation. That's in keeping with LV's promise that it will effectively tackle the thorniest issues for EV owners, namely range and charge anxiety. Whether you hitch up the CyberTrailer to the Cybertruck it was modeled after or any other electric truck, you will be able to go off the grid for longer stretches and travel farther than the charging network allows, LV promises.
"The CyberTrailer reduces range anxiety and makes off-grid travel with electric vehicles a reality," says Living Vehicle CEO and founder Matthew Hofmann. "With our innovative technology, every journey can become limitless."
Photo: Living Vehicle
The trailer itself helps do away with range anxiety when towing with an EV. LV says that the extensive engineering they did on the CyberTrailer ensures "aerodynamic excellence," reducing drag with all towing vehicles, either electric or gas-powered. The trailer also features self-powered axles to help with that, enabling off-grid adventures and making all trips more environmentally-friendly because of reduced consumption of resources.
LV is yet to show the interior of the CyberTrailer, but if we were to guess based on previous models in the lineup, we'd guess it would have multi-functional spaces decked in premium materials, an aluminum-heavy chef's kitchen, and a spa-like bathroom. The builder does say, though, that the new towable will feature the patented fold-down deck, but with the surprise that it will also double as a loading ramp.
Previous LV trailers expand living space to the outside by means of a fold-down deck that can become anything from a lounge to an outdoor kitchen, and is specced accordingly in the latter version. On the CyberTrailer, this fold-down patio is located at the rear and can be lowered all the way to the ground, allowing you load gear onto the trailer.
Photo: Living Vehicle
The CyberTrailer has 240V Level 2 charging capability, so whatever gear you bring up can also be recharged from the trailer's batteries before the next outing. The builder doesn't say exactly where the gear would sit, but it mentions "bikes, motorcycles, and scooters," which sounds like the CyberTrailer is a toy hauler in a luxurious disguise. Not bad considering it's meant to attract more adventurous – but still well-heeled – customers.
Like all Living Vehicle trailers, the CyberTrailer too will be made in a limited number of units. The last time we covered it, LV was saying 80% of the slots were already allocated. Deliveries will take place next year, and a unit is priced $175,000 in standard spec. Reservations are a refundable $100.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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