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In what looks to be the first of a kind, at least in terms of the execution of the idea, the startup Grounded has unveiled its latest product, a small RV trailer, which is a micro camper pulled by a light electric vehicle, complete with Starlink internet, rooftop solar, “smart” power and climate control systems, and a kitchenette.
The availability, reliability, and (relative) affordability of electric cars has greatly improved over the years, which has then lead to similar progress in electric trucks and vans, so that it’s becoming an easier — and therefore more common — decision to choose to drive a personal vehicle that runs on electrons. But for some of the other classes of vehicles that aren’t produced in huge volumes or sold all over, such as large RVs and the like, it’s still very early days in electrification, with a pretty small selection of electric models to choose from, and a higher upfront cost. However, smaller electric RVs, such as the upfitted GM Brightdrop models from Grounded, are no longer astronomical in cost, and the company’s latest offering is radically smaller and cheaper, with an even lower carbon footprint — something nearer to that of an electric bike than that of an RV.
The Grounded T1, which is currently in a pre-order phase, probably isn’t for your average RV buyer who wants to sit in a climate-controlled cab and expend very little energy getting from one place to another, because the camper is pulled by what is essentially a recumbent-style electric tricycle, which means it requires a fair bit of effort — and exposure — to “drive” it. Obviously, another limitation is that the top speed will be much lower than a full-sized electric RV, although the claimed range of 150 miles per charge from Civilized Cycles’ Semi-Trike platform could allow the T1 to get you a decent distance away from home — or to the next destination — without overly stressing, relatively speaking.
“Demand for the outdoors continues to increase, and the T1 offers a compelling mix of comfort, sustainability, and flexibility. By combining Civilized Cycles’ platform with our fast-track approach to interior builds, we’re able to quickly launch a compact, beautiful adventure system to meet the moment. Fully integrated electronics between the electric trike and the RV interior, managed through the Grounded+ app, provide a smart experience and give a detailed view of the trike range, how much energy each appliance is using and the ability to remotely control all aspects of the living space.” — Grounded CEO Sam Shapiro
Specs of the Grounded T1:
- Range: 150+ mi
- Maximum Charging Rate: 30A
- Torque: 390 lb-ft
- Powertrain: 750w with boost function. Solid axle with two-speed transmission
- Payload: 1,460 lb
- Top Speed: 15 mph
- Overall Length: 204 inches
- Interior Height: 80 inches
- Interior Width: 48 inches
- Interior Length: 120 inches
- Sleeps two people
“The T1’s trailer makes the most of every inch of the 280 cubic foot interior. The spacious seating area quickly transforms into a comfortable bed, while the kitchenette with an induction stove, fridge, and sink provides the necessary equipment to live independently wherever you park. With an 80″ high ceiling, even the tallest adventurers can enjoy the open and airy atmosphere inside the trailer. An optional dry-flush toilet and outdoor shower can be added for off-grid adventures.”
Although the T1 is most likely to remain a rather niche product, as it’s essentially a pedal-powered camper that costs as much as a car, which isn’t for everyone, it may appeal to a certain demographic. Grounded says it can enable “sustainability-focused adventurers to live and work comfortably in the outdoors with a minuscule footprint,” so there is likely to be a fair amount of interest from potential vanlifers who want their transportation option to be ultra green and clean, even with a price of $30,000. According to Grounded, shipping of the T1, which includes the Semi-Trike, will begin in spring of 2025. Interested parties can put down a refundable reservation of $100 on the company website.
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