Most of us already know that adding weight to an electric vehicle reduces its driving capabilities, as towing a trailer has a negative effect on range. What if there was a trailer designed specifically for an electric vehicle? Polydrop, a company from California has done just that – they have introduced their first trailer designed for an electric vehicle. Here is the P17A!
Polydrops introduced its first lightweight concept trailer back in 2019, and now the team is back with a trailer designed for electric vehicles. The new P17A model maintains the sleek, aerodynamic shape of the original design and adds floor-integrated batteries that can store up to 12kWh of electricity.
To maximize battery power, the P17A is constructed with a foam core that retains thermal energy inside the cabin. EPS insulation reduces the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling, allowing the use of an air conditioner or electric heater up to six days without an external energy source. Consumers can also add on the roof solar collectors up to 520 W, which charge the batteries on sunny days.
Polydrops P17APhoto: Polydrops
Aerodynamic undercarriage helps improve aerodynamics. In 2018, the team tested the trailer with a Tesla Model 3 Long Range (RWD) on a round trip between Los Angeles and Lone Pine (767 km) at 88-96 km/h on the highway. The result was 190 Wh/km of energy consumption, which means that an electric car can it travels up to 394 kilometers on a single charge and that users do not need to stop at every charging station while traveling with the P17A.
It fits inside the trailer full size mattress, and there is also a small closet at the back. Users can even add a kitchen module that is accessible both inside the cabin and outside. There is also LED lighting, optional Bluetooth speakers, a 12-volt socket, 2 USB charging ports and a 110-volt socket.
Polydrops P17A trailer interiorPhoto: Polydrops
The price for the trailer is P17A starts at US$24,990 a standard 2.4 kWh battery and 260 W solar panels. The 4.8 kWh package will cost you an additional $2,000, and the large 12 kWh package will cost you an additional $8,000. Upgraded 520W solar panels cost an additional $600. Bluetooth speakers are $500, but if you want a kitchen module with a refrigerator, induction stove, sink, water tanks, storage and an aluminum counter, you'll pay an additional $1,850.
