In Colorado, where progressive design meets outdoor adventure, Lightship is rewriting the rules of recreational travel. With the AE.1 Cosmos Edition, the startup is pushing the electric RV frontier forward—combining sleek design, sustainable engineering, and the kind of future-focused thinking that feels right at home in the Rockies.
Co-founded by Toby Kraus and Ben Parker, Lightship isn’t just offering a new kind of travel trailer. It’s introducing a vision where exploring wild places doesn’t come at the expense of the planet. “Lightship is about enabling more people to experience the outdoors sustainably,” says Kraus, “and creating a future where road trips, like the ones I hope my own kids take through the Rocky Mountains, can be both accessible and environmentally responsible.”
The AE.1 was born from a problem many EV owners encounter, but few solutions address: towing. During a road trip, Kraus and Parker discovered that even high-end electric vehicles lose a significant amount of range when towing traditional trailers. “It was a frustrating experience,” Kraus admits, “but also a lightbulb moment.” Rather than build a workaround, they saw an opportunity to rethink the trailer itself—from the hitch to the walls to the onboard systems. The AE.1 isn’t just compatible with EVs—it actively supports them.
With TrekDrive™, Lightship introduces a propulsion-assist system that uses a smart hitch to sense two-way forces. The trailer helps propel uphill and brake downhill, easing the load on the tow vehicle and significantly improving range efficiency. “For skeptics of electric towing, TrekDrive™ represents a real shift in what’s possible,” says Kraus. The trailer becomes an active, supportive part of the system, not just dead weight.
One of the AE.1’s most eye-catching features is its ability to expand from Road Mode to Camp Mode at the push of a button. In transit, the trailer maintains a low aerodynamic profile. When parked, it vertically extends to reveal a high-ceilinged, light-filled interior, almost doubling the usable volume. The process is effortless and emblematic of Lightship’s design ethos, which is inspired by a wide range of disciplines, from architecture to marine engineering. “Every element of the AE.1 is intuitive, multifunctional, and user-friendly,” Kraus explains.
In an industry often dominated by imports and retrofits, Lightship stands apart. Over 75% of the AE.1’s supply chain is based in the U.S., and each trailer is designed, manufactured, and assembled domestically. “We like to say that if we were a car, we'd be the most ‘made-in-America’ car on the road,” Kraus says. This localized approach isn’t just about pride—it allows the team to ensure quality, integrate more sustainable materials, and react quickly to design challenges. It also supports Lightship’s broader mission to model sustainability from production line to campground.
While nature is the destination, innovative technology plays a key role. The Lightship Atlas app and integrated tablet connect all major systems—from lighting and climate to energy and propulsion—giving users total control whether they’re inside the trailer or adjusting remotely.
The AE.1 looks as sharp as it performs. The exterior features clean lines and an aerodynamic design, while the interior exudes warmth and calm. Nearly floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the living space, while recycled metals, sustainable composites, and a unique 3D-knit fabric bring a tactile connection. Inside, a 7½-foot ceiling and light-suffused layout redefine what a travel trailer can feel like.
The AE.1 Cosmos Edition is Lightship’s launch model—engineered with top-tier materials, bespoke systems, and next-level build quality. While it is premium in price, it lays the foundation for broader accessibility. Coming soon are three additional trims—Atmos, Panos, and Terros—designed to deliver the AE.1 experience at different price points. “Like many transformative products, we’ve started at the premium end of the market to lay the foundation,” Kraus notes. “But our long-term vision is clear: to bring electric RVing to a broader audience. The AE.1 is just the beginning.”
Recreational vehicles are a massive part of American culture, with the U.S. RV market valued at $26 billion. As electrification redefines every corner of the mobility landscape, Lightship is positioning itself at the intersection of tradition and transformation.
For Kraus and his team, this isn’t just about specs and range—it’s about creating an electric lifestyle that complements the beauty of the open road. Lightship is reshaping the way people connect with travel, nature, and one another. And in that sense, the AE.1 isn’t just leading the charge. It’s lighting the way.
To learn more, visit LightshipRV.com