Pebble is on a quest to take the struggle out of camping, and frankly, we're jealous of the future. Thanks to startup companies like Sunnyvale, California-based Pebble, our descendants will possibly never know the struggles of connecting a truck to a travel trailer, backing a trailer into a tight spot, choosing to run the microwave instead of the air conditioning, running out of propane in the middle of the night and freezing, or driving onto blocks to level a trailer. They'll never know the sound of a generator or the woes of water damage. They won't even have to manually pull down the entryway steps. It's hardly fair; will they even appreciate what's coming their way? The endgame goal future of camping is, to some degree, hassle-free automation.
The talented team at Pebble identified the deficiencies in the camping process and put its collective brainpower—compromised of decades of experience at companies like Tesla, Volvo, Lucid Motors, Cruise, Zoox, and Apple—to work on re-envisioning the traditional travel trailer. Its solution is the flagship Pebble Flow, an all-electric travel trailer that's full of mind-blowing, cutting-edge tech that the Pebble team equates to a iPhone-like experience. The company's goal is to have a no-stress trailer that "just works," leaving more time for enjoyment.
The Pebble Flow is 100-percent pure electric, meaning there's no propane, diesel, or gasoline onboard. It has a 45-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that powers the dual-motor Active Propulsion Assist System and the trailer's appliances (all at once).
Pebble says the Flow can stay off-grid for up to seven days. The self-propelling system smartly powers the trailer's wheels to assist the tow vehicle, an obviously beneficial feature for EV range (should you also tow your electric camper using an electric truck or SUV) or gas/diesel fuel economy. Charging from the tow vehicle, regenerative braking, AC/DC charging (public stations, home, or campgrounds), and 1,000 watts of rooftop solar help keep the system topped off. The Pebble's large battery can power campsite equipment, an electric vehicle, another RV, or even a home during emergencies.
The Pebble Flow does not resemble the rectangular, traditional boxy travel trailer, you know, the kind that tows like a brick. It's flowy and curvy, car-like in construction and finish. Pebble claims it's 300 percent more aerodynamic than a conventional travel trailer. The Active Aero front nose cone automatically raises for enhanced driving aerodynamics and lowers when parked to allow an unobstructed view through the 270 degree wrap-around front windows.
Dimensionally, it's 25 feet long (including the tongue), 90 inches wide, and 104 inches high. Its GWVR is 6,200 pounds. The Pebble engineers chose to place the single axle pretty much in the middle of the trailer, making for a large overhang that may or may not take some getting used to while towing. We haven't had it on the road, but Pebble is pleased with how it tows. It has 37 gallons of fresh water and a 50-gallon grey/black holding tank.
The Pebble Flow looks modern and thoughtful on the inside. In the rear, a Queen-sized Murphy bed flips up to reveal an office desk, allowing the space to convert from bedroom to office literally one-handed. You can even leave your laptop on the desk underneath the Murphy bed. A front dinette, surrounded by large panoramic windows, converts into a 50-inch by 80-inch bed with the flip of cushions and the lowering of the table. The two beds sleep up to four people with ease. There's ample interior storage and lockable exterior passthrough storage. Multi-zone dimmable lighting sets to mood without any added stress.
The kitchen consists of a removable induction cooktop. It sits flush with the countertop, but can be removed and used outside as a free-standing cooktop. There's a 4-in-1 convection microwave and a full-size 6-cubic-foot refrigerator. A flip-up service window passhole brings the cooking experience—and the food—closer to nature and loved ones.
The glass-walled, spacious bathroom has a full-size shower that's separate from the macerating toilet. There's on-demand hot water, vanity lighting, and a medicine cabinet. This is a good place to mention the one-touch privacy electrochromic glass that goes from crystal clear see-through to opaque privacy with the touch of a button. The bathroom only becomes "enclosed" when in-use, making the interior space look bigger when the bathroom is not in use and the glass is see-through. This voodoo glass is used for all the windows, too, allowing full privacy with the touch of a button.
In case we haven't mentioned it, the Pebble Flow is smart. Controlling all the smartness is the unique Pebble App, which gives users control over every feature and every aspect of the camping experience, including lights, locks, temperature, and more. It's like controlling your trailer with an iPhone. The Flow is Starlink-equipped and ready to receive over-the-air software updates and new features.
But wait, there's more. Remote control. InstaCamp. Magic Hitch. Things are getting crazy now. We'll explain these app-controlled sci-fi features that could have even grandpa slapping down a deposit.
- The Pebble Flow is fully remote-controlled and basically has a built-in trailer mover. This allows for easy maneuvering, pivoting, and positioning without being connected to a tow vehicle. Unfortunately, it doesn't have sensors everywhere, so you'll still need to watch all its edges to avoid ramming it into something. But, considering you can literally walk alongside it, if this happens, you clearly need more practice with an R/C car.
- InstaCamp is a nifty feature that deploys or retracts the awning, stairs, leveling stabilizers (yes, it levels automatically—cheater!), and electric parking brake with the push of button. See why we're kinda jealous of the future?
- If you're guessing this thing automatically hitches itself to your tow vehicle, you're right. That's the app-controlled Magic Hitch feature. Using fancy robotic software, the Flow senses its surroundings and finds the hitch like the good smart trailer it is.
You haven't missed out on the Pebble Flow; It's not expected to ship until the end of 2024. Those ready to go with the Flow can pre-order today. Pricing starts at $109,000—or $125,000 for the Magic Pack upgrade, which includes the dual-motor drivetrain and the remote control, Magic Hitch, and Easy Tow features. Check out the Pebble Flow in real life at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2023.
"flow" - Google News
October 20, 2023 at 12:30AM
https://ift.tt/5e4qkCc
Pebble Flow: Self-Propelled, Self-Hitching Electric Travel Trailer - MotorTrend
"flow" - Google News
https://ift.tt/oPMmjD0
https://ift.tt/5cjR6W3
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Pebble Flow: Self-Propelled, Self-Hitching Electric Travel Trailer - MotorTrend"
Post a Comment