Some of you may have seen our initial coverage of the Living Vehicle camper back in May, but for those who didn’t, it’s much more than a trailer, it’s a fully off-grid home. Aside from the luxurious finishes that set it apart from pretty much anything else out there, the most unique aspect of the Living Vehicle is its monstrous solar array and storage capacity, which can be configured with more than 3,000 watts of roof-mounted panels. Based on zero solar charging, the integrated batteries can keep the Living Vehicle powered for up to 20 days. So with these impressive stats, you might find yourself wondering, what’s new for 2021? The answer is a partnership with Volta Power Systems who have designed an even more robust off-grid power system that will (likely) redefine what you thought was possible from solar power.
Who is Volta Power Systems?
Volta’s collection of electrical engineers, master electricians, and scientists work in concert to develop “complete lithium-ion energy systems for virtually any mobile application.” For the Living Vehicle, Volta has created a complete system that maintains and builds on the previous capabilities of the self-contained power grid within this unique trailer. This robust system allows for the use of appliances that are typically unsustainable to utilize in RVs and campers (without a generator), including washers and dryers, microwaves, and brace yourselves, off-grid EV charging.
“With the continued disruption of COVID-19, advanced energy is helping us reimagine what’s possible for adventure, safety, and everyday life,” said Jack Johnson, founder and CEO of Volta Power Systems. “More than any other trailer on the market, Living Vehicle uses the Volta system to its fullest capability, creating an off-grid experience never before possible.”
“Many of our customers have down-payments on electric trucks like Tesla’s Cybertruck or the Rivian, which require access to reliable charging for long-term, off-grid use,” said Matthew Hofmann, co-founder and lead designer at Living Vehicle. “With the ability to export high-voltage power from the Volta system, Living Vehicle models will be able to quickly and sustainably charge these tow vehicles or companion cars using stored energy.”
2021 Living Vehicle Models and Options
The breakdown remains similar to previous years with Core, Max, and Pro models being offered with increasingly robust power systems.
CORE Features and Updates
The basic Core model comes with a 9-kilowatt-hour electrical battery bank that will enable a comfortable off-grid living experience for all but the most demanding of owners. Thanks to air conditioning and heating, the Core remains comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, from 20°F-100°F. A 1,320-watt solar array comes standard and is upgradable to 2,540 watts with the optional solar awning.
New for 2021 is the CORE-HD package, which increases gear and installed equipment carrying capacity to 4,500 pounds, thanks to heavy-duty axles. Also new in 2021 is level 1 EV charging. The Core Living Vehicle starts at $229,995.
Max Features and Updates
The Max is the middle-range model, offering a more robust electrical system for users seeking an off-grid existence with all the comforts of a traditional home. Battery storage is large enough to power the air conditioning all night without the need for a generator. And 2,640 watts of roof-mounted solar (including the solar awning) come as standard equipment on the Max.
New in 2021, the Max comes standard with a 4,000-watt pure sine wave hybrid inverter system that allows multiple power sources to be combined for higher output needs. The new Max-HD package, standard on all Max models, includes a complete chassis and running gear redesign to handle the increased electrical system weight while also offering more cargo capacity. The 16,000-pound, heavy-duty axles and electric hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels increase safety while providing 4,500 pounds of additional cargo/equipment capacity. The 2021 Max also offers level 1 EV charging. The MAX Living Vehicle starts at $289,995.
Pro Features and Updates
The Pro model is the flagship with all of the bells and whistles. It includes the electrical capacity to run air conditioning overnight, and pretty much any other appliance you might desire with it’s 3,080-watt solar array. Four-season comfort is increased to keep occupants happy from 0°F-110°F. Auto-leveling means you can roll up to a campsite and kick back while the Living Vehicle gets itself nice and flat.
New for 2021, the Pro-HD package with an 18,000 GVWR offers 4,500 pounds of cargo/equipment capacity, appliance and house power delivered via the new hybrid inverter system, and level 2 rapid charging for a companion EV. The Pro Living Vehicle starts at $369,995.
Check out all of the updates for 2021 and browse the full range of Living Vehicles here.
