Lightship, America’s pioneer in all-electric RVs, recently announced the signing of a lease agreement for a 32,000-square-foot facility located in Broomfield, Colorado.
The company will use this space to house pilot manufacturing operations for the Lightship L1, an aerodynamic, solar, and battery-powered travel trailer. The move comes in response to high demand following the L1’s March launch.
The newly constructed building, developed by McWhinney, is situated within the Baseline Innovation District. Lightship is expected to move in and commence operations in 2024. As production ramps up, the company projects that dozens of jobs in high-tech manufacturing and clean technology will be created.
“This is a big milestone for Lightship and a stepping stone to ultimately producing thousands of vehicles in the future and helping to introduce electrification to a pastime enjoyed by millions of American families,” said Toby Kraus, Lightship Co-Founder and CEO.
I grew up in Colorado and am thrilled for Lightship to set up its first production facility and contribute to the growing ecosystem of climate tech and hardware manufacturing in my home state,” Kraus added.
Broomfield has been attracting various innovative companies in recent years and offers access to a strong labor pool in Denver, Boulder, and surrounding areas.
The new site will expand Lightship’s operations in both Colorado and California, representing a key indicator of the company’s projected growth as it scales up production.
“We’re excited to open this new facility and grow the team that will build our first product, an RV that is safe, reliable, and built to last,” says Hayley Cashdollar, Head of Manufacturing at Lightship.
“Lightship will be recruiting for a production team of associates, technicians, engineers, and more to deliver our all-electric, aerodynamic travel trailer to enhance the outdoor travel experience,” Cashdollar added.
Lightship, founded in 2020, seeks to reimagine the recreational vehicle experience by designing and producing all-electric RVs. The Lightship L1, their first product, is the first purpose-built all-electric RV, operating without reliance on fossil fuels. The company maintains offices in San Francisco, CA, and Boulder, Colorado.
The all-electric RV industry in the United States is gradually gaining momentum, with major players such as Winnebago and Thor Industries joining the race towards zero emissions. In January 2022, Winnebago unveiled the e-RV concept vehicle, marking the first all-electric zero-emission motorhome from a major RV manufacturer.
The emergence of all-electric RVs, like Lightship’s L1 travel trailer, marks a significant shift in the RV industry, reflecting the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly travel options. As more companies invest in electric and solar-powered technologies, the industry is poised for a transformation that could have far-reaching implications for both manufacturers and consumers.
For RV enthusiasts, the transition to electric vehicles offers a more sustainable way to explore the great outdoors while reducing their carbon footprint. Manufacturers, on the other hand, can capitalize on this growing market segment by developing innovative products and services to cater to environmentally conscious customers.
Featured image from Lightship