LightShip Cosmos AE.1 Chassis

[turbopilot]

To understand why the LightShip is really a new category of RV you have to begin by understanding the chassis. Because the LightShip is self propelled it really is not a "trailer". The LightShip with TrekDrive active just "follows" the tow vehicle.

Here is the basic configuration of the LightShip chassis. At the heart of the LightShip is the 77 kWh LFP battery modules and the TrekDrive integral motor, gearbox and inverter. While the LightShip battery is about the same capacity as a Tesla Model 3, the electric drive motor is much smaller for a good reason.

Here is the basic chassis configuration:

 

[Neal]

If this is a motorized "vehicle" how is DMV and insurance going to classify this?

 

[turbopilot]

If this is a motorized "vehicle" how is DMV and insurance going to classify this?

Interesting question. Never heard it discussed. It is an unoccupied "motor vehicle". In some ways it could be considered a "tethered drone". Right now the prototypes have "trailer" plates.

RVIA classifies RV's but as I have said this does not fit into any current category. It is a new category of "Motorhome" based on the nomenclature below.

The
RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) categorizes RVs into two primary product categories: Motorhomes and Non-Motorized RVs.
1. Motorhomes (Motorized RVs):

• These RVs are self-propelled, meaning they have an engine and driving chassis, allowing you to drive them rather than towing them.
• Class A: The largest type of motorhome, resembling a bus and built on a heavy-duty truck or bus chassis.
• Class B (Camper Vans): The smallest type of motorhome, built on a van chassis.
• Class C: A mid-sized motorhome, built on a truck or cutaway van chassis, often featuring an over-cab sleeping or storage area.

2. Non-Motorized RVs (Towable RVs):

• These RVs are designed to be towed by a separate vehicle like a truck or SUV.
• Park Model RV: A trailer-type unit designed for placement in a campground or RV park.
• Fifth-Wheel Trailer: A large trailer towed by a pickup truck with a special hitch in the truck bed.
• Folding Camping Trailer (Pop-Up): A lightweight trailer that folds down for towing and expands when set up.
• Horse Trailer: A trailer specifically designed for transporting horses.
• Sport Utility Trailer (Toy Hauler): A trailer designed to carry recreational "toys" like ATVs or motorcycles.
• Travel Trailer: A general term for towable RVs that connect to a vehicle's bumper hitch.
• Truck Camper: A camper unit that is mounted directly onto the bed or chassis of a pickup truck.

In summary, the RVIA uses the primary classification of motorized (motorhomes) versus non-motorized (towable) RVs, and then further categorizes them based on their type, size, and intended use.
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