Equipping your car with a solar-powered RV trailer is the perfect move for campers on the go. However, several things should be considered, especially since having a trailer increases your vehicle’s drag, thereby lowering its fuel efficiency. While fuel-powered cars won’t have a problem as gasoline stations are numerous across the States, users of electric-powered vehicles might find it difficult to find charging stations in a particular area. After all, electric vehicles are recent players in the field and are only backed by those who want a fuel-independent and climate-friendly life.
Still, the numbers are rising; in fact, around 2% of new light-duty vehicles sold in 2019 were plug-in electric vehicles. However, sadly, the lack of charging stations might pose problems for electric cars, especially if there is a drag-inducing trailer on its back. Fortunately, a new trailer model helps users avoid this predicament: The Polydrop.
The video below shows the perfect trailer for electric cars:
New Polydrop Teardrop Trailer Features Solar Panels, Batteries, and Aero
What Is the Polydrop?
For those who have heard “polydrop” for the first time, here’s a brief background: Polydrop is an ultra-lightweight trailer design that was first prototyped in 2017 by Kyung-Hyun, a Korean architect. Designed like a polygonal horizontal teardrop for aerodynamic purposes, the small but affordable trailer is best suited for solo or couple campers. Additionally, Polydrop’s dry weight is around 760 pounds, making it lightweight enough for most cars.
In contrast, conventional trailers have an average dry weight of 5,200 pounds. Dry weight refers to the weight of the near-empty trailer. The Polydrop is a good match for electric vehicles, as it reduces drag and electricity consumption. Moreover, the streamlined design is also something that attracts users looking for a sleek and modern-looking trailer.
The P17A: Having Solar, Batteries, and Aero
With that said, the newer Polydrop model, P17A, was specifically engineered to fit and be used with electric vehicles. In addition, it was reported that the Polydrop founder and designer himself tested it on a Tesla Model 3.
Built with an aluminum frame following a polygon shape, the P17A features multiple solar panels with powerful 12 kWh batteries and better aerodynamic support. In addition, its external dimensions are approximately 13 by 6 by 5 feet. The interior also features an excellent working area for cooking. For example, there are polygon-shaped drawers beneath the working space, which are spacious enough to store cooking items and accessories.
Other materials can also be stored inside the trailer. Its doors even open vertically, akin to sports cars. In addition, unlike other modern trailers, the solar panels of polydrop are numerous. In fact, the entire roof is adorned with these panels that could generate almost 520 watts of power in ideal conditions.
Insulation is also present within the walls, allowing it to use its climate control system efficiently. This, coupled with its batteries for backup, can power a decent amount of electronic gadgets inside. Furthermore, the batteries are made of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). Due to its weight, it is integrated into the bottom of the trailer. Because of their larger capacity, even with climate control (e.g., heating/air conditioning) systems, the batteries can survive off-grid for six days.
Nonetheless, proper maintenance and good usage habits are crucial to making sure the solar power system will last. In addition, you must also conduct periodic testing of cabling and components. Finally, while parked on camping, you also need to ground the system to prevent electric shock hazards.
Final Thoughts
With that said, summertime camping just got more climate-friendly with the introduction of Polydrop’s solar-powered trailer. Coupled with reasonable usage, the solar panel system may last for years, allowing you to maximize everything it has to offer during your outdoor trips.