polydrops draws on passive house design for energy efficient trailer

polydrops unveils new p17a1 all electric trailer

Polydrops returns with a more high-tech, energy efficient iteration of its successful P17 electric camper trailer which redefined modern 21^st-century camping. With advanced energy efficiency, a more streamlined aerodynamic form, and enhanced interior, the new P17A1 All Electric was born out of a necessity for a multi-use portable space that can be towed anywhere by any vehicle to support the transition to sustainable transportation.

The off-grid traveler boasts a stylish angular frame made of aluminum, adorned with an elaborate solar panel roof system and fitted with high-tech battery powered climate control. Looking to architectural principles of passive house, P17A1 comes with optimal electric and thermal performance allowing it to remain off the grid for days in all weather conditions, while providing its users optimal comfort while on the go.

P17A1 All Electric trailer on the go | all images courtesy Polydrops

integrating passive house architectural design principles

Drawing on principles of passive house architectural design, Polygon integrates battery-powered climate control to prepare the portable space to encounter all types of unexpected weather conditions, while creating a comfortable, homely atmosphere for its users within. The P17A1 All Electric is designed with up to 8.7” of rigid insulation underneath its aluminum skin, minimizing energy loss through the cabin perimeter and enabling the HVAC systems to run for extended periods of time with limited energy sources.

Founders and designers Kyunghyun Lew and Jieun Chai equip the completely off-the-grid, portable space with a 4.8 kWh LiFePO4 battery pack (up to 9.6 kWh) along with 260-watts (up to 520 W) solar panels and a refined inverter/charger system. The electrical system not only controls the climate in the cabin area but also continually supplies power to all the kitchen amenities located at the rear of the P17A1 All Electric.

the streamlined geometric form enhances aerodynamics and lends a stylish aesthetic

To achieve the practically functional and geometric aerodynamic shape of P17A1, Polydrops utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics, simulating hundreds of different alternations before refining the final design. The properly placed leading edge on the front, full flat underbody, vortex generators, and rear spoiler are the key elements that reduce aero drag as the trailer travels.

climate control electrical system integrated for user comfort

enhanced energy performance

Polydrops also focused on the idea of energy efficiency while towing. ‘Generally, people who tow a teardrop trailer with an electric vehicle report that even driving at 55 mph will lose nearly half of the range, letting down people to utilize their EVs for road trip,’ explains the team. Resolving this, the designers began researching the aerodynamics of trailers for better road trip experiences with EVs, and conducted real world testing with Hyundai Ioniq 5.

After two years, the P17A1 All Electric was able to travel up to 215 miles while maintaining a speed of 65 mph when towed behind an Ioniq 5. Considering the Ioniq 5’s EPA rating, towing a P17A1 would only lose around 15% of its total range at 65 mph. If Ioniq 5 tows the P17A1 and cruises at 55 mph, the vehicle will practically not lose range — a significant result compared to most other similarly sized trailers, as the air resistance is reduced by more than half.

the self-sufficient trailer can remain off-the-grid for several days, even in unexpected weather conditions