Enhancing Your Summer Road Trip Experience
With the peak of summer still upon us, there is ample time to prepare for road trips and outdoor excursions. Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular companions for these adventures, offering unique capabilities such as powering campsites or lighting up remote locations. Today, automakers and partner brands are providing a wide range of accessories specifically designed to get your EV ready for the season.
Rivian's Adventure-Ready Gear
Following the recent unveiling of the more accessible Rivian R2, the company has continued to push its "Adventure Gear" catalog. Rivian offers several specialized solutions for outdoor enthusiasts:
- iKamper Skycamp Mini ($4,595): A rooftop tent compatible with Rivian models that features a mattress for two and boasts a setup time of just one minute.
- Yakima Collaboration: A larger roof tent designed for the R1 series that accommodates up to three people ($2,200).
According to U.S. News & World Report, both the Rivian R1S and R1T have earned recognition as top-tier choices for off-roading, further cementing their status as adventure-ready platforms.
Lifestyle Collaborations: Jeep and Vineyard Vines
Jeep, a brand synonymous with rugged exploration, has teamed up with Vineyard Vines to release a summer-themed collection. This collaboration features apparel and accessories emblazoned with stars and stripes, honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Owners of the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe—plug-in hybrids that offer substantial electric-only ranges—can now complement their vehicles with this outdoor-focused gear.
Portable Power and Lifestyle Add-ons
While the battery in an EV acts as a significant power bank, supplemental energy can be invaluable when off the grid. The Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station is a lightweight, 25-pound unit capable of solar or in-car recharging. Delivering 1,800 watts across 11 ports and rated for 4,000 cycles, it is a durable companion for long-term travel.
Other manufacturers are also capitalizing on the summer season:
«Tesla maintains a dedicated 'electric summer' section in its online shop, offering specialized gear such as the Model Y Canopy and a dedicated air mattress for the Model 3, alongside branded apparel.»
Meanwhile, GMC has launched a "Summer Adventures" portal featuring practical utility add-ons, such as roof racks and sliding truck bed organizers. These are designed to support the brand's electric lineup, which includes the Hummer EV and Sierra EV, vehicles capable of reaching up to 500 miles of range.