It's always nice when they promise something at CES actually coming to market. This is the case with Pebble stream electric trailer tested by my colleague Sam Rutherford last year's CES. I was able to see the final design on the show floor this week and was quite impressed. Like the (four!) other eco-friendly, electrified tiny homes we've seen this year, it was shiny and luxurious, finished in wood, glass, metal and white resins.
The main features that attracted us to Flow last year remain unchanged: sleeps four, 45 kWh battery and 1.1 kW solar panel, full kitchen and bath, Murphy bed that converts into a shared workspace, and a convertible sofa. the dining area is at the other end. The kitchen faucet even rotates 180 degrees and flies out the window, allowing you to wash dishes outside.
The option for the Magic Pack add-on is still here. For an additional cost, it allows the Flow to park itself, automatically hitch, and provide its own propulsion from two motors so it doesn't put as much drag (literally) on the vehicle it's towing.
One of the coolest features continues to be the glass that separates the bathroom from the rest of the cabin. With the touch of a button, the color changes from clear to opaque, so you can maintain privacy without kicking the whole family out of the trailer.
What's new is that these changes came in part from potential customers. One of the directives was “more windows,” so a skylight and a large window in the rear were added. Cabinets are now easier to access by turning them up instead of down. And the overall shape has been refined to make it more aerodynamic.
Walking along the Stream, everything seemed soothing and clean. The bed was so soft that I wanted to disappear into it. The seating area was attractive and spacious. It was difficult to leave this cozy pod (especially considering how incredibly difficult it is to simply find a place to sit at CES). I don't have a car that can pull a trailer, but I'd like to park one of these in my backyard. Even if I never took it with me on the road, I would happily hang out in its beautifully appointed comfort and even (reluctantly) give it to guests when they arrived.
Production of the Flow will begin early this year, with shipping scheduled for the spring. The option without engine assist and self-parking will cost $109,500. If you want the Magic Pack, your price will be $135,500. There is also a “Founders Edition” with a limited edition color scheme and a few more upgrades, priced at $175,000.