Lightship quadruples its electric RV production capacity

TechNexus Venture Collaborative portfolio company Lightship announced a major expansion of its manufacturing facility in Colorado that will quadruple its current production capacity by the end of 2026. The company is adding approximately 44,000 square feet to its existing 32,000-square-foot facility , alongside launching a customization offering to tailor their flagship model, AE.1, for different use cases. "At a time when many companies in this category are outsourcing their production and supply chain overseas, we're doubling down on our commitment to American manufacturing, accelerating innovation and creating high-skill jobs in a region emerging as a hub for next-generation mobility," Toby Kraus, CEO and co-founder of Lightship, said in a statement. Lightship's flagship product AE.1 launched in January , featuring a 77-kWh battery roughly sixty times the size of an average trailer battery . Previously available only on the $184,000 top trim, the 77kWh battery is now standard across all AE.1 vehicles at an adjusted starting price of $157,500. Operating as a direct-to-consumer brand, Lightship centers its growth strategy on a rapid feedback loop that prioritizes customer needs. After seeing that over 90% of buyers opted for the 77-kWh battery, Lightship pivoted to standardize the feature across the entire AE.1 lineup. This responsiveness is directly supported by the new facility expansion and vertically integrated manufacturing, creating the physical space needed to convert customer feedback into reality. Sourcing 80% of its component value domestically , Lightship benefits from higher quality control and faster product iteration than competitors who remain vulnerable from global supply chain instability. The expanded facility solidifies this advantage through increased vertical integration and enhanced R&D capabilities, allowing Lightship to rapidly introduce a streamlined AE.1 configuration with new customization options for every use-case. “We are adding op

By Alex Chen at TechNexus Venture Collaborative