Solar charging isn’t as efficient as many might suspect but the technology is continuing to improve and Tesla has a new use for it. At the IdeenExpo in Hanover, Germany, it unveiled a trailer with expandable solar panels that could serve as a range extender for campers. There’s even a Starlink Satellite receiver to enable a data connection far off of the beaten path.

First spotted by Twitter user @Telsa_Adri, the unit looks like a simple and straightforward self-contained unit. Many other individuals and even some companies have dabbled in the idea of building a trailer or some other sort of solar addition for Tesla vehicles but the trailer seen here is the very first one that we know of created by Tesla itself.

Smallish wheels and tires don’t seem incredibly capable off-road but would probably have no trouble going anywhere that a normal Tesla vehicle can go. Solar panels extend from the central base to triple the total surface area and it’s possible, though unconfirmed, that tilt mechanisms under the main panel could allow users to follow the sun without the need to completely reposition the trailer itself.

Tesla is at the "IdeenExpo" in Hannover.

They brought a solar range extender trailer with Starlink.

And a Model Y with the 4680 structural battery pack.

Next to the Tesla stand is the VW stand. There are apparently more VW employees at the Tesla stand than Tesla employees. pic.twitter.com/8IHxLI5ukW

— Tesla_Adri (@tesla_adri) July 4, 2022

In addition to the range provided by the solar-panel-equipped trailer, it looks like a Starlink Satellite internet receiver is equipped that would provide internet on-site. That could put a whole new spin on the idea of glamping and provide an extra layer of safety when in remote locations.

In addition to the trailer, Tesla brought along a cut-away Model Y with its new 4680 structural battery pack. IdeenExpo is mostly a recruitment exercise for Tesla so we don’t necessarily think that the trailer will become a retail product any time soon but it’s interesting that it’s shown in correlation to the structural battery pack which is already in production.

For the trailer to be a viable product it would need to provide enough range that camping and overlanding enthusiasts would buy it. To that end, it’s certainly a more modular solution when compared to things like charging stations on trails and near wilderness parks.

Would you go for a solar-powered trailer if Tesla offered it? Would it reduce your concerns about range anxiety? Let us know in the comments below!

Weakened roof pillars, fake panels and cables are all employed to make sure cars are wrecked the “right” way.

The 1M also features a supercharger kit and the E60’s SMG automated manual transmission.

Some Aussies have praised this Ford Falcon driver for their car control.

The fictional BMW 7-Series Touring looks surprisingly good.

Toyota has been selling the FJ Cruiser in the Middle East since 2007.

AMG’s new hot hybrid sedan has 168 hp more than an M3, but the BMW has two extra pistons.

It doesn’t appear any mechanical changes have been made to this weird Mercedes-Benz SL.

Mazda is working on the next-generation MX-5 which could feature mild-hybrid technology.

The 27-year-old driver of this Nissan GT-R has been hit with multiple charges.

The all-new Kia crossover comes in three distinct powertrain flavors all of which are electrified.