If you’re wondering who’s behind the electric RV revolution, look no further than Sam Shapiro. At just 31 years old, this former SpaceX engineer is changing the way we explore the outdoors. He’s the founder of Grounded, a Detroit-based startup that builds next-generation electric RVs designed for off-grid living and sustainable mobility.
Whether you’re headed to the mountains, managing a mobile clinic, or launching a pet grooming service on wheels, Grounded’s modular electric RVs are made to adapt. Each vehicle comes equipped with solar panels, Starlink satellite internet, and smart systems that power kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and more—all without using a drop of gas.
Shapiro explains it best: “We built a modular, Lego-like system to add new features fast and let people customize everything. Driving a gas-powered camper to enjoy nature felt backward. With an electric RV, the experience is quieter, cleaner, and simpler. No exhaust fumes, no engine noise—just the road and the view.”
From Satellite Software to Solar-Powered Vans
Before launching Grounded, Shapiro’s career spanned ad tech and aerospace. Raised near Atlanta, he studied business and computer science at Washington University, then moved to New York to work in advertising technology. One of his standout projects was building the first programmatic TV ad system, allowing products in scenes to change dynamically.
But the call of the road came loudest during the pandemic. With offices closed, he converted a traditional van into a tiny mobile home and began working remotely while exploring the U.S. That hands-on experience showed him exactly how outdated traditional campers were—and sparked the idea of building an electric RV that met modern needs.
After TripleLift was acquired for $1.4 billion, Shapiro joined SpaceX in Seattle, writing software for Starlink satellites and routers. But his obsession with camper vans stuck. By 2022, he left SpaceX to fully pursue Grounded, focusing on clean tech and connected mobility.
Why Detroit? The Unexpected Hub for Electric RV Innovation
You might assume a high-tech electric RV startup would land in Silicon Valley or Austin, but Shapiro took a different route. Thanks to a chance introduction to the team at Newlab at Michigan Central, he visited Detroit—and never left. Grounded became the first company to join Newlab’s innovation hub and the first to graduate from its startup accelerator.
Now based just blocks from Michigan Central Station, Grounded operates out of a 13,000-square-foot factory in Southwest Detroit. The team has grown to 14 people, all working on perfecting the electric RV platform and scaling production.
Grounded’s Journey: Sales, Specs, and Sustainable Travel
Since its launch, Grounded has sold dozens of electric RVs, bringing in about $3 million in revenue. Each van has an estimated 270-mile range per charge and starts at $165,000, depending on the configuration. While not cheap, the cost reflects high-end design, zero-emission powertrains, and smart tech integration.
For Shapiro, it’s more than just business. He’s personally driven Grounded’s electric RVs across thousands of miles, from the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains. With all-wheel drive, solar-powered systems, and a silent engine, the experience is both luxurious and environmentally friendly. The Grounded+ mobile app even lets users control features like lighting, energy use, and climate settings remotely.
As he puts it, “It’s exciting to be in nature with an electric RV that’s silent, self-sustaining, and doesn’t pollute the air around you.”
Driven by Values: A Vision for Ethical Travel
Shapiro credits his Jewish background for grounding his values in sustainability. For him, reducing carbon emissions is not just an engineering challenge—it’s a moral responsibility. “Judaism to me is about ethics and purpose. If we have tools to lower our environmental impact, we should use them,” he says.
With travelers becoming more climate-conscious, the electric RV market is growing fast. Grounded is tapping into that momentum, and their visibility is rising. Over a million people are expected to see Grounded’s latest electric RV at the Chevrolet booth during the New York Auto Show, running through April 27.
For Sam Shapiro, the road ahead is electric—and it’s just getting started.
