Thor Industries reinforced its position in the recreational vehicle space by releasing its first hybrid Class A motorhome, the Thor Test Vehicle, built on an electric vehicle (EV) platform developed by EV manufacturer Harbinger.
Thor collaborated with Harbinger to integrate a low-emissions gas range extender to recharge the e-battery system, which delivers an estimated 500 miles of range. RVs using the hybrid platform will be commercially available in 2025 from Thor and qualify as a Near-Zero Emission Vehicle (NZEV) under the Advanced Clean Truck legislation adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
“Electrification will play a central role in the future of mobility, including RVing,” said Thor Industries President and CEO Bob Martin. “This first-of-its-kind hybrid platform and our ongoing collaboration with Harbinger are reinforcing Thor’s leadership in this segment and creating major points of product differentiation for our family of companies.”
Thor’s Test Vehicle is the first e-chassis explicitly designed to power Class A motorhomes. The hybrid chassis is powered by a 140-kWh battery pack, a low-emissions gas range extender that recharges the battery and solar rooftop. The platform’s 800V electrical architecture rapidly charges at DC Fast Charger locations. The batteries can also be charged at traditional campsites via the range extender and solar power for on- or off-grid camping. The hybrid platform can also serve as a backup home power source.
The Test Vehicle’s e-powertrain offers “twice the torque of a diesel engine.” Harbinger’s chassis includes all major vehicle systems of an e-vehicle, including a drivetrain, high voltage battery system, steering, and brakes. Its double-wishbone front suspension, steer-by-wire system, and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature “provide a safe, smooth ride and excellent handling, even in a large vehicle.”
“We founded Harbinger with a mission to modernize the medium-duty vehicle industry with our world-class electric chassis,” said Harbinger CEO and Co-Founder John Harris. “Our collaboration with Thor and their family of companies allows us to help advance the RV sector and lay the groundwork for products that will enhance the RVing experience.”
The Thor Test Vehicle is available for dealer test drives on Thor’s RV Experience Track at the Elkhart Dealer Open House, the largest dealer event in North America, starting September 23, 2024 in Elkhart, IN. RV dealers from across the continent will have the opportunity to experience the future of RVing and help guide the path to market for this exclusive product.
Images courtesy Thor Industries
