Airstream parent company THOR Industries unveiled the world’s first plug-in hybrid Class A motorhome, the THOR Test Vehicle. The vehicle is built on an electric vehicle platform developed by EV manufacturer Harbinger.
THOR and Harbinger collaborated to integrate a low-emissions gasoline range extender that can recharge the electric battery system, delivering an estimated 500 miles of range. RVs utilizing the hybrid platform will be commercially available in 2025 from the THOR family of companies and are expected to 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 a demonstration plug-in hybrid RV constructed on a Harbinger platform, which was purpose-built for the unique range requirements of the RV industry, exclusively for THOR. This is the first electrified chassis explicitly designed to power Class A motorhomes and was designed to alleviate range anxiety and deliver the ultimate in travel freedom and sustainability.
The hybrid chassis is powered by a 140-kWh battery pack, a low-emissions gasoline range extender that recharges the battery, and solar rooftop. The platform’s 800-volt electrical architecture allows for rapid charging at DC Fast Charger locations, which facilitates more time on the road. The batteries can also be charged at traditional campsites, via the range extender, and solar power, whether on the road or off-grid camping.
The hybrid platform can also serve as a backup home power source and could one day allow owners to sell power stored in the vehicle back to the grid.
The Test Vehicle’s electric powertrain delivers excellent acceleration and torque, offering up to twice the torque of a diesel engine, for confident highway driving on mountain roads and through rough terrain.
The platform’s design innovations go beyond the powertrain. Harbinger’s chassis includes all major vehicle systems of an electric vehicle, including drivetrain, high voltage battery system, steering, brakes, and more. Its double-wishbone front suspension, steer-by-wire system, and class-leading Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features 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.”
