Tue Sep 24 03:16:50 UTC 2024: ## Thor Industries and Harbinger Motors Unveil World’s First Hybrid Class A Motorhome
**Elkhart, Indiana** – RV giant Thor Industries and electric chassis manufacturer Harbinger Motors have joined forces to create the world’s first hybrid Class A motorhome, a groundbreaking step towards a more sustainable future for the RV industry. The prototype, dubbed the “Test Vehicle,” combines a 140-kWh battery pack with a gas range extender, offering a remarkable 500 miles of driving range.
This innovative approach addresses a major hurdle for electric RVs: limited range. The Test Vehicle’s 140-kWh battery provides up to 150 miles of all-electric driving, more than double the range of the VW Caddy Camp 2 mini-camper. However, for longer journeys, the low-emissions gas engine-generator kicks in, extending the range to 500 miles, eliminating range anxiety for most road trips.
Beyond its hybrid drive system, the Test Vehicle boasts several cutting-edge features, including an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), steer-by-wire technology, and a comfortable double-wishbone front suspension. Thor emphasizes the electric drive system’s increased torque compared to a diesel engine, offering confident acceleration on highways and smooth hill climbing.
The Test Vehicle also serves as a backup power source for homes during outages, using solar-charged battery storage and the gas engine generator to provide electricity. It can even be used to sell power back to the grid during peak demand in the future.
“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 Test Vehicle is not Thor’s first foray into electrified RV design. The company has previously showcased concepts like the Vision Vehicle B+ motorhome with a fuel-cell range extender and the eStream battery-propelled trailer. This latest prototype, however, marks a significant step forward, showcasing Thor’s commitment to electrifying the RV industry.
Thor plans to launch RVs based on the hybrid chassis in 2025. The company is currently showcasing the Test Vehicle at the Elkhart Dealer Open House in Indiana, allowing RV dealers to experience its capabilities firsthand. This innovative hybrid design signifies a major shift towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious future for the RV industry.
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