An electric RV that lacks the range to get you beyond your current ZIP code is about as useful as an umbrella full of holes—there’s not much point.
However, with the automotive industry’s growing focus on electrification, RV manufacturers are seeking ways to join the movement.
Thor Industries, the parent company of Airstream, is stepping into the game with a new plug-in hybrid motorhome that promises to take you far beyond your immediate surroundings.
The Thor Test Vehicle (a rather straightforward name) is the result of a collaboration between Thor and EV manufacturer Harbinger.
Described as the world’s first hybrid Class A motorhome, the Test Vehicle boasts a 140.0-kWh battery pack and an 800-volt system that supports DC fast charging.
While its standard electric range is around 150 miles, that figure increases to roughly 500 miles thanks to a small internal-combustion range extender.
Thor hasn’t shared detailed powertrain specs yet, though it did mention that the system offers “twice the torque of a diesel engine”—though without specifying which diesel engine it was comparing it to.
Unlike typical hybrids, the Test Vehicle is a series hybrid, meaning the combustion engine doesn’t connect to the wheels directly.
Instead, the RV is powered solely by its electric motor(s), similar to the concept behind the upcoming 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger. Additionally, the RV uses a steer-by-wire system, much like the Tesla Cybertruck.
According to Thor Industries, RVs built on this new chassis are expected to hit the market in 2025, with pricing varying by brand.
