Thor Industries, Inc., the world’s largest recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturer known for its operating companies which include Airstream, Jayco, Tiffin, Thor Motor Coach, and commercial EV (electric vehicle) company Harbinger, has unveiled what it says is the world’s first hybrid Class A RV. The Thor Test Vehicle is built on an electric vehicle (EV) platform developed by Harbinger integrating a low-emissions gasoline range extender that can recharge the electric battery system and deliver an estimated 500-mi (805-km) range.

RVs using 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.”

The demonstration hybrid RV was purpose-built exclusively for Thor to meet the unique range requirements of the RV industry. It was designed to alleviate range anxiety and deliver “the ultimate” in travel freedom and sustainability. Its electric powertrain delivers up to twice the torque of a diesel engine for improved user confidence for highway driving on mountain roads and through rough terrain.

The chassis is powered by a 140-kW·h battery pack, a low-emissions gasoline range extender that recharges the battery, and a solar roof. The platform’s 800-V electrical architecture allows for rapid battery charging at DC fast charger locations, at traditional campsites, and via the range extender and solar power, whether on the road or for off-grid camping. The platform can also serve as a backup home power source and could eventually allow owners to sell power stored in the vehicle back to the grid.

Beyond the powertrain innovations, Harbinger’s chassis includes a double-wishbone front suspension, steer-by-wire system, and class-leading ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) features.

“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 available for dealer test drives on Thor’s RV Experience Track at the Elkhart Dealer Open House starting today in Elkhart, IN.