The latest electric RV concept from Thor is a Class A vehicle with large batteries, an electric drive, and a generator that extends the range. Will this PHERV (?) reach production?
Similar in appearance to Thor's existing Vegas Class A vehicle and co-developed by Thor and a commercial EV manufacturer, this “world's first hybrid RV” includes a gas-powered extender that can generate electricity to power the RV's massive, 140-capacity battery packs kWh. . The batteries then send power to Harbinger's eAxle (a proprietary electric axle that combines the motor, inverter, and gearbox into one unit) behind the RV's ladder-style frame. Along with the range extender, the batteries should be good enough to deliver, “a range of about 500 kilometers.”
And, yes – it is a completely an absurd claim, in the same way, and for the same reasons, that similar claims from companies like Toyota and Ram talk about “unlimited range.” However, to Thor's credit, it accepts the “mixed” label.
Harbinger hybrid RV chassis
“Electrification will play an important role in the future of travel, including RVing,” said THOR Industries President and CEO Bob Martin. “This first hybrid platform and our continued collaboration with Harbinger reinforces THOR's leadership in this segment and creates major product differentiation points for our family of companies.”
They need. As our own Peter Johnson writes, “If you haven't noticed, many electric vehicles go 'off the grid' to explore the outdoors, go camping, etc.” and those electrified options — even those that “just” run their own generators — improve the campground experience significantly. by eliminating the sounds and smells of diesel and gas.
Thor hasn't revealed pricing or interior features, but Harbinger made headlines recently by announcing that its commercial EVs will reach mid-price and diesel options later this year. If that's true, the first production hybrid electric RV from Thor could be coming to market with a price tag close to (if not identical to) its regular ICE models — and that seems like big news to me.
Electrek's Take
While this may seem like a long way to make a “PHERV-ert” joke, the introduction of an electrified RV proudly wearing the “hybrid” name speaks volumes for changing attitudes toward hybridization among America's upper class. In 2024, the hybrid isn't the revolutionary punchline it was in 2004. Instead, it's seen as a sensible, middle-of-the-road option by people who have been fighting the electrification wave since the first-generation Prius. came to American showrooms almost 27 years ago.
to which I say: whatever, man. Just remember to plug it in.
SOURCE | PHOTOS: Thor Industries, via New Atlas.
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