Global Innovators Showcases Battery Solu...
December 18, 2024
Built on Harbinger's electric medium-duty chassis, the hybrid platform delivers an estimated 500 miles of range
Date: September 24, 2024Elkhart, United States- THOR Industries, Inc., an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles, has unveiled its first hybrid Class A motorhome, the THOR Test Vehicle, built on an EV platform developed in partnership with Harbinger. The vehicle features a low-emissions gasoline range extender, providing up to 500 miles of range. Expected to launch commercially in 2025, this hybrid RV will likely qualify as a Near-Zero Emission Vehicle (NZEV) under California's Advanced Clean Truck legislation, adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Mr. Bob Martin, CEO of THOR Industries President, said, "Electrification will play a central role in the future of mobility, including RVing. 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 hybrid RV built on a Harbinger platform, designed specifically for Class A motorhomes. This electrified chassis addresses range anxiety, offering enhanced travel freedom and sustainability tailored to the unique needs of the RV industry.
The hybrid chassis features a 140-kWh battery, low-emissions gasoline range extender, and solar rooftop, with an 800-volt architecture for fast DC charging. Batteries can be charged at campsites, via the range extender, or with solar power, whether on the road or off-grid. The platform can also serve as a home backup power source and potentially sell stored energy back to the grid in the future.
The Test Vehicle's electric powertrain delivers superior acceleration and up to twice the torque of a diesel engine, ensuring confident driving on challenging terrain. Harbinger's chassis integrates key EV systems, including drivetrain, battery, steering, and brakes. With double-wishbone suspension, steer-by-wire, and advanced ADAS features, it offers a smooth, safe ride and excellent handling, even for a large vehicle.
Mr. John Harris, Harbinger CEO and Co-Founder, said, "We founded Harbinger with a mission to modernize the medium-duty vehicle industry with our world-class electric chassis. 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."