Thor: rechargeable hybrid VR soon?

When it comes to fuel consumption, aside from heavy-duty vehicles, few models consume as much as recreational vehicles (RVs). This is certainly a segment where electrification could really make a difference for owners.

Critics may say that RV owners can afford to pay for the fuel for their vehicles, but it goes beyond that; the reduction of polluting emissions would be significant with electric RVs on the roads.

However, autonomy must be a priority. As you know, the heavier a model is, the larger the battery size needed to provide respectable all-electric range. RV manufacturers are well aware of this and are seeking ways to achieve their goals. Thor Industries is one of these manufacturers. The parent company of the well-known Airstream brand in the recreational industry is introducing a new plug-in hybrid model that should offer an interesting capacity.

**The Thor Test Vehicle**
The company’s test vehicle, simply named the Thor Test Vehicle, is the result of a partnership between Thor and the electric vehicle manufacturer Harbinger. Thor describes its test vehicle as the first hybrid Class A RV on the planet.

The RV is equipped with a 140 kWh battery and an 800-volt system, allowing for fast charging at a level 3 charging station. The standard range is about 250 kilometers, but this figure increases to around 800 km with a small internal combustion range extender.

The manufacturer has not disclosed details about the powertrain, but described the configuration as having “twice the torque of a diesel engine.”

Unlike most hybrid vehicles, Thor’s prototype is a series hybrid, which means that the combustion engine is not connected to the driving wheels and the RV is powered solely by the electric motor(s).

According to Thor Industries, this new chassis will be available for sale in 2025.

It remains to be seen how this will all take shape, and which models will benefit from it, as many RVs are likely to have the opportunity to enjoy this electric platform.

A step in the right direction, for sure.

Source of the original content: [auto123](https://www.auto123.com/en/news/thor-develops-plug-in-hybrid-rvs/71873)