We don’t typically cover traditional RVs here, but the new Thor Hybrid Class A is a worthy exception for what it represents.
I owned a 37′ Thor Outlaw, a Class A toy hauler. We loved the space, the full kitchen, tall shower, and ample sleeping and storage. But it got about 6MPG. It was big, loud, the Ford V10 put off a ton of heat, and it cost an arm and a leg to fill the 80-gallon gas tank.
This new hybrid promises up to 500 miles of range using electric motors and power, with a small onboard gas engine to keep things charged up. Rooftop solar panels will help, too.
The chassis can carry three to six 35kWh battery packs, and because the gas engine is only there to recharge them, it’s expected to qualify as a NZEV for California. It can also recharge at standard campground hookups and DC Fast Charger locations.
The chassis comes from Harbinger Motors, a company specializing in medium-duty electric vehicle platforms for things like delivery vehicles. And, now, RVs, thanks to this partnership with Thor.
So, why should we care?
Because it’s no stretch to imagine a similar platform being used to build mobile habitats like the Storyteller GVX and others using surplus military supply trucks and Kenworth 4×4 platforms.
500 miles of range (or even 300 in real world situations off road) is more than enough for almost any adventure. And rigs that big can easily add 1000W of solar to the roof, maybe more, which will (slowly) provide emergency range.
As for the RV part of the RV, the shape is about ~20% more aerodynamic than flat-faced models. It’ll have a steer-by-wire design, advanced driver assist features, and double wishbone front suspension.
You’ll be able to tap into the power as a house battery inside the RV, and even as an emergency power source for your actual home, too.
Pricing is TBA, planned availability is 2025. Now, if only they’d offer a 4WD toy hauler version with all-terrain tires and off-road suspension…
OK, but what about electric vanlife?
Class B RVs, which are basically camper vans, are a little further along in electrification. There are full-electric vans on the road, albeit with very short range. Winnebago is testing one, but there’s simply not enough room in these for massive battery packs to give them a usable off-pavement range.
But the Thor Vision Vehicle is a 300-mile range camper van powered by a high-capacity battery pack and integrated fuel cell to recharge it.
It’s still a concept for now, but it shows the potential for hybrid systems, hydrogen fuel cell integration, and other fresh ideas to make our overlanding hobby more sustainable.
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