Thor Industries has unveiled the Thor Test Vehicle, a prototype plug-in-hybrid RV that is smaller than traditional Class A motorhomes but still weighs a substantial 14,500 pounds. This unique vehicle operates as a series hybrid, with an electric motor powering the wheels and a range-extending engine dedicated to charging the batteries.
The production models of the Thor Test Vehicle are expected to showcase distinct styling elements, including roof-mounted solar panels similar to those found on the prototype. Not only is this vehicle quicker than conventional Class A RVs, but it is also touted as being easier to drive and maneuver.
With an impressive range of about 500 miles, the Thor Test Vehicle prioritizes improved aerodynamics by housing its A/C unit under the body instead of the standard roof placement. Harbinger Motors, the company behind the chassis of this innovative RV, has designed a unique medium-duty truck platform with a car-like control-arm front suspension featuring coil springs.
While the supplier for the RV’s range-extending gas engine has not been disclosed by Harbinger, the prototype is equipped with a conventional 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit. The Test Vehicle currently has a traditional power-steering system, but future production versions will incorporate by-wire steering technology.
According to Harbinger, the Test Vehicle’s batteries can be rapidly recharged from 20 to 90 percent in just one hour at a DC fast-charger. The vehicle is outfitted with four 35.0-kWh battery modules, totaling 140.0 kilowatt-hours of usable capacity.
The Harbinger chassis features a semi-independent De Dion rear axle supported by leaf springs, offering a weight-saving advantage compared to solid-axle layouts typically found in gas- and diesel-powered RV platforms. Overall, the Thor Test Vehicle represents a significant leap forward in the development of environmentally friendly and efficient plug-in-hybrid RV technology.
