THOR Industries, the parent company of Airstream, has unveiled a groundbreaking prototype of a plug-in-hybrid Class A motorhome, marking a significant step toward integrating electrification into the RV industry.
The hybrid RV, built in collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturer Harbinger, combines a 140-kWh battery with a small internal combustion generator, offering a total range of approximately 500 miles.
This advancement is aimed at addressing the challenges of electric RV travel, such as limited range while aligning with broader industry trends toward sustainability.
The prototype, referred to as the THOR Test Vehicle, features an 800-volt system with DC fast-charging capability, allowing for an estimated 150 miles of travel on battery power alone.
The addition of the internal-combustion range extender, which powers the electric motor rather than the wheels directly, extends this range significantly, as featured in Car and Driver.
THOR Industries claims the RV delivers “twice the torque of a diesel engine,” although specific powertrain details have not been disclosed.

The development signals THOR’s commitment to innovation in a sector grappling with how to meet consumer demand for sustainable travel without sacrificing practicality.
With the global push for electrification across automotive sectors, RV manufacturers are exploring hybrid and fully electric solutions to remain competitive and appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.
Industry professionals should take note of the potential implications of this hybrid RV technology.
Beyond its consumer appeal, the system’s series-hybrid design and steer-by-wire functionality could represent a new benchmark for RV engineering.
Additionally, the inclusion of fast-charging and extended-range capabilities may broaden the geographic accessibility of electric RVs, offering campground operators and RV park owners new opportunities to cater to an evolving market segment.
THOR Industries plans to make RVs based on the Test Vehicle’s platform commercially available in 2025, though pricing details remain undisclosed. The launch may present a competitive edge for dealerships and rental businesses, with growing interest in hybrid models likely to influence purchasing decisions across the market.
Featured image by THOR Industries