Electric Motorhome Makes Good Use of Range-Extending Technology
You won’t have to stress about charging this electric RV, even on long road trips.
Thor Industries is currently hard at work on an electrified motorhome that it claims has a range of 450 miles, according to New Atlas. The vehicle, which will be sold under its Entegra Coach brand, utilizes an all-electric chassis and range-extender engine to help it complete long-haul drives.
If you’re familiar with EVs, you know that range anxiety is a big concern for drivers. This is especially true for bigger battery-powered vehicles, like trucks or motorhomes. Battery technology is not yet at a place where it can provide a long range for a vehicle big enough to house the entire family on a camping trip. This is why Thor is looking into the viability of range-extending technology.
Inside the Entegra Coach Embark EV motorhome
Thor Industries
The company first teased a first-of-its-kind, range-extended Class A electric motorhome as a concept last year. It was easy to write off the prototype as little more than a pipe, but Thor kept working on it and has now announced plans to put it into production as the Embark EV.
When it was first shown off, Thor and electric chassis partner Harbinger said its motorhome would have an all-electric range of 150 miles. That number has since been reduced to 105 miles after a year of testing, according to New Atlas. Fortunately, the company has found that an onboard low-emission engine-generator is more than able to pick up the slack. The hybrid system kicks in an additional 345 miles of range, meaning the vehicle can travel 450 miles before its battery needs to be recharged and its gas tank refilled.
The Embark EV’s bedroom features a king-size mattress
Thor Industries
The Embark’s powertrain and range-extending technology may be its big selling points, but it also looks to have plenty more to offer. The Entengra website promises that the 30-foot motorhome will feature a clean European-style exterior and a feature-packed interior. The spacious cabin has a combination entertainment-dining area outfitted with two sofas, a full-size kitchen, a private bathroom, and a main bedroom that can fit a king-size mattress (there are additional sleeping areas, including an overhead bunk above the cockpit).
Expect to start seeing the Embark on the road soon. Thor plans to test out the vehicle through rental provider THL, according to New Atlas. If everything goes to plan, production could start as soon as the middle of next year.
Click here for more photos of the Entegra Coach Embark EV.
Thor Industries
