An award-winning and highly innovative RV platform is making its way into commercial trucking.
In 2024, THOR Industries introduced the world's first hybrid Class A motorhome, built on a chassis developed by Harbinger Motors. The vehicle combines an electric drivetrain with a gasoline-powered range extender, offering up to 500 miles of range—a feat that earned recognition from Fast Company's 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards.
While battery-electric vehicles are gaining ground in the commercial space, especially among light- and medium-duty fleets, full electrification isn't always feasible.
According to the 2025 State of Sustainable Fleets report, medium-duty cargo vans and pickups accounted for 92% of new commercial EV registrations in 2024, signaling strong adoption where charging infrastructure and duty cycles align with electric capabilities.
Harbinger has decided to target a more specialized segment: fleets that can't yet commit to full electrification due to extended routes, multi-shift operations, or limited access to charging. Its plug-in hybrid chassis is designed to bridge that gap, delivering up to 440 horsepower and more than 1,100 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle supports fast charging to 80% in about an hour and includes a gasoline range extender to recharge batteries while on the road.
Could a hybrid powertrain setup be the ideal solution for a sizable portion of the country's light- and medium-duty fleets? Harbinger certainly believes so.
Preorders for the hybrid chassis are now open, with initial deliveries expected in early 2026. Until then, the industry will be watching to see how Harbinger's innovative approach performs in real-world fleet operations.
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Jay Traugott
The hybrid motorhome that just won a Global Innovation award, is now being adapted for commercial trucks. But why would RV tech be the key to transforming work fleets? Before we go any further. If you're enjoying clean trucking news and videos, you can get more delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter using the link in the description below.
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Jay Traugott
In 2024, Thor Industries unveiled the world's first hybrid class A motorhome built on a chassis developed by Harbinger Motors. The chassis pairs an electric drivetrain with a gasoline powered range extender, providing up to 500 miles of range. The system is designed to allow RV users to travel farther, remain off grid longer, and power their home in the event of an outage.
00;00;45;22 - 00;01;15;24
Jay Traugott
In 2025, this motorhome received a World Changing Ideas Award from Fast Company, an award that honors businesses and organizations driving meaningful change in the world. Now, this award winning chassis is being adapted for use in class five and six commercial vehicles as a plug in hybrid version. However, for many medium duty trucking fleets, especially those operating a return to base or last mile delivery operation, full electrification already makes sense.
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Jay Traugott
According to the 2025 State of Sustainable Fleets report, medium duty cargo vans and pickup trucks accounted for 92% of new commercial EV registrations in 2024. So why introduce a hybrid into a segment that's already leaning electric?
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John Harris
Fully electric vehicles make sense for around 80% of medium duty applications today, especially ones that are focused on last mile delivery. But for the other 20%, those with longer routes, unpredictable days, or limited charging access, those fleets need something different. We're extending electrification to a whole new array of use cases, from delivery vehicles on multiple shift schedules to cross-country trips and middle mile distribution.
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Jay Traugott
In other words, harbinger is targeting a niche in the medium duty market for fleets that need these trucks but can't go fully electric because of their routes, business model, or infrastructure challenges. Here's how harbingers plug in hybrid chassis works. The chassis is an all electric drive system powered by battery packs. It's backed up by a small gasoline engine and generator that recharge the batteries on the go.
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Jay Traugott
The setup delivers up to 440 horsepower, more than 1,100 pound feet of torque, and as much as 500 miles of range, depending on the spec. Fleets can choose between 140 or 175 kilowatt hour battery pack. And with its 800 volt architecture, it supports DC fast charging, allowing it to charge up to 80% in about an hour. Harbinger also has a vertically integrated approach to building its chassis, something the company says sets it apart from other manufacturers.
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John Harris
We build our chances in-house right here in America in Garden Grove, and that's not the only thing we do in-house. We're the only electric truck maker today that designs and assembles all major systems in-house, such as the battery packs, steering and braking systems, even the complete electric drive unit.
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Jay Traugott
So what began as a hybrid RV platform is now positioned to help change the medium duty segment by giving the last holdouts a path to electrification. Harbinger says preorders are now open, with deliveries slated for early 2026. Until then, it's real world performance remains to be seen. But what do you think? Will this hybrid approach work for medium duty fleets?
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Jay Traugott
Let us know in the comments below. And for more on hybrid trucks, watch the playlist on the screen now.
