In North America, travel trailers make up approximately 70% of the recreational vehicle market, according to a recent presentation by Thor Industries, makers of the iconic Airstream travel trailer. But with the looming approach of widespread EV adoption, the RV giant has made some strategic moves to stay one step ahead of the curve.
While electric vehicles have demonstrated their superiority over internal combustion (IC) in many performance categories, towing is one area where they just can’t keep up with their conventional counterparts. But this is where Thor’s newest innovation, the Estream (electrified Airstream) is about to redefine the travel trailer for both IC and EVs.
Not only is the eStream travel trailer more modern in both form and function, but it features a completely new high-voltage electrical system that is capable of self-propulsion. With this integrated power electric tow vehicles will not suffer the crippling loss of range that would otherwise be experienced when towing conventional non-self-propelled travel trailers. This benefit is also realized with conventional IC vehicles which could see significant improvements in fuel economy while towing an eStream trailer. And regardless of what type of tow vehicle you drive, once you arrive at your campsite, self-propulsion means that you can dolly the Estream into its final parking location via tablet, without the need of a tow vehicle. This latter feature is sure to save a few relationships.
“We’ve been focused on an electrification ‘eMobility’ strategy for a number of years and have made substantial progress on our journey. Early on, we determined that success for us would not be to simply put our name on the side of an electric chassis built by a third-party electric chassis manufacturer. Instead, as the industry leader, we harnessed emerging technology and co-developed flexible, scalable, and customizable platforms on which our family of companies will build distinct products, providing a best-in-class RV user experience,” offered Thor CEO Bob Martin.
Thor Industries eStream Electric Travel Trailer
Thor’s new eStream travel trailer is built on an all-new high-voltage electrified chassis that is powered by a proprietary drive system. Some of the benefits of this new system include:
- Improved range for electric tow vehicles
- Improved fuel economy for conventional internal combustion tow vehicles
- Faster recharging vs. low-voltage systems
- Better user experience with less down-time in between driving legs of a road trip
The new range-extending propulsion technology used in the eStream was developed in partnership with ZF and Thor’s European subsidiary, Erwin Hymer Group.
“Our proprietary technology addresses the top concern of electric vehicle users—range limitation. Studies have established that electric vehicles experience a significant loss of range even when towing a small trailer. The technology we co-developed creates a synchronized relationship between the trailer and the tow vehicle, enabling the trailer to move in harmony with the tow vehicle, reducing the pulling effect required from the tow vehicle. This, in turn, dramatically improves the possible range of the combination. In essence, we’ve turned the trailer into an electric vehicle. The technology is game-changing for our industry and others,” shared Josef Hjelmaker, THOR’s Chief Innovation Officer. “Our technology also provides important features including the ability to dramatically improve and extend off-grid camping, power electronics – even your home, operate the trailer from your digital device and remote-control park the trailer after unhitching the tow vehicle, all of which have been very well received and applauded by the RV community. And because our system actively stabilizes the trailer, the self-propelled wheels and dynamic controls enable a superior towing experience, improving the safety of our roads.”
Thor Vision Vehicle Motorhome Concept
Expanding further into the future of electric recreational vehicles, Thor also unveiled it’a Thor Vision Vehicle (TVV) electric motorhome concept, built on an electric chassis that was co-developed with Roush. This 300-mile range coach is more than just a recreational EV. It is a web-connected, IoT-enabled, technology powerhouse that utilizes a combination fuel-cell and high-voltage propulsion system. In addition to its modern aesthetic, the TVV can self-diagnose issues, helping owners stay on track with maintenance and repairs before they result in a breakdown.
The TVV utilizes the Roadpass digital platform for pre-trip planning that takes into account driving distances and access to high-voltage charging stations. Roadpass brings all of the information associated with a particular trip to the touch-screen display in the vehicle’s cockpit, providing users with a technology-driven travel experience including turn-by-turn directions, and interactive maps.
“Our team has conducted a massive amount of research targeted at understanding the impact of design elements on extending range, including aerodynamics of the units. Our strategy to create a unique electric experience specifically tailored for RV users has identified a number of product enhancement opportunities that we can and will implement well before we industrialize the electrified units,” stated Todd Woelfer, THOR’s Chief Operating Officer. “At the Florida RV SuperShow, we are showcasing two concept units which are only the first outputs from our defined electric RV strategy. Our command of the technologies around the electrified RV experience demonstates THOR’s commitment to innovation is an essential part of our growth model and future success which positions us to maintain our global leadership position in the industry. Our electric RV concepts are the stars of the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow and provide a glimpse of the incredible proprietary technology we have developed, but the real story is THOR’s investment and dedication to continue to be the innovation leader in the RV industry on a global basis.”
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