THOR’s Electrification Lab is Ushering in a New Era of RV Adventure
THOR’s Electrification Lab doesn’t take up a lot of space, but this sophisticated test facility is critical to delivering the first generation of production-ready electric and hybrid RVs, which will provide owner benefits unimaginable just a few years ago.
The Electrification Lab, located at THOR’s US Innovation Lab in Elkhart, IN, gives innovators the tools and space to work on a range of electrical projects, including developing and refining the electrical systems of the HV-1 all-electric travel trailer chassis and integrations with the Harbinger hybrid electric motorized Class A platform.
Electric RVs (eRVs) perfected in the lab will embody THOR’s Go Everywhere. Stay Anywhere.® spirit by enabling owners to more easily adventure off-grid for extended periods with all the comforts of home, with increased sustainability and decreased noise and hassle. These capabilities will simplify the operation of vehicles from the THOR family of companies and make it easier to enjoy the freedom of RV’ing.
This state-of-the-art facility is a vibrant hub of innovation, packed with equipment to test and measure electrical system performance, and gear to help innovators ensure smooth reliable power delivery. One set of tools can simulate how various RV systems and appliances — from the water pump, to coffee maker, and HVAC — affect battery discharge. Another monitors the heat generated by the flow of electricity through the proprietary power systems. This information helps determine how much airflow is needed to cool the high-voltage power systems coming to market in the near future.
Innovators can also assess how electric RVs function when connected to the electrical grid. The Electrification Lab is equipped to model and study how efficiently power flows when the vehicle is plugged-in at the campground, on the road and at home. That last scenario is particularly important as RVs built around THOR’s high-voltage power management systems will have the ability to serve as back-up home power sources and one day allow owners to sell power stored in these batteries back to the grid.
THOR innovators used the Electrification Lab extensively to develop the THOR Test Vehicle. The test vehicle, a hybrid electric Class A RV built on a Harbinger Motors electric chassis, features a high-powered EV platform and gasoline-powered range extender. The lab’s capabilities were key to helping the e-mobility team integrate the range extender into the Harbinger chassis and create an efficient system to convert electricity from the test vehicle’s 800-volt electrical system to the AC and DC power that runs all the RV’s lights, fans, water pumps, appliances, etc. This unique approach will give RVers all the power they need to stay off the grid as long as their hearts desire.
The lab is also a resource for the THOR family of companies, which can harness its capabilities to test and develop enhancements to their RVs’ electrical systems and components. As THOR’s commitment to electrification grows, things will only get busier in this critical corner of the US Innovation Lab.