Collaboration in motion: Meet the world's first hybrid RV

The world's first hybrid Class A motorhome didn't come from an industry titan or a disruptive startup alone — it came from deep, early collaboration between both. THOR Industries and Harbinger Motors show how the venture collaborative model turns corporate-startup partnerships into category-defining products.

The road to building the world's first hybrid Class A motorhome didn’t develop from solely an industry titan or a disruptive tech startup–but rather a deep, and early, collaboration between the two. THOR Industries , the world’s largest RV manufacturer and corporate partner of TechNexus Venture Collaborative, and Harbinger Motors , an electric truck startup, recently announced the launch of the world’s first hybrid RV. The THOR test vehicle, built with Harbinger’s EV chassis, is powered by an electric motor and battery system that is recharged by a low-emissions gasoline range extender while being driven. It provides an estimated 500 miles of range, a game changer for the recreational vehicle industry. Harbinger is starting commercial production later this year. Its products will be available to THOR, and other customers like Coca Cola, Bimbo Bakeries USA , postal service operator Mail Management Services and other medium-duty trucking companies looking to ride into the EV future. Harbinger announced last May that it had 4,000 vehicle pre-orders from customers valued at more than $400 million. It raised a $73 million Series A round from investors including TechNexus, which backed Harbinger in a joint venture with corporate partner THOR. TechNexus and THOR co-led the Series A, and TechNexus has been a close collaboration partner with both THOR and Harbinger. “TechNexus' role goes beyond simply leading the investment in Harbinger, said TechNexus CEO Terry Howerton. "We're committed to aligning the financial and strategic goals of both Harbinger and our corporate partner, THOR. This involves supporting negotiations, fostering commercial collaborations, and helping to chart a shared path to success." The power of collaboration Harbinger and THOR began working together even before the startup officially launched at the Detroit Auto Show in 2022. By partnering so early, Harbinger could tailor its product to THOR’s needs, and do so in a more cost effective way, Harbinger C

By Jim Dallke at TechNexus Venture Collaborative