Thor Industries, Inc. announced the execution of a binding Memorandum of Understanding with ZF Friedrichshafen AG which outlines the parties' joint development of a proprietary high voltage electric drive system for towable recreational vehicles. The development driven by THOR and ZF is designed to maintain, and possibly extend, the nominal range of an electric vehicle when towing a trailer. Electric vehicles experience a significant reduction in range when towing any load, including a trailer. Unlike an ordinary trailer, a trailer equipped with the eTrailer System would be capable of moving utilizing its own power. Through its sophisticated technology, components and sensors, the trailer's drive moves the trailer at the same speed of the tow vehicle, allowing an electric tow vehicle to pull the trailer with minimal loss of range. The technology also has the potential to boost fuel efficiency of conventional tow vehicles with internal combustion engines or hybrid drivetrains. By reducing the load when pulled, conventional tow vehicles would burn less fuel and would also benefit from extended range. In July 2021, THOR companies Erwin Hymer Group and Dethleffs demonstrated the capabilities of this technology by using an electric Audi etron Sportback to tow an eTrailer System-equipped travel trailer prototype from Germany to Italy, over the Alps. The eTrailer System enabled the tow vehicle to pull the trailer a distance of 386 km through the Alps on a single charge and with power still remaining in the eTrailer System, as well as in the electric tow vehicle. Audi's stated range for the tow vehicle is 393 km. Joint development between THOR and ZF has led to a concept travel trailer equipped with a prototype eTrailer System. The concept vehicle will be on display at the Tampa RV Supershow from January 17-23, 2022.