Anker-Backed Evotrex Unveils Hybrid RV
▼ Summary
– Evotrex is launching a hybrid RV travel trailer with an integrated gas engine to recharge its onboard battery pack, extending its range for longer camping trips.
– The RV will debut at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show and targets younger customers who want to go off-grid for extended periods with their gadgets.
– The company was founded by former Anker employees who researched the RV market and found demand for off-grid living beyond traditional campsites.
– Evotrex has raised $16 million in seed funding from Anker and Chinese venture firms and plans to ship its first trailers by the end of 2026.
– Production will primarily occur in China with final assembly in California, though the company anticipates challenges from U.S. trade policies.
The recreational vehicle market is witnessing a surge of innovation, with new entrants like Evotrex introducing a hybrid RV travel trailer that combines an onboard battery system with an integrated gasoline engine. This approach aims to deliver extended power for off-grid adventures, addressing a key limitation of purely electric setups. Unlike traditional models, the Evotrex design uses its engine not only to recharge the battery but also to capture waste heat for cabin warming, enhancing both efficiency and comfort during extended trips.
Evotrex plans to unveil its prototype at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, though details have already emerged through an exclusive media briefing. The concept of pairing a combustion engine with a large battery is gaining traction beyond the RV sector. For example, Scout Motors reported that a significant majority of its pre-order customers selected hybrid extended-range options over all-electric versions, signaling strong consumer interest in flexible power solutions.
Company co-founder Alex Xiao, who previously worked at Anker, explained that extensive market research revealed a shift in RV user demographics. Younger buyers increasingly seek vehicles capable of supporting multi-day excursions into remote areas for activities like skiing, hunting, or fishing. “These customers want to bring their gadgets and stay off-grid for several days, something traditional RVs weren’t designed to support,” Xiao noted. This insight drove the development of a self-sufficient power system that reduces reliance on plug-in campsites.
While portable generators are common among RV enthusiasts, Evotrex claims its integrated engine offers notable improvements in noise reduction and operational efficiency. The system is engineered to provide consistent electricity for living quarters and electronics, enabling longer stays in wilderness settings without sacrificing modern conveniences.
To bring its vision to life, Evotrex has secured $16 million in seed funding from backers including Anker, Unity Ventures, Kylinhall Partners, and Vision Plus Capital. The startup employs around 40 people across China and the United States, with leadership boasting experience from Geely Group, IBM, Lenovo, and Anker. Production will primarily take place in China, with final assembly planned for California.
However, international trade policies present a potential hurdle. Xiao acknowledged that existing tariffs and supply chain dependencies could complicate manufacturing and cost management. Still, he remains focused on the company’s mission: to deliver novel outdoor experiences through thoughtfully engineered vehicles. “Building an RV company from scratch is challenging, but so is solving supply chain issues. Our goal is to push boundaries and meet the needs of a new generation of adventurers,” he added.
(Source: TechCrunch)
