A new player is entering the fast-evolving recreational vehicle (RV) market. Evotrex, a startup founded by former Anker executives, has come out of stealth mode with plans to debut a hybrid RV travel trailer that integrates a gas engine—a first-of-its-kind approach designed to extend off-grid adventures far beyond traditional limits.
The company’s upcoming RV trailer combines an onboard battery pack and electric motor to power the living quarters and onboard electronics. The gas engine serves as a range extender, recharging the battery to support longer trips without reliance on external power sources. The result is a hybrid setup that could appeal to modern campers seeking extended, off-grid experiences.
Evotrex plans to unveil the trailer at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), but co-founder and CEO Alex Xiao shared early details in an exclusive interview with TechCrunch.
A New Take on the Hybrid Powertrain
Using small gas engines to extend the range of battery-powered vehicles has become a growing trend in the automotive world. Scout Motors, for example, recently revealed that 80% of its preorder customers opted for hybrid “extended range” versions over all-electric models.
Evotrex believes that same hybrid logic applies to RVs. “Our customers want to bring their gadgets and other equipment on skiing, hunting, fishing, and other activities, and stay in the wild for like four or five days,” Xiao said. “They’re off-grid — off-grid living was not supported before within the RV life.”
Designed for a Younger, Tech-Savvy Market
Xiao and co-founder Stella Qin, also an Anker alum, spent seven months researching the RV landscape before beginning development. They discovered a younger demographic of RV buyers seeking flexibility and freedom from traditional plug-in campsites.
Evotrex’s trailer aims to serve this audience with ample onboard power, low noise, and high efficiency. The team claims its integrated gas generator is quieter and more fuel-efficient than conventional external units. Additionally, the system captures excess heat from the engine to help warm the cabin, improving comfort in colder conditions.
Funding and Production Plans
Evotrex has already raised $16 million in seed funding from investors including Anker, Unity Ventures, Kylinhall Partners, and Vision Plus Capital. The company employs about 40 people across the U.S. and China.
Its leadership team includes veterans from Geely Group (Evotrex’s CTO, who led automotive R&D there) and supply chain leaders from IBM, Lenovo, and Anker.
Production will primarily take place in China, with final assembly in California. Xiao acknowledged potential challenges ahead due to U.S.–China trade policies under the Trump administration, but expressed confidence in navigating them.
Looking Toward 2026
Evotrex plans to begin shipments by the end of 2026, targeting customers eager for a more versatile and self-sufficient RV experience.
“The purpose of this company is to bring new kinds of experiences to the customer,” Xiao said.
With its hybrid powertrain, global team, and ambitious timeline, Evotrex joins a new generation of RV innovators — including Lightship, Pebble, and Grounded — redefining what’s possible for life on the open road.