Evotrex: Anker-Backed RV Startup Emerges from Stealth

A New Contender in the RV Market: Evotrex

Several innovative companies, including Lightship, Pebble, and Grounded, have recently entered the RV industry with unique approaches. Now, a new startup, Evotrex, is emerging with its own distinct offering: a hybrid RV travel trailer featuring an integrated gas engine.

Hybrid Power for Extended Adventures

This novel RV will incorporate an onboard battery pack to power the living space and all onboard electronics, alongside an electric motor. Crucially, the integrated gas engine will serve to recharge this battery pack, significantly extending the trailer’s range beyond what a single charge could provide. This makes Evotrex’s trailer particularly appealing for extended camping excursions.

The Evotrex RV is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show. However, the company has shared details of its plans in an exclusive discussion with TechCrunch.

Following a Trend in Automotive Technology

Employing a gas engine to maximize the utility of a large battery pack is gaining traction within the automotive sector. Both manufacturers and consumers are demonstrating some reluctance to fully embrace all-electric vehicles. Notably, the CEO of Scout Motors recently indicated that 80% of pre-order customers have opted for the hybrid “extended range” powertrain instead of a fully electric option.

Understanding the RV Consumer

Alex Xiao, co-founder of Evotrex and a former product manager at Anker, anticipates that this approach will resonate with both RV customers and dealerships.

Xiao explained to TechCrunch that he and co-founder Stella Qin, also from Anker, dedicated seven months to researching the RV market before commencing development. Their research revealed a shifting demographic, with a growing number of younger customers desiring to venture further afield, beyond conventional campsites and RV parks.

These customers, according to Xiao, “aim to bring their devices and equipment for activities like skiing, hunting, and fishing, and to remain in remote locations for four or five days – a different lifestyle.” He emphasized that “off-grid living wasn’t previously well-supported within the RV experience.”

The Need for Reliable Power

Sustained power is essential to facilitate this lifestyle.

While RV owners are familiar with gas generators, Xiao and Qin believe their engine integration offers several advantages. They assert that it operates more quietly and efficiently, and they are even utilizing the waste heat generated to contribute to cabin heating.

Production and Funding

Evotrex intends to begin shipping its RV trailers by the close of 2026. To date, the company has secured $16 million in seed funding from Anker, as well as Chinese venture firms including Unity Ventures, Kylinhall Partners, and Vision Plus Capital.

A Global Team

Currently, Evotrex employs approximately 40 individuals, with teams located in both China and the United States. The company’s CTO previously oversaw automotive R&D at Geely Group, and the startup’s COO (and a third co-founder) has held supply chain leadership roles at IBM, Lenovo, and Anker.

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges

Xiao stated that production will primarily occur in China, with final assembly taking place in California. Recognizing that a significant portion of the RV supply chain remains based in China, he acknowledged potential challenges stemming from the trade policies enacted during the Trump administration.

Addressing these issues will be complex, Xiao conceded. However, he added that establishing a successful RV company from the ground up presents its own set of difficulties.