Thor e-RV Charging Station Offers Glimpse into Future of EV Camping

Global RV manufacturer Thor Industries has been preparing for the electric vehicle era, showcasing concepts like the Vision Vehicle fuel cell motorhome and Airstream eStream self-driving electric travel trailer. Their latest innovation is a charging station concept specifically designed for electric motorhomes, trailers, and tow vehicles. Electric RVs pose unique challenges due to their size, weight, and power needs for long-distance travel. One often-overlooked challenge is charging, as RVs, designed for extensive travel, may rely on public charging stations not universally equipped for their larger size.

Thor’s RV-Specific Charging Station

This week, Thor unveiled 3D renderings of an RV-specific charging station tailored to a range of vehicles, from compact EV tow vehicles pulling small trailers to large, stretched-chassis all-electric Class A motorhomes. Resembling pull-through gas pumps at highway rest stops, Thor’s design features long pull-through charging ports with solar panel-covered roofs for shading.

Each charging lane is equipped with multiple chargers, accommodating several electric camper vans or one or two large Class A motorhomes. The chargers have dual cords to simultane ously power up multiple vehicles, making charging more efficient for various electric vehicles, including travel trailers and tow EVs.

Thor’s design ensures convenient entry and exit through a large, wide driveway with direct access points from the main road. The aisles at the ends of the charging lanes are designed for wide turns and easy maneuvering, promoting the quickest and most efficient use of the facility.

Thor’s RV Station Blends Sustainability with Amenities, Creating an EV Oasis

The charging station is also integrated with its natural surroundings, emphasizing nature and outdoor living. It features a picnic area, playground equipment, fitness area, dog run, and abundant greenery, resembling more of a city park than a traditional charging area.

Thor’s outdoor-focused design aims to set its facility apart from typical gas stations. Additional amenities include restrooms, an RV dump station, a water filling station, and an air pump for tires.

Thor situates its station alongside a secondary road, emphasizing the importance of charging facilities beyond urban areas and major highways, particularly on state roads leading to national and state parks. The design harmonizes with natural settings, making it suitable for locations adjacent to parks or forests without causing disruption.

Bob Martin Emphasizes Importance of Charging Infrastructure in Parks and Popular Destinations

To conclude, Bob Martin, President and CEO of Thor Industries, highlights the pivotal role of electrified transportation in the future of RVing. However, he notes that the concept aims to provide states and rural communities with insights into the infrastructure required near parks and popular destinations.

Thor is actively supporting the US RV Industry Association’s initiatives to encourage investment in e-RV-ready charging stations at both state and federal levels. As part of this effort, they have collaborated on a white paper to advocate for directing federal EV funding toward e-RV-compatible pull-through chargers, emphasizing the economic benefits for future RV travelers.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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