Thor Industries unveiled state-of-the-art 3-D renderings of an EV charging station concept serving electric recreational vehicles (eRVs) while enhancing an eRV traveler’s outdoor experience and mindset.
The charging station concept is based on best practices developed by the engineering firm Black & Veatch (B&V). The ideas were outlined in a recent whitepaper commissioned by Thor and the RVIA detailing the economic case for states to use some of the $7.5 billion federal EV funding available to state and tribal governments to build eRV-compatible pull-through charging stations.
Thor Industries President and CEO Bob Martin said electric RVs will play a central role in RVing’s future as eRVs come to market and consumers use electric vehicles as tow vehicles.
“A charging station ecosystem that can accommodate eRVs and the use of EV as tow vehicles are essential to this transformation,” Martin said, “which is why Thor is actively exploring options to support the effort. We designed this concept to provide states and rural communities a better understanding of the infrastructure needed near parks, destination towns and other popular destinations to retain the tremendous economic benefits future RV travelers will offer.”
Different from traditional gas stations, Thor’s EV charging station concept incorporates natural landscaping, berms, trees and green spaces. Concept aspects would enhance charging infrastructure hosted by rural retailers, destination town governments and private campgrounds.
Key features include:
- Broad road access points to facilitate easy ingress and egress.
- Wide aisles between the pull-through charger islands.
- Ample room to maneuver a large motorized eRV or EV car/truck towing an RV.
- Visitor amenities, including restrooms, play areas and picnic areas.
- Natural landscaping, including berms, trees and green spaces.
- Sustainability features, including recycling containers, a rain harvesting system and solar panels on the charger shelter roofs.
