Most Kampgrounds of America (KOA) campgrounds across the United States and Canada will soon have camper-friendly charging stations for electric vehicles (EV).
KOA announced the good news at its annual convention in Baton Rouge (Louisiana), according to a release. Level 2 EV Chargers designed by Jamestown Advanced Products will soon be available at select campground locations across the United States and Canada.
Campground owners within the company’s network of 520 campgrounds are now eligible to purchase KOA-branded electric vehicle (EV) chargers for their properties. EV charging stations are planned to roll out at KOA campgrounds early next year.
The charging stations will be produced in collaboration with Jamestown Advanced Products. According to KOA, this supports their goal of promoting sustainable transportation and infrastructure at their campgrounds.
KOA’s latest research suggests that one in five campers have an EV in their household, compared to 12 percent of non-campers. The national average for EV ownership is around seven percent.
“KOA is excited to bring this amenity to campers and RVers who own electric vehicles at a higher rate than the national average,” the release states.
The Level 2 chargers utilize a 240-volt electric supply and can charge the vehicle up to 10 times faster than a Level 1 (120-volt) charger.
“KOA is always looking for innovative ways to make our properties more environmentally friendly and reduce our carbon footprint. This amenity is a first-of-its-kind for a campground network, and we could not be more excited to offer EV chargers as an amenity to campground owners and guests alike,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America. “It’s an important step in promoting sustainability in the outdoor industry and making it easy for electric vehicle owners to enjoy their favorite activities such as camping, road-tripping, and RVing.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with KOA to introduce the first fully integrated RV and EV power outlet to campers who want to travel with their electric and hybrid vehicles,” said Josh Lodestro, director at Jamestown. “Our EV chargers will be fast and reliable, solving for the common problem of finding enough chargers on the road when you leave major urban areas. Best of all, the camper will never need to leave their campsite to charge.”
Each charging station will allow for added 50, 30, or 20-amp receptacles to make on-site installation a one-stop solution for all power needs. In addition, KOA campground owners do not need to have prior knowledge about EV charging upon installation as each unit arrives pre-wired and installs similarly to standard RV power outlets that they are familiar with. Each unit will also include universal access charging plug and twenty-five feet of cable. Registered campers will receive priority access to the charging stations.
The KOA EV charging stations will launch in January 2022.
About Kampgrounds Of America
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is the world’s largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds with 525 locations across the U.S. and Canada united under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other.” The industry leader in outdoor hospitality, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday, and KOA Resort – offer sites and amenities designed for every type of camping experience. In addition to unrivaled brand visibility, KOA offers campground owners unparalleled support, marketing, and technology. The company’s proprietary reservation software, K2, delivers campgrounds a completive advantage within the market. Founded in 1962 in Billings, Mont., KOA now serves more than a million camping families each year, who rely on the standards of excellence and unique outdoor adventures for which KOA is known. For more information, visit KOA.com.
About Jamestown Advanced Products
Jamestown Advanced Products is a second-generation, woman-owned steel manufacturer located in Western New York. Our heavy-duty, commercial-grade, and dependable site furnishings have satisfied campers and travelers throughout the United States and Canada, including KOA properties, campgrounds, college campuses, amusement parks, and more family favorites. We are poised to capitalize on over thirty years of experience to begin pushing Jamestown Advanced to the top of the site furnishing industry and the forefront of conversations regarding the evolution of the outdoor experience. With exciting new products like the Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station or the ipe wood-finished Empire Collection and many more exciting projects to come, Jamestown Advanced remains a premier provider of American-made recreational and municipal furnishings for generations to come. For more information, visit www.jamestownadvanced.com.