The government affairs team of the RV Industry Association (RVIA) has launched lobbying efforts to expand e-RV infrastructure.
The team has been working hard to spread information regarding the need for an increased number of pull-through EV sites in campgrounds. Their actions were approved by the association’s board of directors and supported by the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.
“As e-RVs start to become more common, charging them could present an issue,” said Jay Landers, RVIA vice president of government affairs.
“Many of the current charging stations are not designed for combination vehicles, including electric towables. There are very few pull-through electric vehicles charging stations, and if an RV combination takes up two spots, it prevents others from charging their electric vehicles. Even with just an electric tow vehicle, the RV owner would have the added frustration of uncoupling the trailer, finding a place to put their RV trailer, charging the tow vehicle, and then reattaching the trailer. More pull-throughs, especially those designed for electric RV combinations, would help solve this barrier.”
Since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed to become law, funds worth $5 billion have been set aside for the states to enhance their infrastructure for EVs, leading the country to become more EV-centered rather than using internal combustion.
$2.5 billion also stayed with the federal government for spending on national infrastructure. The government affairs team hopes the funds can create more pull-through sites that can accommodate e-RVs.
Landers said that any industry, led by the RV sector, with large trailers or vehicles, would need more pull-through spaces. Their team is also working with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, giving them support on this endeavor.
He also said they are collaborating with the national lobbying firm to spread the word, receiving support from the Federal Highway Administration, who released a statement in the Federal Register that announced the consideration of pull-through sites.
Other than their lobbying effort in e-RV infrastructure, the government affairs team is also embarking on a state-by-state campaign to reach out to state departments of transportation, governor’s offices, and economic development offices. They plan to with the association’s member companies if need be for this initiative.
“The Government Affairs team is thankful for the support of the board in these efforts, and we look forward to providing some real results in mid-2023,” Landers said.
It’s encouraging to hear that the RVIA Government Affairs team is hopeful about the potential for increased EV infrastructure to benefit e-RV users and contribute to the overall sustainability of the RV industry. Their advocacy for standardized charging infrastructure is vital for seamless travel experiences for e-RV owners. I’m enthusiastic to see the positive impact this initiative will have on the industry and other industries with large trailers or vehicles.