The RV Industry Association (RVIA), in collaboration with global engineering firm Black and Veatch, has released a pivotal report emphasizing the need for pull-through electric vehicle (EV) charging stations tailored for RVers.
This initiative comes as a response to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has allocated significant funds for the development of EV charging infrastructure.
The Association’s government affairs team, led by Vice President Jason Rano, is advocating for a portion of these funds to be directed towards creating more RV-friendly pull-through charging sites.
Rano highlights this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand EV charging across the nation, especially with the rise in RVers using electric vehicles to tow their RVs.
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current EV landscape, detailing the demand for pull-through charging and the importance of designing such charging stations, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.
It concludes that the momentum in EV sales and adoption in the U.S. can only be sustained if all EV consumers, including RVers, have access to convenient and safe charging infrastructure.
Especially in rural areas that RVers often visit, the need for such infrastructure is paramount. The report emphasizes that these rural communities are frequented by RVers, making them ideal locations for pull-through charging stations.
The document also delves into various use cases, emphasizing the need for larger electric vehicles to easily access charging stations. These use cases include electric vehicles like the Rivian R1T and Ford F150 Lighting towing RVs, electrified motorized RVs, electric assist trailers, and other medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
One of the significant findings of the report is the frequency with which RVers driving an electric vehicle and towing an RV will need to charge. Due to the impact of towing on an EV’s range, these RVers will find themselves seeking out charging more frequently, leading to increased time and expenditure at charging sites.
The concept of pull-through charging also leads to a more efficient use of pull-in charging. Without pull-through charging, EVs with towables might find themselves in a predicament where they need to decouple and park the trailer elsewhere or, in some cases, block multiple charging spots.
While the initial investment for pull-through charging might be on the higher side, the financial analysis in the report indicates that site hosts could potentially recover that investment within just a few years. This data-driven insight positions pull-through charging as a potentially profitable venture for businesses aiming to serve the expanding electric RV community.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has advocated for more comprehensive EV charging infrastructure that accommodates RVs. This initiative aligns with the growing adoption rates of electric vehicles and addresses the specific requirements of RV users. The RVIA has collaborated with engineering firm Black and Veatch to produce a report on this subject, highlighting their focus on not sidelining RVers in the broader transition to electric vehicles.
As the shift toward electric vehicles accelerates, it’s essential for infrastructure planning to account for the varied needs of all potential EV users. However, it remains to be seen how these developments will balance with environmental and logistical considerations.
With adequate infrastructure, the RV community could potentially benefit from more sustainable travel options. The move toward pull-through EV charging aims to provide not just convenience but also to support the RV community as electric vehicles become more prevalent.