THOR Industries Unveils EV Charging Station Concept Specifically for Electric RVs

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Nov 21, 2023, 08:00 ET

Innovative design better serves the eRV use case by providing more maneuvering room and easier road access for all types and sizes of electric-powered RVs and EV tow vehicles.

ELKHART, Ind., Nov. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today THOR Industries (NYSE: THO) unveiled state-of-the-art 3-D renderings of an EV charging station concept designed to serve the comprehensive needs of electric recreational vehicles (eRVs), from small travel trailers towed by EVs to the largest Class A motorhomes, while enhancing an eRV traveler's outdoor experience and mindset. The concept illustrates THOR's efforts to support the development of pull-through eRV-compatible chargers in destinations popular with RV owners.

Ample room to maneuver is central to the charging station concept. The added space helps create a safe, convenient charging experience for all users, especially owners of motorized eRVs and those using an EV car or truck to tow a travel or work trailer.

Amenities, including restrooms, a playground and fitness equipment, help eRV owners relax and recharge alongside their vehicles. These facilities, like the entire concept charging station, are designed to blend into their natural surroundings.

Wide pull-through aisles allow travel trailer owners to charge their EV tow vehicles without the need to unhitch and re-hitch. Dual charging cords provide time-saving simultaneous charging for those using an EV to tow a travel trailer with an electric drivetrain.

As the RV leader in global innovation, THOR is pursing multiple initiatives to help deliver electric infrastructure to RVers across North America. In addition to the design and development of the charging station concept, the Company is actively supporting the RV Industry Association's effort to encourage federal and state governments to invest in the installation of eRV-compatible stations.

"Electrified transportation will play a central role in the future of RVing as eRVs become available for purchase, and more people opt to pull a traditional or electrified travel trailer with an electric tow vehicle," said THOR Industries President and CEO Bob Martin. "A charging station ecosystem that can accommodate eRVs and the use of EV as tow vehicles are essential to this transformation, 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."

THOR believes every aspect of the eRV experience should be enjoyable, including charging. To that end, the concept charging station is a pristine, people-focused facility that encourages travelers to spend most of their charging time outside their vehicles. Different from traditional gas stations, the EV charging station concept incorporates beautiful natural landscaping, berms, trees and green spaces since EV charging stations doesn't store or handle fuel.

The charging station concept is based on best practices developed by the engineering firm Black & Veatch (B&V). The ideas were first outlined in a recent white paper commissioned by THOR and the RV Industry Association detailing the economic case for states to use some of the $7.5 billion federal EV funding currently available to state and tribal governments to build eRV-compatible pull-through charging stations.

Aspects of the concept charging station would also enhance charging infrastructure hosted by rural retailers, destination town governments and private campgrounds.

Key features of the concept 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 an 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.

The THOR Industries website has more information about THOR's eRV charging station concept, and the Company's efforts to support the eRV charging ecosystem.

Link to the renderings

About THOR Industries
THOR Industries is the sole owner of operating companies which, combined, represent the world's largest RV manufacturer. For more information on the Company and its products, please visit https://www.thorindustries.com/.

SOURCE THOR Industries