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.
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/.
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SOURCE THOR Industries