EV Charging Stations Coming to KOA Campgrounds in 2022
One in Five RV Owners Drive Electric Vehicles.
Image Caption: Image Courtesy of nrqemi/Getty
Starting in the spring of 2022, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has announced it will begin installing Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at select locations across the US and Canada. The move follows research that shows a significant overlap between RV and EV ownership and new models from Ford, General Motors, Tesla, and other major automakers nearing release.
The charging station design comes from Jamestown Advanced Products, which manufactures picnic tables, grills, and other components for campgrounds and parks. The Level 2 chargers can provide up to 240 volts of power to an electric vehicle, allowing owners to fully recharge after several hours. Those same stations will reportedly also double as shore power outlets for RVs parked nearby.
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KOA made the announcement at its annual international convention, held recently in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The company says the EV charging stations will be available to the proprietors of the 520 independently-owned campgrounds that make up the KOA network. The cost of using the chargers will be included in the camping fees, although campground owners will be allowed to set separate pricing for EV drivers who aren’t staying on the premises.
“KOA is always looking for innovative ways to make our properties more environmentally friendly and reduce our carbon footprint,” KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke said in a press release announcing the news. “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.”
Image Courtesy of Kampgrounds of America
Installing the EV chargers makes good financial sense, too. KOA’s own internal research indicates that one in five RV owners also own an electric vehicle. That same research shows the rate of EV ownership for the general population of the US sits at approximately 12%. By offering onsite charging, the company better serves its customer base and potentially opens new revenue streams.
In the same press release, Jamestown Advanced Products Director Josh Lodestro said, “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.” He added, “Best of all, the camper will never need to leave their campsite to charge.”
Look for the new EV charging stations to begin arriving at KOA campsites in early 2022. Watch KOA.com for more information.
