While electric-powered motorhomes are still very much in the development phase, some RVers are taking advantage of e-vehicles. Some use them as “around town” cars when at home. Others use them as toad vehicles behind conventionally powered motorhomes. But when on the road, when it’s time to recharge the e-toad, how do you do it? As of the summer of 2023, the Energy Department said there were more than 160,000 EV charging ports across the country. But the vast majority of those are designed for single cars—a back-in or back-out affair. Do you unhitch your toad to charge it? How about pull-through charge stations? In Oregon, more choices are coming online.
RV industry has direct interest in pull-though charge stations
The RV industry has a direct interest in all of this. Not only do some RVers use e-vehicles as toad cars, RV manufacturers want to build e-motorhomes. Industry knows that without viable pull-through charging infrastructure, their dreams of e-RVs aren’t worth an AA battery.
Now the RVIA (RV Industry Association) says its advocacy for the expansion of pull-through charging stations is starting to bear fruit. The RVIA’s lobbyists have been pushing states to see to it EV charging stations include pull-through charge sites in their plans. The money is already there. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program—part of the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—put aside $5 billion for states to improve their EV infrastructure.
The National Electric Vehicle and Infrastructure Program was formed to develop a network of public EV fast-charging stations in all 50 states. It’s a five-year plan, with aims of having more charge stations along major highways and interstates. “With this once in a generation funding,” says the RVIA, “it’s important to ensure that the charging infrastructure works for the RV industry.”
Oregon in the “win” column
The RVIA is claiming at least one victory in their plan. Oregon will soon see 13 new EV charging stations. Among them will be five that provide pull-throughs for EV charging. Private industry finalists vying for contracts include Electrify America, EV Gateway, and EV Charging Solutions.
“We are excited to learn that the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program is adding these 13 EV charging stations in Oregon, and that some of these will have pull-through capabilities,” says Jason Rano, the RV Industry Association’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Adding these pull-throughs will allow consumers who are pulling their towables with electric vehicles to have a smoother charging experience. This remains a priority for the Government Affairs team and we’re continuing to advocate for more pull-through EV chargers across the country.”
Pull-through charge stations coming to Oregon next year
Three major Oregon roadways are slated for new EV charge stations in 2025. Of them, here are two that will be pull-through friendly:
Interstate 205
- Managing company: Electrify America
- Estimated station install timeline: 2025
- Station locations (2 total)
- Fred Meyer in Happy Valley
- 76 gas station in Gladstone
Station designs and amenities:
- 350kW CCS charging ports
- One pull-through parking spot at the 76 gas station
- Both locations are near restrooms and shopping, and will have security cameras and overhead lighting.
U.S. Highway 97
- Managing company: EV Charging Solutions
- Estimated station install timeline: 2025
- Station locations (7 total)
- E Street in Shaniko (precise location TBD)
- Dairy Queen in Madras
- Dairy Queen in Bend
- La Pine Chamber of Commerce in La Pine
- Eagle Crate Lake Inn in Chemult
- KLA-MO-YA Casino in Chiloquin
- The Growler Guys in Klamath Falls
Station designs and amenities:
- Minimum 150kW CCS charging ports
- CHAdeMO charging ports to support older EVs
- Pull-through parking spaces at Shaniko, Chemult, Chiloquin, and Klamath Falls locations
- Canopies at each station for shade and rain protection
- Each location will have one accessible station parking space for people with disabilities
- 110v outlet at each station for charging e-bikes and other mobility devices
- Nearby options for food, water, and restrooms, and overhead lighting
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National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program in Oregon
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What EV can be towed as a toad? I don’t think one exists.
Tom, that was my understanding as well (unless on a trailer.) However, what wasn’t mentioned are EV vehicles as tow vehicles. An electric Jeep last month with an attached trailer pulled into a site opposite ours at a Cape Cod campground. They’d go off during the day and plug into the pedestal at night.
I’m with you Tom. If someone is towing one, it’s on a trailer…..
With the dwindling sales of RVs, regardless of type, will consumers flock to dealerships to buy e-motorhomes. Will you trust the build quality of e-motorhomes from the manufacturers with the build quality of regular RVs now. What about service or warranty? It’s a crap shoot obtaining either one.
So instead of building more campgrounds, they’ll be paving over square miles for these. Brilliant.
Talk about putting the cart before the horse! 🙄
Thank you, Russ and Tina! They do?!? How are they towed? On a dolly or a trailer? Any transmissions allow for 4-wheels-down towing? I doubt that we’ll ever have an electric car, but we only tow four-wheels-down. Way too much to deal with otherwise. Have a great day and safe travels!