Ep 36 - Can Campgrounds Handle EV Charging?

Big power hungry RVs are already causing power overloads at campgrounds, but charging EVs at the site adds to that issue.  We speak with seasoned camper and EV owner Ken Mol about how to charge at campgrounds, how to minimize power shortages, and the etiquette surrounding EV charging in an RV Park.  

Show Notes and Links

• KOA - https://koa.com/
• PlugShare - http://www.plugshare.com/
• Difference between 30A and 50A RV Outlet - https://koa.com/blog/30-vs-50-amp-rv-service/
• What is an EVSE? - https://www.evconnect.com/blog/what-is-evse
• Angled extension cord with switch - https://a.co/d/dA9AcYv
• EV Charging Adapter NEMA TT-30P to 14-50R -  https://a.co/d/fKHYhKA
• WORKERSBEE Level 2 EV Charger, 110V-240V 32Amp, NEMA 14-50 Plug, 25ft Extension Cord, Indoor/Outdoor Portable EVSE Electric Vehicle Charger, Compatible with J1772 EVs - https://a.co/d/2OjzCHL
• Parkworld 692095 RV 50 AMP Splitter Adapter, 240V Splitter 14-50P Male Plug to Dual 14-50R Female Connector 3FT (Black) - https://a.co/d/6xmObjW
• RV Park Energy Metering - https://www.ekmmetering.com/pages/rv-parks
• Should RV Parks Meter Power? - https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-electricity-rv-park-meter-power-rvt-1045/
• Mackinaw City KOA Charger - https://www.plugshare.com/location/318744
• RV Trailers with Batteries - https://cleantechnica.com/2023/04/21/a-self-propelled-battery-powered-travel-trailer-from-tesla-other-auto-tech-alums-a-cleantechnica-exclusive/
• Ludington Pumped Storage - https://www.consumersenergy.com/company/electric-generation/renewables/hydroelectric/pumped-storage-hydro-electricity
• Transport Evolved - How The Ford F150 LIghtning Home Integration System ACTUALLY Works - https://youtu.be/a6a6MYmks7A?si=wlfva2BiazaooW68
• Claybanks Township Campground -  https://www.claybankstownship.org/claybanks-township-park/camping-at-claybanks-township-park/

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 2:38 Why EV Charging in Campgrounds?
• 5:21 How Does EV Charging Work at Campgrounds?
• 6:48 30A vs. 50A Campground Outlets
• 11:00 30A TT-30 Adapter
• 13:13 120V Angle Adapter
• 14:42 50A is the Overall Maximum
• 15:24 Turning Down EV Charging Power
• 16:04 New RVs Have a Lot of Power Needs
• 21:14 Cost and Electricity Metering
• 22:02 Balancing Power Usage
• 26:45 Should EV Drivers Expect Maximum Power at Campgrounds?
• 32:00 Ken’s Example Situation - Emergency Charging
• 33:58 Approach Campground Management with Positivity
• 35:22 Learn EV Charging Cost Math
• 37:02 Be Prepared to Pay Extra for Goodwill
• 38:17 Mackinaw City KOA Example
• 40:15 EV Drivers Spend More Money Than Just Electricity
• 45:06 Tesla/EV Camping
• 46:27 RV Trailers with Batteries
• 47:18 More Power Requirements May Trigger Infrastructure Costs
• 49:06 New Technology Like Bidirectional Charging May Help
• 52:44 Seasonal Campsites Are Metered for Electricity
• 54:27 Bonus - Ken Recommends an Awesome Campground