KOA campgrounds will offer EV charging

The new Rivian R1T electric truckmay have camping tools built in, but you can’t recharge it in the glow of your campfire.

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is changing that with campground EV charging stations.

Starting in 2022, campground owners at the 520 independently-owned franchises across the U.S. and Canada can buy KOA-branded charging stations from the parent company for campers to use. The stations will be installed at parking sites.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

A look at a KOA charger for camping. Credit: KOA

The Level 2 chargers typically take a few hours to fully recharge an EV, which is faster than plugging into a wall outlet. 

SEE ALSO: 7 of the best popcorn poppers for stepping up your snack game

KOA partnered with Jamestown Advanced Products to build the chargers after it found one in five of its customers owns an EV, even if they don’t always bring it camping. In the U.S., only about 5 percent of all car sales are electric.

Charging will be included in camping fees, but each campground owner can decide on fees for non-campers looking for a recharge.