Flexible electric vehicle charging all year round at Caravan Club of Sweden

Part of Caravan Club of Sweden's sustainability work

Caravan Club of Sweden is the country's oldest and largest association for mobile outdoor recreation, with a total of 34 campsites stretching from the north to the south. The association attracts a great deal of voluntary involvement, with sustainability comprising an important part of its work. Annelie Svensson, board member and camping coordinator at Caravan Club of Sweden, describes how they work with sustainability in several different ways.

"We try to remain at the forefront of sustainability as it's extremely important to us. As an example, we've invested in more environmentally friendly black waste disposal points and are currently building a new recycling system with underground waste stations," says Annelie.

Another important aspect of the association's sustainability work is the installation of electric vehicle chargers. The need for electric vehicle charging emerged when it became increasingly common for guests to charge their electric vehicles directly from the power outlets in their caravans, which Annelie considered a major safety risk.

"Many campsites have 10 A power outlets, which aren't suitable for electric vehicle charging. We thought that we could offer an alternative and even prohibit charging from normal power outlets throughout the campsite," Annelie explains.

A flexible and safe solution

At the campsites in Tandådalen and on Sturkö, Caravan Club of Sweden decided to invest in two GARO Entity Flex units – a portable charging station comprised of two GARO Entity Pro wallboxes. The charging stations are equipped with a payment solution from Vourity, making it easy for guests to pay by Swish, Apple Pay or payment card.

"It's convenient for our guests as there's no need to download an app. They simply scan the QR code and use their preferred method of payment," says Annelie.

She reveals that they knew from the outset that they wanted a portable charging station, making GARO Entity Flex a given.

"We haven't tied ourselves to a single installation site. Instead, it's simply a matter of loosening a few screws, unplugging the cable, then moving the charging station wherever we want, as long as there's sufficient power and capacity," Annelie explains.

In Tandådalen, which can be covered in one metre of snow wintertime, flexibility was especially important.

"We needed a solution that would work even in mountainous areas, where snowfall and ploughing can prove challenging. This is why we mounted the charger and frame a bit higher up on the post to ensure that they aren't in the way when we're shovelling or ploughing snow," says Annelie.

Mikael Höst, Area Sales Manager at GARO, explains that with GARO Entity Flex, Caravan Club of Sweden is ensured a safe, secure and flexible charging solution, offering added value at the campsites in Tandådalen and on Sturkö.

"Guests can charge their electric vehicles in a modern and convenient manner, with a charging station that includes all necessary protection, meets all electrical and safety standards and is also third-party certified, thereby guaranteeing maximum safety," says Mikael.

A reassuring partnership with GARO

Choosing an established and reliable supplier was a key consideration for Caravan Club of Sweden when deciding on a charging station for the two campsites in Tandådalen and on Sturkö. Tandådalen had previous experience of other electrical solutions from GARO, so they felt confident in choosing the same supplier for their electric vehicle charging needs.

"The partnership has worked extremely well. We've received great help and support when needed, and it's reassuring to know that GARO is a company that takes responsibility should any problems arise," says Annelie.

Annelie also says that she believes campsites can attract more guests by offering electric vehicle charging, so she recommends others to invest in similar solutions. She describes GARO Entity Flex as an affordable, environmentally friendly and flexible solution that is soon up and running and easy to understand.