An electric roadside assistance van has arrived in Perth, ready to rescue electric vehicle drivers in need, says insurance company RAC.
The Mercedes-Benz eVito is part of a trial to test the capabilities of electric roadside assistance vans, as well as providing a mobile battery top-up service for EV drivers who run out of charge.
The EV mobile charger can provide 15km range in around 20 minutes – enough to get the EV driver to the nearest charger in the metropolitan area.
RAC external relations general manager Will Golsby says it’s another step toward building confidence among current and future EV owners.
“While we are seeing increasing interest in EVs across WA, one of the biggest concerns continues to be access to charging infrastructure,” he says.
“The new electric roadside assistance van is equipped with a mobile charger that can top-up an EV battery that’s gone flat.”
“RAC has been there for WA drivers for more than 100 years, and this is another milestone in our proud history of adapting to the evolving needs of our community,” says Golsby.
“This trial will help us understand the realities of using fully electric vehicles as part of our roadside assistance fleet, so we can start planning to add more in the years to come.”
RAC Roadside Assistance Patrol member Jon Williams is one of two patrols involved in the new service.
“It’s so exciting to be part of this trial, because we’re at the forefront of change – supporting those motorists making the early switch to electric,” says Williams.
“Our aim is always to get motorists back on the road as quickly and smoothly as possible, and it’s great to expand our ability to help EV drivers.”
The service is available now to all Roadside Assistance members across the metropolitan area as part of their existing cover.
The WA government is establishing an EV “highway” by mid-2024 which aims to provide a public EV charging network across the state with 98 charging stations at nearly 50 sites, costing about $43.5 million.
Meanwhile, media reports suggest EVs have been attacked in the US, with former US president Donald Trump campaigning on an anti-EV platform and saying EVs are expensive and don’t have decent range.
New EV prices are declining and range is extending with many new EVs now exceeding 400km on a single charge.
