30 June 2023
The AA has today added a dozen battery electric vehicles* into its pool of 2,500 operational roadside service, including three capable of EV to EV mobile charging. With the EV Rally** due to begin on Monday 3 July, one of the AA’s EV vehicles will be providing support for participants. The five day event looks to showcase both charging infrastructure and the capabilities of both electric cars and vans across Great Britain and the whole of Ireland.
Two plug-in hybrids and a hydrogen vehicle complete the new look fleet of low emission breakdown vehicles to be used by the UK’s number one breakdown provider***.
The vehicles are part of a trial scheme to test EV capabilities within the roadside assistance sector as well as performing a variety of roles across the AA’s suite of motoring products. Some will be used across the traditional breakdown service, whereas others will specialise on certain faults such as misfuels and completing manufacturer recalls.
*AA battery electric roadside assistance van
Already, the vehicles have helped assist members who attended Glastonbury Festival and will support those heading to Wimbledon for the Tennis Championship.Three vehicles will be fitted with on-board EV chargers, capable of boosting EV’s which run out of charge so they can get to the nearest charger, the first national breakdown provider to trial the EV to EV technology. On average, the units can add 25 miles of range within 60 minutes, to help get EV drivers on their way again.
“Our EV-to-EV mobile charging units showcase our innovative prowess and highlight how the AA is always ahead of the game”Introducing electric vehicles into the roadside fleet shows how the AA is driving positive change within the UK automotive industry whilst innovating and reflecting the changes in vehicle sales.
Dean Keeling, managing director of roadside service at the AA, said: “This is a ground-breaking moment for the AA and the UK breakdown sector.
“By adding a fleet of electric vehicles into our roadside service, coupled with every patrol being trained to help EV breakdowns, we have truly cemented our place as the UK’s number one company for EVs providing whole-life assistance for drivers.
“Our EV-to-EV mobile charging units showcase our innovative prowess and highlight how the AA is always ahead of the game.”