The RAC has developed the UK’s first lightweight EV chargers, which aim to give electric car owners an emergency boost of power if they ever run out of charge.
In the same way that the company comes to the rescue of drivers that have run out of fuel, the RAC is equipping its first vans with an electric charger – called EV Boost – to help stranded battery-powered vehicle owners.
The tech will initially be installed in just six of its Ford Transit Custom patrol vans, but will be rolled out across further vehicles on its fleet as EVs continue to rise in popularity.
From June, the six vans will take to the roads in high call-out areas – such as London, Birmingham and Manchester. The vans will be able to charge 99 per cent of EVs on the UK’s roads, using Type 1 and Type 2 connectors, which are the most common charger types.
While not offering a full charge, the system – developed alongside automotive engineering firm Original Ltd – aims to deliver a ‘top up’ system to get stranded electric cars back on the road to get to the closest charger.
The RAC has said that EVs pose a particular challenge for roadside recovery services, because they cannot be towed normally and should ideally be transported with no wheels on the road. This typically means a flat-bed truck is needed.
Chris Milward, head of roadside rescue innovation at the RAC, said: “Our solution enables our patrols to help stranded EV drivers at the roadside with a power boost, equivalent to a top-up from a fuel can for a petrol or diesel car, to get them on their way again.
“The number of electric vehicles on the road will grow rapidly in the next few years, in, so it is critical that we have an effective mobile power source for these cars in an emergency giving EV-owners complete peace of mind.
“We also expect it will help address the anxiety some potential EV buyers have about the current charging infrastructure and vehicle range.”
