Motoring group to trial mobile DC fast charger for stranded EV drivers

The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) is set to trial a mobile DC fast charger as part of its Emergency Roadside Assistance fleet in response to a significant rise in callouts for electric vehicles (EVs) running out of charge. This increase, exceeding 50 per cent year-on-year since 2023, reflects the rapid adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Victoria, where over 100,000 drivers have transitioned to electric. The trial involves fitting a single patrol van with a 20kW DC fast charger capable of delivering approximately one kilometre of range per minute of charging, enabling stranded EV drivers to resume their journeys after a short roadside stop. The mobile charger trial aims to evaluate demand, operational effectiveness, and the practical integration of fast charging technology within roadside assistance services. RACV’s general manager for automotive services, Makarla Cole, emphasised that this initiative represents a forward-looking approach to roadside support as the number of electric vehicles on Victorian roads continues to grow. Unlike traditional mobile charging units that provide only minimal top-ups, the DC fast charger can offer a substantial boost in a shorter timeframe, reducing disruption for drivers and complementing existing public charging infrastructure such as the Chargefox network. In addition to the mobile charger trial, RACV plans to introduce a battery electric patrol vehicle later in the year. This trial will assess the suitability of EVs for roadside assistance roles, focusing on real-world performance factors like load capacity, driving range, and the ability to carry essential equipment. Cole highlighted the importance of understanding how electric patrol vehicles can meet operational demands to ensure RACV remains prepared to support its members throughout the ongoing transition to electric mobility. These initiatives by RACV underscore the evolving nature of roadside assistance in the era of electric vehicles, signalling a shift towards more sustainable and efficient service models. As Victoria’s EV fleet expands, such trials will provide crucial insights into the infrastructure and resources needed to maintain effective support for electric drivers. The outcomes could inform broader rollouts of mobile fast charging and the adoption of electric patrol vehicles across the state, shaping the future of emergency roadside services in Australia.