Trial supports stranded EV drivers

Victorian automobile association RACV will be helping out stranded EV drivers by trialling a mobile DC fast charger as part of its Emergency Roadside Assistance patrol fleet, starting this month.

This will involve a single patrol van fitted with a 20 kW DC onboard charger, providing RACV members with about one kilometre of range per minute of charging. Drivers will be able to gain enough charge to reach their next charging stop or get home safely in as little as 20 minutes, the organisation said.

RACV said its roadside patrols have recorded an average year-on-year increase of more than 50% in EV out-of-charge callouts since 2023, reflecting growing EV uptake across Victoria.

Makarla Cole, RACV’s General Manager Automotive Services, said the trial reflects RACV’s focus on shaping its services to meet the changing needs of its more than 1.4 million Emergency Roadside Assistance members.

“As EV ownership continues to grow, we’re seeing a steady increase in out-of-charge callouts,” Cole said.

“This trial is about looking ahead to what roadside assistance needs to deliver as more Victorians make the switch to electric vehicles.”

Cole said the trial points to the future of roadside assistance.

“A fast roadside charge can significantly reduce disruption and complements RACV’s broader investment in public charging infrastructure across Victoria, including the Chargefox network.

“While traditional mobile charging solutions provide a small top-up, DC charging allows us to deliver a more meaningful boost in a shorter time, helping drivers get moving again sooner.”

RACV will begin the trial with a Melbourne-based van, assessing demand, performance and operational fit before considering a broader rollout.

Later this year, the organisation will also begin trialling an EV-powered roadside patrol vehicle to understand how it performs in real-world conditions, including load capacity, range and suitability across different job types.

“We need to understand how an EV patrol vehicle performs operationally, including whether it can carry the equipment required for roadside assistance,” Cole said.

“These trials are about understanding how roadside assistance will evolve as more Victorians move to electric vehicles, and ensuring RACV is ready to support members at every stage of that transition.”

Image courtesy of RACV.