EV breakdown service grows

The AA has launched two electric-vehicle (EV) charging Roadservice vans in Auckland to build on the success of helping motorists in in zero and low-emissions cars in Wellington.

Each van has a lightweight EV charger that in 20-25 minutes can put enough power into a vehicle’s battery to allow motorists whose cars have broken down to drive 10km to reach home or a nearby charging station.

The first AA Battery Service van was launched in Wellington in 2020 and the fleet will be expanded to four later in the year with the scheme being introduced to Christchurch.

Graeme Fariu, AA Battery Service national operations manager, says a positive response to the Wellington van prompted plans to expand into other cities.

“Our mobile charging breakdown van in Wellington is approaching 60 EV roadside rescues in total and members have been very impressed with the service. 

“New Zealand is moving towards a higher uptake in EVs … and we are pleased to expand our Roadservice offering to cater for these vehicles.

“We hope introducing the mobile charging vans to Auckland will give EV owners some peace-of-mind that if they run out of charge, we are here to help.”

Fariu notes some new or less experienced EV drivers may be unaware that running their heaters, lights and other gadgets all contribute to the amount of charge they have left, and they could get caught short on their journeys.

The vans are available to AA members between 7am and 11pm, 365 days of the year at no additional cost. 

When not attending EV jobs, the vans will also attend battery-related breakdowns of internal combustion engine vehicles. Outside of Auckland and Wellington, the AA currently provides members whose EVs break down a tow.