The NRMA’s innovative Electric Vehicle (EV) Service Van continues to provide roadside assistance to all members whether they drive an EV themselves or a diesel vehicle and will play a key role in helping to meet the organisation’s environmental and sustainability targets.
The EV Service Van operates in the Sydney metro area, with plans for expansion to the greater Sydney region within the next six months.
The EV Service Van offers the same essential services NRMA’s diesel patrol vehicles are known for, including tyre changes, battery replacements, and lock-out assistance. The van has also been designed to accommodate emergency “jerry can” recharging to a variety of electric vehicle models, including those with Type 1 and Type 2 connectors, as well as Teslas.
The response time of the EV Service Van is also equivalent to that of the petrol fleet, ensuring that NRMA members receive the same level of reliable service they have come to expect. The service operates within standard business hours, maintaining consistency with the existing fleet.
Feedback from our patrol drivers has highlighted the benefits of operating the EV Service Van, including reduced fatigue due to its quieter cabin, smoother ride, significantly reduced exposure to CO2 emissions and improved work area ergonomics that enhance safety and efficiency during roadside assistance.
To enhance its services, NRMA has partnered with leading organisations, including Mercedes-Benz and fit-out supplier Auto-Safe. These collaborations are instrumental in developing the EV Service Van and the NRMA’s mission to expand the fleet to seven vehicles within this financial year engaging with other leading manufacturers with adaptable vehicles.
The EV Service Van is available for NRMA members at no additional cost, with members able to access the same level of service as provided by the diesel fleet. In the event of an Electric Vehicle breakdown depleting battery capacity to zero, where the vehicle is too far from an EV charging station, NRMA will promptly arrange for a tow truck to assist you.
Executive General Manager for Roadside Carolyn Darke said the pioneering EV patrol van not only mirrored the capabilities of NRMA’s existing petrol fleet but also offered added benefits.
“We’re excited with the transformation in the industry, the opportunities that have become available with EVs and the NRMA will continue to be at the forefront of innovation to keep Australian motorists moving now and into the future,” Ms Darke said.
“There are obvious benefits to diversifying our fleet and as more options become available in the commercial fleet space for electric vehicles this will only help the NRMA. It reduces our fuel bill, provides a smoother driving experience for our patrols and helps reduce emissions “
The NRMA Group is committed to reducing its operational emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2050. That’s why the NRMA is undertaking emission reduction programs such as decarbonising its fleet and the roll-out of its national electric vehicle Charging Network.
