Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Canberra will now have access to emergency charging facilities after the NRMA unveiled the first of its mobile EV chargers for members.

In a statement, NRMA said this new service is the latest in roadside assistance benefits specifically for EV drivers and the NRMA’s broader strategy to support the transition to EVs in Australia. NRMA roadside assistance includes cover for EVs at no additional cost to that paid by petrol and diesel drivers, as well as access to NRMA’s network of over 50 fast chargers.

Two NRMA patrol vans have been specially equipped with 4.8kWh lithium-ion battery packs that provide 1km of charge every two minutes. After as little as 10 minutes of charging, a vehicle will have 5km of range to get to the nearest charging station.

NRMA Roadside Assistance Patrol, Tim Bryant, was specifically trained to attend to EVs and said he was looking forward to providing a new level of service for members with the mobile EV chargers.

“It’s exciting to be at the forefront of this technology. We are seeing more and more EV drivers call us for assistance so it’s clear the need for this kind of support is increasing,” Mr Bryant said.

“NRMA Patrols are now trained to attend to both internal combustion engines as well as electric vehicles. The new mobile EV chargers being rolled out in our patrol vans mean we’ll be able to get more cars back on the road faster.

“We want to provide outstanding service to our members no matter what car they drive. We know one of the biggest deterrents for those looking to purchase an electric vehicle is range anxiety – will they run out of charge far from charging facilities,” he said.

According to the NRMA, interest and demand for EVs in Australia is growing year on year. 2022 saw the greatest increase, with electric vehicle sales up 65 per cent over 12 months.

Car manufacturers across the globe have indicated an imminent shift to electric.

Following partnership with the state and federal governments, the NRMA is now rolling out and managing a network of fast-charging stations nationwide. NRMA’s network currently includes 50 locations across NSW servicing the state’s key tourism and transport corridors including the Hume, Newell, Sturt, Oxley, Great Barrier highways as well as the Mitchell, Pacific, Olympic and Great Western Highways.

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