EV charging specialist Mer has signed up the AA to bring added support and reassurance for drivers using its chargers.

The AA customer service team will be there to help fix charger issues remotely should they arise

The deal will ensure drivers who have any issues charging their cars on Mer UK’s growing network will be able to turn to the AA for remote help.

Mer UK is owned by Norwegian energy giant Statkraft, a major European producer of renewable energy; the brand consolidates all its EV charging businesses under one identity.

Mer launched in the UK earlier this year to help solve the EV infrastructure gap – including in workplaces. In the run-up to the 2030 ICE ban, Mer will focus on what it says are underserved – but high footfall – areas of the UK. This includes residential streets where people don’t have driveways or garages, but also workplaces; Mer says that having the ability to charge your vehicle during the day while you are at work will significantly reduce people’s fears around running out of power.

The company brings with it the experience of running similar programmes in Norway, Europe’s leading country for electric vehicle ownership.

Its work on charging infrastructure is being supported by the tie-up with the AA, helping to allay one of the big fears consumers and businesses have around EV vehicles – what to do if they run out of charge or cannot power up. To resolve this, the AA customer service team there to help fix charger issues remotely should they arise.

Mer UK’s customer support helpline, now managed by the AA, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The trained customer service team will assist EV drivers if they encounter difficulties whilst at Mer UK charge points.

The AA team will also be supported by Mer’s operator portal, ensuring the AA’s customer service team can remotely manage the network’s charge points, including performing real-time diagnosis as well as correcting any potential errors.

Anthony Hinde, Mer UK managing director, said: “The rapid development of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure calls for the right level of support to EV drivers. In particular, as well as accelerating and diversifying charging points to include businesses and other locations where cars often spend a lot of time parked up, there is a need for dedicated support if something goes wrong with the chargers.

“This partnership with the AA does exactly that. Together, we will help deliver an exceptional EV charging experience, helping drivers feel less fear about switching to guilt-free driving and benefitting from the cost and environmental benefits electric vehicles bring.”