The RAC is rolling out a new lightweight EV charger that could be used to deliver a ‘top-up’ roadside charge for stranded electric vehicles.

RAC patrol van with EV Boost

Small enough to be carried onboard the organisation’s standard roadside rescue vans without impacting on space, the charger has been developed by the RAC’s technical experts in partnership with automotive engineering firm Original to provide sufficient charge to get an out-of-charge EV to a nearby charge point.

The new EV Boost charger – which debuts today at the 2019 CV Show – works with all Type 1 and Type 2 connections, ensuring it will charge 99% of electric vehicles on UK roads today.

The first six Ford Transit Custom patrol vans equipped with the new EV generators will take to the roads in June in London, Birmingham and Manchester and will be rolled out to areas with high call-outs.

The new solution has been developed to provide a more practical alternative to using flat-bed transporters for stranded EVs – many of which can’t be towed normally – or more bulky chargers that take up valuable patrol van space.

RAC head of roadside rescue innovation Chris Millward said: “Our on-demand solution means that the power is always available when needed.

“The number of electric vehicles on the road will grow rapidly in the next few years, in particular we are seeing increased interest and take-up from business and fleet managers, so it is critical that we have an effective mobile power source for these cars in an emergency giving EV-owners complete peace of mind. The new mobile RAC EV Boost charger has also been well received by our manufacturer partners.

“We also expect it will help address the anxiety some potential EV buyers have about the current charging infrastructure and vehicle range.”