visit raa.com.au
RAA has added electric vehicle (EV) and Hybrid servicing to its Approved Repairer network, as more of its members choose to make the transition to EVs.
Fleurieu Automotive is the first to gain the Approved Repairer category from an extensive list of 410 RAA Approved Repairers across South Australia, all known for their quality workmanship, fair pricing and adherence to RAA’s Approved Repairer Code of Practice.
RAA’s Manager for Approved Repairers & Future Technology Simon Halford said, RAA is supporting the network to service battery electric vehicles and hybrid EVs as more of its members choose to make the transition to EVs.
“Through recent surveys we know 43% of RAA members are considering purchasing an EV as their next vehicle.
“Despite EVs having fewer moving parts, they still need servicing; with brakes, suspension, steering, tyres, 12-volt and high voltage batteries and cooling systems all requiring regular maintenance,” Mr Halford said.
“RAA understands that servicing and maintenance of high voltage batteries is a category some repairers may have less experience in, which is why RAA is helping its Approved Repairers make a smooth transition.
“It’s not a revolution, it’s an evolution to a new energy source in electricity, and it’s important RAA also helps meet our members’ needs with electric vehicles.
“Fleurieu Automotive have been an approved repairer since 2012 and have embarked on their own journey with electric vehicles, making it a natural fit for RAA to bring them onboard as our first hybrid and EV repairer.
“We’re pleased to continue to build upon RAA’s Approved Repairer network, which has been around for 45 years and a staple of South Australia’s automotive industry for a very long time.”
There are more than 10,000 EVs currently registered across South Australia, and, according to 2024 forecasting by the CSIRO for AEMO, there could be 125,000 battery electric vehicles in SA by 2030 (under its Step Change scenario).
By joining RAA’s Approved Repairer Network in the Hybrid and EV Category, repairers will have access to RAA’s EV servicing tool library, which includes instruments for testing three phase electric motors, high voltage multi-meters, and insulation testers – to reduce some of the repairers’ upfront financial costs to servicing these vehicles.
Meanwhile, hybrid vehicles have been around for more than 20 years and still have a petrol engine which must be serviced in the same way as an conventional vehicle combustion engine.
Fleurieu Automotive’s Andrew Moules said it’s an important step forward for the business.
“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Mr Moules said.
“To us it feels like we’re stepping into the future, trying to be prepared as we can see where technology is heading.
“It’s also important to be associated with RAA, it provides us with a network we need to best help our customers.”
The addition of an EV and Hybrid servicing category to RAA’s Approved Repairer network builds on RAA’s leadership in addressing the barriers to EV adoption, from offering competitive EV car insurance to launching a mobile emergency EV charging service earlier this year.
On top of this RAA is nearing completion of its border-to-border EV charging network, RAA Charge, which comprises of more than 140 charging sites located across the state.
To find an RAA approved repairer visit: Find an RAA Approved Repairer – Locate a crash repairer near you | RAA