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RAA’s electric and green credentials are shifting up a gear with the first Patrol E-Van hitting South Australian roads this week.
The new Patrol E-Van is being launched at the same time as RAA begins to offer a new emergency EV charging service, to enable stranded EV drivers to get to their nearest charging location if they run out of power.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the all-electric Patrol van would be out servicing members from this week, identifiable by the splash of green on the back of the vehicle.
“Electric vehicles are the future of motoring, and we’re excited to be trialling the new Peugeot E-Partner van over the next six months,” Mr Reade said.
“As one of the founding members of the South Australian government’s Fleet Pledge Program, we are actively transitioning our corporate fleet to electric vehicles.
“This is a first and significant step for RAA in transitioning our patrol fleet to an all-electric one.”
The 100% electric Peugeot E-Partner van is being leased to RAA as part of a six-month trial and will inform RAA’s long-term transition of its Patrol fleet.
Currently RAA’s patrol fleet accounts for approximately 80 per cent of the organisation’s Scope 1 emissions (that come from sources directly owned by RAA) and approximately 7 per cent of all RAA’s emissions. RAA is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and improve its green credentials, and is continually taking steps to reduce its emissions.
Scott Gillespie, CEO and founder of EV specialists CarBon Leasing & Rentals said the new electric van would enhance RAA’s efficiency, reduce environmental impact and open an exciting pathway to sustainable operations.
“We’re pleased to join forces with RAA as they kick off their EV Transition and break new ground for zero emissions vehicles in their fleet. This EV represents more than just a new vehicle; it’s a fantastic commitment to RAA members and the planet,” Mr Gillespie said.
Mr Reade said RAA’s emergency charging service, also launching this week on a six-month trial basis, was another way RAA was helping to solve range anxiety for EV drivers.
“RAA is proud to be a trusted leader in South Australia’s transition to electric vehicles,” Mr Reade.
“We know thousands of South Australians are thinking of making the switch to an EV and one of the main barriers is how and where they will charge.
“At RAA we’re well on the road to solving this problem – both through this new mobile charging service and the statewide EV charging network, RAA Charge, which is set to be complete in 2024.
“From this week, South Australian EV drivers will have the confidence that if they do run out of charge on the road, we’ll be there to rescue them with our emergency mobile charging device.”
The mobile charging technology will operate out of a dedicated Patrol van, based at RAA’s Mile End site and will be dispatched to any member in the metro area as needed.
Previously, RAA would have to organise for any ‘flat’ EV to be towed to the nearest charging site or member’s address.
Latest sales data shows electric vehicle sales in South Australia are more than doubling year on year – 6.8% of new cars purchased in 2023 were EVs, up from just 2.7% in 2022. There are currently an estimated 7,000 electric vehicles on the road in South Australia.