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South Australian electric vehicle owners will soon have more peace of mind when driving in regional parts of the State, thanks to new specialised knowledge among RAA’s network of roadside assistance partners.
This week a large RAA contingent was at Tailem Bend delivering EV training to some of our Country Contractors from surrounding areas. The three-hour session formed part of a larger tour taking the training across the state, with the aim of upskilling RAA’s regional road service providers on all things EVs ahead of the impending rollout of South Australia’s EV Charging Network.
Our Future Motoring Specialist Simon Halford said the training involves a mix of technical training, as well as information about what RAA can do at the roadside to support members.
“Each year we meet with our regional roadside assist partners to share the latest in the world of roadside assistance,” Simon said.
“The focus for this year is very much on EV batteries and charging technology because we can see the uptake in EVs increasing.
“As a road service provider we’re doing everything we can to be as prepared as possible for when these vehicles become commonplace in the not-too-distant future.”
The training has already been delivered in in Port Augusta, Hawker, Kadina, Clare, Goolwa, Mt Barker, Mount Gambier, and Berri. And it will also extend to Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, and Tumby Bay in the next few weeks, making South Australia well covered by EV-equipped RAA road service providers.
At this week’s session all attendees were able to test drive an EV with models ranging from the Hyundai Kona, the MG EV, or a Mazda MX30EV that was loaned by Paradise Mazda.
“Our contractors are always very appreciative of RAA’s training because they’re passionate about keeping our members moving when they need our help,” said Simon.
What support is available at the roadside for EV drivers?
Currently if you run out of petrol on the road, RAA would either organise for you to be towed to the nearest petrol station or bring some petrol to top you up. Similarly, if it was your EV that ran out of charge, we’d organise for you to be towed to the nearest charging station.
We’re collaborating with the other motoring clubs across the country to test and trial options to understand the best way we can assist EV drivers at the roadside. Several of our staff have also been completing EV related training to increase our understanding of electric vehicles and best support EV drivers.
Would you like to learn more about EVs? Drop us a line at corpcommunications@raa.com.au and let us know your questions.