AA Breaks New Ground with Debut of Electric Recovery Vehicles in UK

May 25, 2024 03:14 AM EDT

ELECTRIC VAN ON THE ROAD — (Photo : AI IMAGE/DABBIE DAVIS)

The AA has made history by being the inaugural breakdown service in the UK to incorporate completely electric recovery vehicles into its fleet. In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, the roadside assistance expert has introduced three distinct EVs for testing, marking a significant step toward greener fleet operations and positioning the AA as the pioneering roadside assistance provider utilizing electric vehicles.

First in UK, AA Electric Recovery Vehicles

Incorporating these electric vans and trucks aligns with the AA's dedication to attaining net-zero emissions and evaluating the practical application of EVs. Employing a strategy of testing and expanding, the company plans to roll out three prototype battery-electric assistance and recovery vehicles nationwide as an initial step towards transitioning to low-emission vehicle.

The prominent roadside assistance company AA in the UK is making a substantial stride in cutting down its carbon footprint through the introduction of a lineup of all-electric vehicles (EVs). According to EVPowered, during a fleet decarbonization event at its Oldbury Operations Centre, the organization revealed three distinct vehicles: a Volvo FE Slidebed, an Iveco eDaily Powerload, and an Iveco eDaily crew van paired with a compact recovery trailer (CRT).

Moreover, during the event, AA president Edmund King OBE emphasized the significance of integrating these innovative concept vehicles into the company's fleet as a crucial step towards achieving their aim of becoming a net zero entity by 2035. As a leading organization, the AA is steadfast in leading the charge towards a zero-emission future.

With a diverse fleet exceeding 3,000 vehicles encompassing small vans to large recovery trucks, the AA is actively exploring avenues to reduce carbon emissions. Given the diverse vehicle needs of its operations, the AA is implementing a strategic "test and scale" approach through systematic trials of alternative fuel vehicles in real-world scenarios.

The Fleet: Electric Recovery Trucks by AA

According to GVS, the Volvo FE Boniface Slidebed recovery truck stands out as the primary vehicle in the fleet, featuring a unique very low angle (VLA) slidebed designed for a safer and more efficient vehicle recovery process. This advanced feature provides a gentle approach angle, enabling secure and effective recovery operations.

Capable of accommodating up to 6000kg on its primary recovery bed and up to 2000kg on its secondary car lift, the truck is slated for initial deployment within London and Birmingham, leveraging its official 170-mile range for optimized operations.

As reported by Autocar, while specific details about its battery remain forthcoming, the FE model is anticipated to integrate four units with a total capacity of 375kWh. Charging capabilities peak at 150kW, with a full recharge taking approximately 135 minutes.

The second addition to the AA's electric fleet is the Iveco eDaily 7.2T Dyson Powerload, a van-based vehicle capable of accommodating loads up to 3000kg. Utilizing Dyson technology, this model enables remote deployment of loading ramps and boasts a nominal range of 100 miles, deemed sufficient for operations in regions with low-emission zones like London, Bristol, and Oxford.

Equipped with an 80kW rapid charger, the Powerload van can replenish its battery from a low charge to full capacity within 48 minutes, a timeframe comparable to an HGV driver's tachograph break, as highlighted by the AA.

The third vehicle, the eDaily CRT Van, originates from a standard six-passenger crew van but has been customized to incorporate a CRT unit allowing for towing capacities of up to 3250kg. Featuring a dual-battery configuration, this model offers a range of 160 miles and shares similar charging characteristics with the Powerload recovery van.