RACV trials mobile DC fast charger to support stranded EV drivers

EV drivers stranded after running out of charge could soon be back on the road faster, with RACV to trial a mobile DC fast charger in its Emergency Roadside Assistance patrol fleet from June.

The trial will see a single patrol van fitted with a 20kW DC on-board charger, providing members with around one kilometre of range per minute of charging. In as little as 20 minutes, drivers can gain enough charge to reach their next charging stop or get home safely.

RACV roadside patrols have recorded an average year-on-year increase of more than 50 per cent in EV out-of-charge callouts since 2023, including a 37 per cent rise from 2024 to 2025, reflecting growing EV uptake across Victoria.

RACV General Manager Automotive Services Makarla Cole said the trial reflects RACV’s focus on evolving its services to meet the changing needs of its more than 1.4 million Emergency Roadside Assistance members.

“As EV ownership continues to grow, we’re seeing a steady increase in out-of-charge callouts,” Ms Cole said.

“This trial is about looking ahead to what roadside assistance needs to deliver as more Victorians make the switch to electric vehicles.

“This trial points to the future of roadside assistance...A fast roadside charge can significantly reduce disruption and complements RACV’s broader investment in public charging infrastructure across Victoria, including the Chargefox network.

“While traditional mobile charging solutions provide a small top-up, DC charging allows us to deliver a more meaningful boost in a shorter time, helping drivers get moving again sooner.”

The trial will begin in a Melbourne-based van, assessing demand, performance and operational fit before considering a broader rollout.

RACV will also begin trialling an EV-powered roadside patrol vehicle later this year to understand how it performs in real-world conditions, including load capacity, range and suitability across different job types.

“We need to understand how an EV patrol vehicle performs operationally, including whether it can carry the equipment required for roadside assistance,” Ms Cole said.

“These trials are about understanding how roadside assistance will evolve as more Victorians move to electric vehicles, and ensuring RACV is ready to support members at every stage of that transition.”

For more information, visit racv.com.au.

More information

RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance provides support for EV drivers, including towing to the nearest accessible charging station if required, alongside common services such as tyre changes and lockout assistance.

RACV also supports EV drivers through its growing network of public charging sites across Victoria, located in metro and regional areas. The RACV App helps drivers locate nearby charging stations and plan their journey.