The AA, the UK’s leading roadside assistance firm, is taking a significant step towards reducing its carbon emissions by introducing a fleet of fully electric vehicles (EVs). This move makes the AA the first roadside assistance company to utilize EVs in its operations. The introduction of these electric vans and trucks is part of the AA’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and exploring the use of EVs in real-life scenarios.
The AA will be adopting a “test and scale” approach, starting with the deployment of three concept battery-electric assistance and recovery vehicles across the country. The flagship vehicle in the fleet is the Volvo FE Boniface Slidebed recovery truck, which is equipped with a very low angle (VLA) slidebed. This innovative feature allows for a more gentle approach angle, ensuring safe and efficient vehicle recovery. The truck can carry up to 6000kg on its main recovery bed and up to 2000kg on its second car lift. With an official range of 170 miles, the AA plans to initially focus the truck’s deployment in and around London and Birmingham.
The second electric vehicle joining the AA fleet is the Iveco eDaily 7.2T Dyson Powerload van, capable of carrying loads up to 3000kg. This van incorporates Dyson technology that enables the loading ramps to be deployed remotely. With a minimum range of 100 miles, it is well-suited for use in low-emission zones like London, Bristol, and Oxford. The van’s 80kW rapid charger allows for a full charge in just 48 minutes, similar to the duration of an HGV driver’s tachograph break.
The third vehicle in the AA’s electric fleet is the eDaily CRT Van, based on a six-passenger crew van but modified to accommodate a CRT unit for towing up to 3250kg. This van also features a twin-battery setup, providing a range of 160 miles and the same charging times as the Powerload recovery van.
Duncan Webb, the AA’s head of fleet, expressed excitement about introducing these groundbreaking vehicles to their fleet decarbonization efforts. In addition to helping achieve the AA’s net-zero emissions goal by 2035, these new electric vehicles aim to improve comfort levels for both staff and customers. They will also serve as a valuable learning tool for scaling up the deployment of low-emission vehicles.
To further progress towards its net-zero target, the AA will also conduct structured tests of alternative fuels such as hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) to assess their viability. This demonstrates the AA’s commitment to exploring multiple sustainable options and finding the best solutions for reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
The introduction of electric vehicles into the AA’s fleet marks an important milestone in the shift towards greener transportation. By embracing EV technology, the AA is not only reducing its own carbon footprint but also setting an example for other roadside assistance companies and the broader automotive industry. The success of this initiative will likely encourage other organizations to adopt electric vehicles and contribute to the overall effort of achieving a sustainable future.
Overall, the AA’s decision to incorporate electric vehicles into its fleet demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and its willingness to embrace innovative solutions. By using real-life settings to test and scale these EVs, the AA is paving the way for a greener future in the roadside assistance industry.