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The AA has developed a solution for rescuing stranded EVs
04 August 2021
Electric vehicles (EVs) may be harder to ‘rescue’ in the event of a breakdown than petrol and diesel vehicles.
A recent article by Wired highlighted that fact that, in the case of petrol and diesel vehicles, if you run out of petrol, a top up can have you quickly back on the move.
In the case of EVs, however, getting back on the road is a little more complex. Breakdown recovery vans don’t generally carry batteries for helping stranded EVs, due to their significant weight and the resulting additional petrol or diesel needed to transport them.
Towing an EV also isn’t an option, as most manufacturers recommend against it due to the way the motors are attached to the wheels and their lack of a truly neutral gear. So, instead of being towed by a patrol van, EVs must instead be loaded onto a flat-bed truck.
Our partners, the AA, introduced a solution earlier this year (2021) – the ‘freewheeling hub’.
The freewheeling hub works by attaching to the broken-down electric vehicle or 4x4, allowing it to be towed without its wheels touching the road and rotating. This means a patrol van can tow a broken down EV without the need for a flat-bed truck.
The AA’s innovation is now being used by over 900 patrols. The AA says that “It means shorter waiting times and reduced CO2 emissions for breakdown recoveries, as AA vans can now be used to tow more cars, freeing up large recovery trucks for complex breakdowns involving heavier or more damaged vehicles”.
At Marshall Leasing, driver safety and keeping our drivers on the move are our top priorities. As we progress towards the 2030 deadline for the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, we are pleased to see new innovations supporting EVs being developed.
Contract hire and fleet management
Marshall Leasing is a Bank of Ireland-owned business which offers a commercial and flexible approach to business contract hire, contract purchase, sale and leaseback for cars and LCVs fleets and management of purchased fleets.
If you would like to find out more about our contract hire and fleet management services, please get in touch with us at info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or by calling 01480 414541. Alternatively, please complete our contact form.
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