News: AAA Offers Mobile Charging
Roadside Assistance Now Includes EV Charging
Members of the American Automobile Association, more commonly known as AAA, can now get an emergency EV charge in 14 cities.
The pilot program offers mobile charging for free to AAA members in San Francisco, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Orlando, Nashville, Charlotte, Denver, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Avon, Peabody and West Springfield, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, and Bend and Portland, Oregon. AAA is using local providers for the emergency service, so expect a larger roll-out of the program when more mobile charging companies are signed up.
As consumer’s acceptance of electric vehicles ramps-up, AAA knew providing this service was important to its members. In a recent study by AAA, respondents said rising fuel costs was the top reason for their interest in going electric, with Millennials being the largest group being so inclined.
This isn’t the first time AAA has experimented with mobile charging. In 2010 – 2020, AAA had five prototype vehicles on the roads for a pilot program. These vehicles did not offer repairs or towing, but were able to give a quick charge for the EV owner to get to the nearest charging station. The learnings from that program were key to the creation of the new program.
Office Plug-Ins
Members have another benefit as select AAA branch offices are installing charging stations where they can charge when out-and-about. Since this is not offered at all offices in all parts of the country, it is important to call ahead before showing-up at a AAA office expecting to plug-in.
Longtime members know one of their AAA benefits is the trip planning service, TripTik, that until recently offered driving planning for gasoline-powered vehicles. Now they are including route planning for charging stations and the ability to create curated road trips that include charging station locations.
Electric vehicles are changing the way people get around and how businesses are adapting to those changes. Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering says “Electric vehicles are the future of transportation. As the advancements of models and range continue to improve, they become an even more viable option for many people.” Clean Fleet Report agrees completely.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos courtesy of AAA and Clean Fleet Report archives.
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