A mobile DC fast charger designed for roadside assistance applications will be trialled from June. This testing will focus on demand, operational performance and suitability for emergency EV charging.
The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) will undertake the trial using a Melbourne-based patrol vehicle fitted with a 20kW onboard charger. It is capable of providing approximately one kilometre of driving range per minute of charging.
The initiative comes as EV ownership continues to grow across Victoria, bringing with it an increase in out-of-charge roadside assistance requests. RACV said EV-related callouts for depleted batteries have risen by more than 50 per cent on average each year since 2023, including a 37 per cent increase between 2024 and 2025.
Faster charging for roadside recovery
Unlike traditional mobile charging solutions that typically provide only enough energy to move a vehicle a short distance, the DC fast charger is designed to deliver a more substantial recharge.
According to RACV, the unit can provide approximately one kilometre of driving range per minute of charging, allowing some drivers to gain sufficient charge within 20 minutes to reach a public charging station or return home.
“As EV ownership continues to grow, we’re seeing a steady increase in out-of-charge callouts,” said RACV General Manager Automotive Services, Makarla Cole.
“This trial is about looking ahead to what roadside assistance needs to deliver as more Victorians make the switch to electric vehicles.”
Cole said the technology could help reduce disruption for motorists while complementing broader charging infrastructure investments.
“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.”
Evaluating future deployment
The initial trial will involve a single Melbourne-based patrol vehicle and will assess customer demand, operational performance and how the technology integrates into roadside assistance operations.
The findings will help determine whether a wider rollout of mobile DC charging units is warranted.
The project forms part of a broader effort by RACV to prepare for increasing EV adoption and changing vehicle support requirements.
EV patrol vehicle also planned
Alongside the charging trial, RACV plans to begin testing an electric-powered roadside patrol vehicle later this year.
The trial will evaluate how an EV performs in day-to-day roadside assistance duties, including its ability to carry equipment, meet range requirements and handle different types of service calls.
“We need to understand how an EV patrol vehicle performs operationally, including whether it can carry the equipment required for roadside assistance,” said Cole.
“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.”
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