AAA unveils battery-charging trucks for stranded EVs

The American Automobile Association has unveiled an example of its new roadside-assistance truck, which is capable of recharging batteries for stranded drivers of electric vehicles.

AAA first announced the plan in June, and the first truck was shown on Monday at the Plug-In 2011 electric-vehicle conference in Raleigh, N.C. It uses Green Charge Networks technology and has a removable lithium-ion battery pack that allows for mobile charging.

AAA says the truck is similar to its other service vehicles and is still stocked with the necessary means for technicians to provide traditional fixes, including battery testing, jump starts and replacements; tire changes; fuel delivery, and lockout service.

The recharging trucks will give 10 to 15 minutes of charge time for EV drivers who have dead batteries, or as much as 15 miles of range to get to the nearest charging station.

AAA said it will initially deploy the trucks in six U.S. metropolitan areas for a pilot program beginning later this summer. The units will be released in Portland, Ore.; Seattle; the San Francisco Bay area; Los Angeles; Knoxville, Tenn., and the Tampa Bay area. AAA said it expects the program will expand to clubs in other locations throughout North America in the months following initial deployment.

AAA said it hopes to alleviate range anxiety among EV-driving members.

By Michelle Koueiter