The RAC has done a deal with EV chargepoint mapping app Zap-Map, to help electric vehicle drivers who run out of charge.

The Zap-Map app is being distributed to the RAC’s 1,600 patrols via all their devices – phones, laptops and in-van terminals – enabling them to locate the nearest available, suitable, publicly accessible charge point for RAC members to get their EV recharged and back on the road again as quickly as possible.

The RAC already supplies its patrols with kit to provide an emergency charge to flat or severely depleted electric cars, and can move stricken vehicles with the “All-Wheels-Up” rapid recovery system, which gives patrols flatbed towing capability from a standard breakdown van.

RAC head of technical James Gibson said, “By ensuring all our patrols have Zap-Map on their RAC devices, we’re giving members with EVs extra reassurance that we’re equipped on every level to get them going again, should they ever run out of charge or encounter a faulty charge point.

“While we have the technology to give them an emergency boost, it’s vital we know how far away the nearest suitable charger is so we can give our members enough mobile charge to get them there safely.

“We chose to partner with Zap-Map because it’s without doubt the best app for finding the nearest available public charge points for whichever vehicles our members might be driving. The level of information provided in the app is excellent and we urge every EV driver to download and use it, as it genuinely makes EV driving even simpler.”

To speed up the switch to electric cars, the RAC says it has also helped found the FairCharge campaign, which aims to remove many of the barriers currently facing drivers. It will push key EV issues, such as the cost, availability and speed of charging, as well as battery range and the affordability of switching to an electric car, to the forefront of the political agenda.

(Picture – RAC)