Insurer offers free roadside charging for EV owners who run out of juice

Car insurer LV= is offering a new electric car support service for drivers who run out of charge while on the go.

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As part of its EV-specific insurance cover, the firm is offering free roadside charging for any owners unlucky enough to run out of range.

The pilot scheme has been launched in partnership with roadside recovery firm AFF, which already provides misfuelling support for drivers.

Ten AFF vans located around England and Wales will be equipped with 7.2kW charging units, ready to respond to call-outs whether cars have broken down at home, in town, at service stations or on the motorway.

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The service should allow drivers enough charge to make it to a charging station (Photo: Shutterstock)The service should allow drivers enough charge to make it to a charging station (Photo: Shutterstock)
The service should allow drivers enough charge to make it to a charging station (Photo: Shutterstock)
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LV= previously offered out-of-charge recovery for drivers as part of its EV insurance package but this required their car to be transported to the nearest charging station. Now, they will be able receive 30 minutes of charging wherever they are, enough to add around 10 miles of range to an average EV.

Tom Clarke, head of electric vehicle strategy at LV= GI, said: “We already cater for EV drivers who run out of charge by taking them to the nearest charge point, but this partnership with AFF means we can increase the level of support and value we provide to our customers.

“We would always advise EV drivers make sure their car is charged properly and regularly, especially if they’re going on long journeys, but as drivers still run out petrol the same is true for EV drivers and customers now have the security that an AFF recharge van get to them if they’re stranded on the motorway.”

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Bruce Compton, managing director at AFF, added: “The team at AFF are very excited to be involved in a project that will provide roadside support to existing EV drivers, and encourage confidence in those motorists debating when to switch from petrol or diesel vehicles, particularly addressing their range anxiety concerns. To be chosen by LV= GI as a partner is a great privilege and we can’t wait to get started.”

Other breadown providers, including the RAC, and AA already offer EV charging support in many of their recovery vehicles but the LV= scheme is the only support tied into a driver's insurance policy rather than breakdown cover.