AANT introduces mobile charging van for greater Darwin members who drive electric vehicles

FREE READ: The Automotive Association of the Northern Territory has introduced a mobile charging van for greater Darwin members who drive an electric vehicle. Here’s how it works.

AANT technician Ian Rowe in action with the new Roadside Assistance mobile EV charging van. Picture: Supplied

The Automotive Association of the Northern Territory (AANT) has introduced an electric vehicle charging van to its greater Darwin fleet.

The charging van will provide a mobile battery top-up service for EV drivers if they have either run out or do not have battery capacity to reach a charging point.

The new service is available immediately to all Roadside Assistance members in the Darwin area, included as part of their existing coverage at no extra cost.

In a statement, AANT said the mobile van offered a more convenient and cost-effective option to towing and would help alleviate “range anxiety” for greater Darwin EV drivers.

Edon Bell, AANT operations manager, highlighted the significance of the new service.

“With the increase of EVs on Darwin roads, one of the major concerns for drivers remains the availability of charging infrastructure,” Mr Bell said.

“Our new electric roadside assistance van incorporates the latest charging technology, providing a crucial battery top-up if the battery is flat or state of charge becomes critically low.

AANT's new Roadside Assistance mobile EV charging van. Picture: Supplied

“AANT has proudly served NT drivers since 1963, and this initiative represents another milestone in our ongoing commitment to adapt to the evolving needs of Territorians.”

According to publicly available figures, there were about 1000 EVs registered in the Territory as at the end of October, while there are about 70 charging stations dotted across the NT.

An AANT spokeswoman said charging infrastructure was “gradually” expanding across the Territory, with a number of stations along the Stuart Hwy such that EV drivers could feel comfortable they could make it from Alice Springs.

AANT operations manager Edon Bell. Picture: File

However, most stations only have one, maximum two, plugs, so if another EV driver is already parked up, “it’s going to create some inconvenience, you’re going to be spending more time in a town than you perhaps planned,” the spokeswoman said.

She said plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which are growing in popularity were an “excellent choice” for the Territory, allowing drivers to rely on battery for short trips and switch to petrol on longer drives, combining environmental sustainability with reduced hip-pocket pain.

“Their ability to adapt to various driving conditions and distances makes PHEVs a practical and sustainable choice for residents in regional communities,” the spokeswoman said.

In its pre-election submission, AANT pushed the government to convene an EV infrastructure working group, incentivise EV purchases, especially PHEVs, and support the expansion of charging infrastructure, particularly in regions where it is uneconomical for private operators.