SWARCO eVolt has partnered with The AA to provide electric vehicle (EV) drivers with a new support service when attempting to use a chargepoint.

Under the new agreement, The AA’s team will support drivers if they need help at an eVolt charge point, handling calls about both the electric car and electric charging infrastructure.

Justin Meyer, managing director of SWARCO eVolt, said: “Driving an electric vehicle is very different to a fuelled car, and while the environmental and economic benefits are incentivising thousands of drivers to make the change, it is important they are supported in getting used to the new way of driving and refuelling.”

Drivers using a SWARCO eVolt charge point on the E.Connect network who call the helpline number will be directed through to the AA and its experienced customer service team whose priority is to help get them ‘charged’ and back on their journey.

“As an EV driver, refuelling routines are different,” Meyer added. “Home charging, ‘grazing’ top ups at convenient work and leisure locations, and using a trusted public charging network when travelling on longer journeys all become part of the EV driver experience. Networks vary and so does the charging technology. There are different subscription models, driver apps and payment platforms, so it can sometimes be understandably confusing for new drivers. We want to help them every step of the way.”

The AA team can talk a driver through basic user instructions and troubleshooting for all eVolt charging points, including if they are unable to start a charge because, for example, they are using the wrong subscription model, or the cable does not work, or a previous user has pressed the unit’s emergency stop button.

Dean Hedger, EV new business development manager at The AA, said: “We are experienced in providing managed services support for manufacturers, fleets and financial institutions to help keep their customers’ vehicles moving. As we develop our EV expertise, including having the largest group of EV Level 2 trained technicians in the UK, the logical next step is to ensure we can support the infrastructure that goes hand-in-hand with EV vehicle roll-out.”