RAC is first recovery company to introduce hybrid vehicles into its fleet

RAC is the first recovery company to trial hybrid vehicles, as part of a wider initiative to reduce CO2 emissions.

Two vehicles from RAC's fleet are being trialled with the Hybrid+ system, one in Norwich and the other in central London. ​ RAC will be monitoring the fuel consumption over a period of two months to measure the savings.

If the trial successfully reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions, RAC aims to increase the number of hybrid vehicles in its fleet.

Steve Lydon, RAC quality manager, said: "The Hybrid+ system is bolted on to the engine of the vehicle. When you pull away, it kicks in and turns the engine using the electricity it has stored, as opposed to fuel. ​ A 20% fuel saving has been proposed but we want to test this to make sure it is effective.

"There is a certain technique required to drive the hybrid vehicles to get the maximum benefits in terms of fuel savings. ​ The two patrols that will be driving the vehicles are going through training to learn the new driving style, which involves having to change gear below 2100 revs/minute."

RAC is working to reduce carbon emissions through various other initiatives, according to Lydon: "Where possible, we are using our network of RAC approved local garages to fix the problem near to the breakdown site, as opposed to towing vehicles a very long distance.

"The weight of the patrol vehicles is also a factor that affects fuel usage and CO2 emissions. We are constantly appraising this, for example at the moment we are testing a lightweight jack and generally making sure patrols remove any unnecessary weight from the van.

"Fix Without Resource is an additional initiative that saves a lot of CO2. ​ This is where we use the skills of the technical call centre staff to fix problems over the phone."

 

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Fuel prices fall in August after two months of rises - but drivers continue to pay over the odds at the pumps
Average pump prices fell by less than a penny in August ending two months of rises, new analysis by RAC Fuel Watch has found.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Drivers divided on how to tackle pavement parking in England – but most want action
UK Government due to announce next steps on tackling problem pavement parking in England
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Draft third Road Investment Strategy published - RAC reaction
Following the publication this morning of the draft third Road Investment Strategy ('RIS3'), which sets out the Government's priorities for the country's major road network, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk