The RAC and UFODRIVE have forged new links for the future as the all-electric, all-digital car rental company ramps up its fleet in the UK.
From its inception in 2018, UFODRIVE has built up a network of 17 locations in 8 countries across Europe including two in London, with this number set to increase in 2021. UFODRIVE is in the midst of an already successful crowdfunding drive on SEEDRS, which is aimed at aiding its planned further growth in the UK and its move into new countries. With this background, UFODRIVE felt that it needed a new rescue service partner for its burgeoning fleet – one equipped to cope with the particular needs of electric motoring.
Both organisations have pioneered new technological advances in their respective fields. The RAC is the first and only rescue service with patrol vehicles which can provide on-the-spot charging for electric vehicles that have run out of charge. The RAC EV Boost is a lightweight van-mounted unit that provides an emergency ‘top up’ to allow a stranded motorist either to get a short distance home or to reach a nearby charging point in order to properly recharge their vehicle.
In the event an electric car requires recovery, most RAC vans also provide feature ‘All Wheels Up’ technology, allowing the stranded vehicle to be moved safely without having to call for a low loader.
“We were looking for a partner who, like us was innovative in their thinking,” explains UFODRIVE UK country manager Jonathan Shine. “The RAC’s approach to EVs complements our needs really well, and means we can progress our business in the UK safe in the knowledge that our motorists will be in the best possible hands, in the unlikely event that they either run out of charge or suffer a breakdown. They also offered us an extremely competitive package that is geared to take our imminent rapid fleet expansion in its stride. Furthermore, they are a long established and trusted brand which will reassure anyone who rents with us, should the worst happen.”
RAC [job title] [name] said: “We’re pleased to support UFODRIVE as it continues to grow its footprint here in the UK, and the contract cements the RAC’s position as the number-one UK breakdown assistance firm for electric vehicles. As well as having a nationwide network of expert local patrols, we’re also rolling out our own market-leading technology that can deliver an emergency charge to electric cars or – if absolutely necessary – ensure they can be recovered quickly and easily by an RAC patrol van with all four wheels off the road.”
Jenny has been reporting on small business issues since 2001 where she held a number of freelance positions across the leading SME publications in the UK. Specialist subjects included SME financing and tax.