AA rolls-out ‘free-wheeling’ hub to rescue EVs and SUVs

New hub works with AA's multi-fit wheel to allow for towing of vehicles which cannot normally be towed

AA rolls-out ‘free-wheeling’ hub to rescue EVs and SUVs

The AA is to roll out a ‘free-wheeling hub’ to allow its patrols to safely tow vehicles which normally cannot be lifted, including electric vehicles (EV) and SUVs.

The device means vehicles can be safely towed on two wheels and is now being used by more than 900 patrols.

Previously it was not possible to tow some vehicles with seized brakes, failed wheel bearings or electric handbrakes, or 4x4s and many EVs.

Some manufacturers recommend that you should not tow their EVs as the car’s motor is always mechanically connected to the wheels and does not have a true ‘neutral’ gear.

But AA chief engineer Steve Ives, who has worked at the AA for over 40 years, was determined to find a solution.

He came up with a ‘free-wheeling hub’ that patrols can fix to the rear wheels of stricken vehicles, so that these can be towed rather than having to wait for a flatbed recovery vehicle.

Related: Less than five per cent of England’s smart motorways has breakdown-detecting tech

Steve said: “I love the challenge of coming up with solutions to seemingly impossible situations.

“I worked on the concept for many hours in my shed at night and eventually crafted a wooden prototype.

“This has now been further developed and put into production with our partners AE Oscroft, and is working well.”

The free-wheeling hub works in conjunction with the AA’s multi-fit wheel and new heavy-duty multi-fit wheel for larger vehicles, enabling patrols to fit temporary spare wheels to almost any vehicle.

It has its own heavy-duty high-speed bearing making the wheel turn independently from the car.

The AA collaborated with presswork and prototyping specialist AE Oscroft to develop the solutions.

Related: RAC employee sentenced after sharing personal data

Home Page Forums AA rolls-out freewheeling hub to rescue EVs and SUVs

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  • #207481 Reply

    The AA is to roll out a ‘freewheeling hub’ to allow its patrols to safely tow vehicles which normally cannot be lifted, including electric vehicles (E
    [See the full post at: AA rolls-out freewheeling hub to rescue EVs and SUVs]

    #207531 Reply
    Meat-Head
    Blocked

    Thats a great invention, doubtless the inventor will make any money out of it
    Unlike a singer who covers some one else’s song and they both get paid.

    So to get this clear, somewhere someone will have a car that they paid
    £150,000 or more for, that is unmoveable, The Alcohol Anonymous come out
    Move said stranded vehicle with something that was developed in someones shed
    Using wood?

    Makes you think, would “Lutrica McNeal” approve, after been stranded

    #207547 Reply
    Eddie Bamber
    Guest

    Using this system, AA vehicles will now have to carry two multi-fit wheels instead of one. Add to that all the hub adaptors for various vehicles. AA vans are already right on the weight limit with the fold away towing dolly so something must be removed from the van to compensate for this extra weight. I believe the Patrols are being asked to sacrifice their own spare wheel. Instead of messing about with these hub things, the AA should invest in recovery trucks capable of moving 4×4’s and electric vehicles and stop messing about with this Meccano contraption. These are an accident waiting to happen.

    #207799 Reply
    Alan Taylor
    Guest

    Steve is a top guy , remember him when I worked for the AA this wheel saves using a truck , good idea

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