Euan’s Guide Access Survey uncovers EV charging network excludes disabled users
The electric vehicle (EV) charging network is excluding disabled people from electric car ownership, with 75 per cent of disabled people with experience of public electric charging points saying accessibility is “very bad” or “bad” according to the 2023 Euan’s Guide Access Survey supported by Motability Operations.
Of the 6,000 plus survey participants, 38 per cent said they would not consider having an electric vehicle, with many comments suggesting that disabled people believe the infrastructure isn’t viable, and that many public charging points are inaccessible.
Approximately 94 per cent of Access Survey respondents said their main mode of transport is by car, yet only 27 per cent said they’d consider having an electric vehicle and a meagre 11 per cent said they already have an electric vehicle, whereas electric cars made up nearly 24 per cent of overall new car sales in 2023.
When asked if they had experience of public electric vehicle charging points and how they would rate their accessibility, 46 per cent of respondents said they were very bad and 29 per cent said they were bad.
As of January 2024, there are over a million registered battery electric (BEV) cars and a marked year-on-year increase of 52 per cent for battery and plug-in vehicles, the survey revealed, yet disabled people are excluded from using EVs because of inaccessibility around charging.
Euan MacDonald, founder of Euan’s Guide, said: “Electric vehicles aren’t just about reducing emissions. For disabled people, EVs should offer not just a greener future, but a more inclusive one.
“As a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) user, I’m worried about being able to get out and about in the future. I have huge concerns about the transition to electric vehicles due to the lack of electric WAVs available.
“Sadly, the infrastructure to support disabled people having electric vehicles – from accessible charging points to WAVs – isn’t ready.
“We’re proud to be working with Motability Operations to amplify the voices of disabled people by sharing their views, opinions and experiences around disabled access and electric vehicles through our annual Access Survey.”
Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, said: “These findings are concerning, and our customers are telling us the same things. EVs are key to a greener future, but many people don’t have off-street parking or readily accessible public charging points. This can limit their ability to make the switch.
“While the industry moves towards EVs, accessible charging infrastructure needs to catch up. Without it, going electric might not be a realistic option for many in the near future as petrol and diesel prices rise.
“We’ve invested £300M in EVs and partnered with innovators to create solutions: an accessible charging app, a first-of-its-kind electric WAV concept, and pilot schemes for customers who live in flats. However, collaboration is key; the government and the wider industry need to prioritise accessibility and inclusion from the start.
“Our customers are representative of the wider population, so by working together to remove these barriers for them, we can ensure no one gets left behind.”
Another issue raised in the Access Survey was the cost of charging electric vehicles. With disabled people being disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis, other comments received in the survey expressed concern about the additional electricity bills.
Euan’s Guide is encouraging disabled people to review EV charging points on EuansGuide.com so that other disabled people can know what to expect if they’re planning any travel. Likewise, venues can promote their EV charging points and accessibility information by listing them for free on EuansGuide.com.
2023 was the ninth access survey by the award-winning disabled access charity Euan’s Guide, and the third year that the survey has been supported by Motability Operations, the company behind the Motability Scheme.
Earlier this year, Euan’s Guide, revealed that it had found disabled people are disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis, with increased energy costs leading them being forced to cut back on food and medical necessities, and facing barriers in everyday activities.
