Report finds two thirds of disabled drivers will go electric when there’s no alternative
Almost half of the UK public say they will not choose an electric vehicle until there is no other option. That’s according to a new EV Transition Tracker, created by Motability Operations, the company that runs the Motability Scheme, connecting disabled drivers to freedom and independence.
Findings from the Tracker reveal challenges for the UK’s switch to electric as many disabled people struggle with the public charging network.
The findings, including a survey of disabled drivers that are part of the Motability Scheme’s Headlight Community, suggest that the hesitancy to switch to an EV is even greater for disabled customers, with 65 per cent stating they will not make the shift until they have no choice.
This reluctance to move to electric comes despite relatively positive perceptions of EVs. According to the findings, 40 per cent of people have a positive opinion of EVs, behind petrol and hybrid vehicles but ahead of diesel vehicles at 33 per cent.
However, issues with the public charging network are presenting a major roadblock. Of those who would not consider buying an EV for their next vehicle, 45 per cent pointed to a lack of options for public charging where they live or travel, while 46 per cent cited not being able to charge at home, following concerns about range at 55 per cent and purchase cost at 55 per cent.
Data from Motability Scheme customers revealed even greater challenges for disabled people when using the public network. 44 per cent said they find it difficult to locate their nearest charging point, while a further 60 per cent agreed that charge points are often unavailable and in use by others.
A community of over 1000 disabled people on the Motability Scheme took part in a test programme reviewing UK chargepoints and uncovering vital information such as their reliability and accessibility.
Of the 6,800 reviews submitted, many point to significant issues for disabled people, including bay size and space for wheelchair users; weight of the charging cables; hard to follow instructions; and facilities being too far away for disabled people to access.
Andrew Miller, CEO at Motability Operations, said: “The transition to EV presents a significant challenge – ensuring disabled people are not left behind as manufacturers move to produce electric models.
“From working with our customers every day, we know that many face significant issues with the shift, particularly with the public network. Not knowing whether charge points will be easy to find or meet their accessibility needs is preventing many from switching. This has the potential to lead to cliff edge transition that leaves thousands of people behind.”
Among drivers who are unsure or not currently considering an EV, a third of UK respondents and six in 10 disabled customers agree they would consider moving to an EV if there was better public charging. Motability Operations is therefore urging charging operators and policymakers to ensure accessibility is built into the design of public infrastructure and to increase the roll-out at pace.
Nigel Fletcher, CEO of the Motability Foundation, said: “There is a risk of disabled people being left behind in the rollout of public chargepoints – an issue that the Motability Foundation has been raising for a number of years.
“We estimate that up to half of disabled motorists –1.3 million disabled motorists – will be reliant on public EV chargepoints by 2035.
“The BSI PAS 1899 standard, which we co-sponsored alongside UK Government, was published in October 2022, and provides a clear specification on the minimum requirements to improve public chargepoint accessibility.
“A review of the PAS 1899 standard has also taken place, which provided an opportunity for industry to give feedback on achieving PAS 1899 compliance and engage with disabled people on their experiences with public charging. Taking on board evidence received during the review an updated version of PAS 1899 is likely to be available early next year.
“It has been the Motability Foundation’s position for some time that the PAS 1899 standard should be made mandatory by law. Providers of public charging should also be taking responsibility for ensuring their infrastructure is accessible.”
The EV Transition Tracker report can be accessed on the Motability website.
The Motability Foundation is funding a research project by the RNID aimed at understanding the barriers faced by people from these communities when using public transport.
