More than two thirds of disabled drivers plan to switch to an electric car in the next decade according to a new study of disabled motorists - but 71% of participants fear a lack of accessible charging infrastructure could halt their plans to adopt an EV.
UK Power Networks partnered with charity Motability to understand more about the barriers disabled drivers who park on-street face and is leading the Enable project to create a coordinated approach alongside local authorities to support disabled drivers.
In London, the east and south east there will be an estimated 745,000 Blue Badge holders by 2030, with more than half relying on on-street chargers if they purchase an EV.
Almost 80% of those who took part in the survey said they expect their disabled parking bay to have an EV chargepoint installed next to it.
“We want to ensure anyone who wants to, can make the switch to an electric vehicle and nobody is left behind in the transition to Net Zero,” said Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks.
“Using these insights we are advocating for accessible charging infrastructure, and are collaborating to put in place practical solutions that will make a material difference to people’s lives.”
Current EV charging infrastructure features bays that are too small, with minimal dropped kerbs, making it difficult to get close to charging points. Charger plugs are also too high to reach for wheelchair users.
UK Power Networks and Motability say that because of the current state of charging infrastructure, drivers with disabilities are in danger of being left behind when it comes to the adoption of electric cars.
The Enable project led by the two company’s has engaged with 20 local authorities, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), Transport for London and chargepoint installers to learn about the current process of rolling out on-street charging for disabled motorists.
UK Power Networks and Motability says that by sharing data and knowledge on on-street charging it will help model when and where demand will emerge as disable parking bays are electrified.
They added that this will result in the Distribution Network Operator being able to invest and liaise with people in the right locations, to make sure the electricity network is ready to meet demand and accessibility needs.
The findings from the Enable project will be used to inform local authorities’ Local Area Energy Plans, and will ensure that disabled drivers' needs are considered when rolling out public charging devices.
“This research shows that most disabled people are already planning to switch over to EVs, but are being held back by concerns over whether they can readily charge their cars near their homes or near their destinations,” said Motability head of innovation, Catherine Marris.
“Disabled people are more reliant on cars for door-to-door journeys and have far fewer options for travel due to inaccessible transport, so it’s essential that accessibility is designed into EV infrastructure right from the start.”
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