The UK Government are proposing to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. While this is good for the environment, there has been little investigation of the potential impacts on the Disabled community in switching to EVs (Electric Vehicles.) Research from Disabled motoring UK has shown that Disabled motorists are unaware of the forthcoming changes. The evidence the charity has gathered so far suggests that Disabled motorists are not prepared for the change to EVs. Many think it won’t affect them and that an EV is not suitable for their needs.
For many Disabled drivers their cars provide freedom, mobility and help to mitigate inequality. Petrol stations may not offer perfect access, but Disabled drivers are familiar with their local stations and have developed work around them to fuel up efficiently. EV charging points have not been designed with Disabled people in mind which means that the majority are inaccessible.
The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) identified a range of access issue with EV design features, such as inadequate space for wheelchair users around the charge point and heavy cables, this coupled with the fact that 40% of households will not have the facilities or access at their homes to have a charging point installed means a troublesome equality issue is on the horizon.
It is apparent that without consultation with Disabled people they will find the switch over to EVs a huge issue affecting their ability to travel freely by car. For many Disabled people public transport is still inaccessible so the switch to EV could create an increase in inequality.
Dan White, DR UK Policy and Campaigns Officer, said:
“We would also like to see manufacturers and conversion companies work together, so that workable and inclusive environmental solutions can be found to all issues around EV and the Disabled community”
Disabled motoring UK are still researching the issue over switching over to EV and are looking for survey participants. To assist in the survey please visit: https://www.disabledmotoring.
Further information on findings by Motability on barriers Disabled people face using electric vehicles: https://www.motability.org.uk/