Almost half (45%) of the UK public will not choose an EV until there is no other option, according to Motability Operations’ EV Transition Tracker.
A survey of disabled drivers that are part of the Motability Scheme’s Headlight Community which suggested that the hesitancy to switch to an EV is even higher for disabled customers. Nearly two thirds (65%) of disabled customers will not make the switch to electric until they have no choice.
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.”
Despite 40% of people having a positive opinion of EVs, issues with the public charging network continue to present the biggest challenge.
Of those who would not consider switching to an EV, 45% stated a lack of options for public charging where they live or travel and 46% cited not being able to charge at home.
Data from Motability Scheme customers revealed 44% of drivers find it difficult to locate their nearest charging point, while 60% agreed that charge points are often unavailable.
A community of over 1,000 disabled people on the Motability Scheme took part in a test programme reviewing UK chargepoints. Of the 6,800 reviews submitted, many mentioned bay size and space for wheelchair users; weight of the charging cables; hard to follow instructions; and facilities being too far away.
Of those who are unsure or not considering an EV, 33% of respondents and 6 in 10 (59%) disabled customers would consider moving to an EV if there was better public charging.