Why Are Electric Cars For Disabled Drivers Still Not Widely Available?

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer numerous benefits such as lower emissions and lower running costs, but they’re still not widely accessible for disabled drivers. We explore the key challenges and potential solutions in making electric cars more inclusive for all. 

Electric Cars for Disabled Drivers

Electric cars have gained popularity in recent years due to their smaller carbon footprint and providing an eco-friendly choice for motorists. And with the Government’s ban on new diesel and petrol cars in 2035, they are going to be on the roads long-term.  

And whilst the EV market is rapidly growing and demand is increasing, there are still significant barriers that exist for disabled individuals to access electric cars.

Design Limitations in Electric Vehicles

The overall mechanical design and function of cars have rarely changed since their adoption and have never specifically addressed the needs of disabled drivers. We continue to see this lack of consideration in accessible design with insufficient seat height for wheelchair users and limited boot space for mobility equipment. However, recent progress is slowly being made as there have been some advancements with manufacturers starting to leverage assistive technology such as, powered tailgates, electrically adjustable seats, parking assist and in-car voice assistance. 

Thankfully EVs are easy to adapt with vehicle adaptations and driving aids to improve their accessibility to suit a vast range of mobility needs. Such as:

Driving Aid Solutions

Adaptations such as hand controls and pedal adaptations can be fitted to enable those who struggle or are unable to operate the standard accelerator and brake in a car to still drive.

Easy Vehicle Access

Drivers and passengers with reduced mobility can be seated with ease from a wheelchair or scooter by making use of our car accessibility aids including swivel seats, person hoists and transfer plates.

Mobility Device Loading & Stowage

It’s imperative that those with mobility devices such as a wheelchair or mobility scooter can easily get it in and out of their car. Solutions such as boot hoists, platform lifts and rooftop boxes enable you to lift, load and store a device all at the touch of a button.

Charging Infrastructure Challenges for Disabled Drivers

Motability Foundation conducted research to understand what barriers disabled people face when using EV charge points. The key pain points are as follows:

• the weight of charging cables
• the force required to attach the connector
• the lack of dropped kerbs around charge points and,
• unsuitable parking arrangements.

This highlights the importance of businesses and councils adopting accessible charging infrastructure and complying with the Electric Vehicles Accessible Charging Specification – PAS 1899 to ensure disabled drivers can access EV solutions. 

However, a study by Vauxhall in 2024 reveals that only 2.3% of on-street electric vehicle chargers in the UK have been specifically adapted to meet the needs of disabled drivers. That’s a mere 450 accessible EV charge points out of the 19,456 recorded in the UK with none in London. This is a significant barrier for disabled motorists looking to switch to electric, particularly those who do not have access to home charging, of which, the Motability Foundation projects that by 2035 around 1.35 million disabled drivers will rely on public EV charging infrastructure. 

Urgent implementation and regulation of the PAS 1899 is critical to support an inclusive switch to electric cars for disabled drivers.

Limited Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Options

A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) is a van derived vehicle that has been converted to enable a wheelchair user to travel within the vehicle whilst remaining seated in their wheelchair. Typically the floor is lowered with a fitted ramp so the wheelchair user can enter through the rear or side of the car. 

However, the positioning of batteries in EVs under the vehicle floor is where the problem lies for WAV converters as they are unable to access and lower the floor to create the height required for a wheelchair. Therefore there are currently only a handful of Electric Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (eWAVS) available and calls for further collaboration between manufacturers and WAV converters to sustain the future of these. 

This again further demonstrates the critical role accessible vehicle adaptations continue to play for wheelchair users and disabled drivers to ensure electric cars for disabled drivers are accessible.

Cost Concerns for Disabled Drivers

The initial cost to buy an EV, especially a new model, can be more expensive than a petrol or diesel vehicle, but are typically cheaper to run. Data from Compare the Market shows that an electric vehicle is currently around £528 cheaper on average than a petrol car. 

The Motability Scheme provides financial assistance to disabled motorists by enabling those to exchange their mobility allowance to lease a new car. They currently offer a range of EVs from various manufacturers with lower Advance Payments. Take a look at our blog for more information about how Motability funding works. Customers leasing an EV through the Scheme can benefit from a free home EV charger installation, making it easier than ever to maintain a fully charged vehicle at home. For those unable to install a charger, the Scheme offers access to the extensive BP Pulse network and membership of Motability Go Charge – which provides access to over 45,000 public chargers from over 20 different charge point providers. 

However it’s important to note that if you don’t qualify for Motability or choose not to apply for the Scheme, then you would be responsible for all the costs associated with buying and running a car. And if you do not have access to a home charging point, then public charging can be more expensive and may not be financially viable.

Other cost factors include:

• EVs are currently exempt from road tax until April 2025
• EVs are also exempt from Clean Air Zones and Congestion Charges 
• Battery replacement for EVs are more expensive 
• Insuring an EV may be slightly more expensive 

It’s important to do your own research and consider your personal financial situation to make an informed decision about switching to electric.

The Path Forward for Disabled Drivers and Electric Vehicles

Collaboration, understanding and a shared commitment between manufacturers, policymakers and the disability community is imperative to pave the way for an inclusive future of EVs. Particularly to increase inclusive vehicle designs, improved charging infrastructure and more cost-effective solutions.

For disabled drivers looking to adapt their current vehicles or explore options for electric vehicles, Mobility in Motion are committed to ensuring EVs can be used by anyone with our wide range of disability driving aids and adaptations. Get in touch with our team of mobility experts online or call us on 0800 288 4422. 

If you’re exploring electric vehicle options suited for disabled drivers, check out our comprehensive guide of EVs available in the UK.