Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has outlined some of the key barriers and challenges for vulnerable and disabled drivers looking to make the switch to electric vehicles in a new report.
The distribution network operator (DNO) said whilst many of the barriers to adoption are similar to those commonly identified by other drivers, there are also a number of additional considerations that need to be addressed.
According to the report, these include the availability and accessibility of charge points: “There are few disabled parking spaces equipped with EV charge points, and charge points, connectors and cables are not easy to use for drivers with mobility problems. Public charge points are unlikely to have dropped kerbs and may have impact-barriers around them making access difficult.”
It said there is also a lack of easily available information: “Drivers are very unlikely to have seen disabled EV charge points and may assume EVs are not suitable for them. Low familiarity with how EVs work and where they can be charged mean many vulnerable drivers won’t even consider an EV. More prominent signage, public charging infrastructure, and availability of extended test drives are all needed to raise the profile of EVs amongst this group.”
The report said disabled drivers are also likely to have even greater concerns over costs due to the need to undertake vehicle modifications to get in and out of their cars and store mobility equipment as well as greater range anxiety: “Drivers with a mobility impairment like to plan their journeys in detail to avoid surprises, and range anxiety is a problem when many public charge points are difficult to use for those with mobility problems. Range can also be reduced by additional power needs when driving.”
Among the report’s recommendation are the implementation of common standards in both charging equipment and charge points, with the latter including designated parking spaces, dropped kerbs and accessible equipment.
The report was produced as part of SSEN’s 18-month Equal EV project, which began in November 2020 and is being supported with £310,000 of Network Innovation Allowance funding.
Lisa Doogan, head of customer service and stakeholder strategy at SSEN, said: “We are committed to supporting our customers in a fair and equitable transition to net zero. With millions of blue badge holders throughout the UK, Equal EV is delivering key findings for how vulnerable and disabled motorists can be supported in the transition to EVs.
“We are proud to be playing a leading role in the transition to EVs for disabled and vulnerable motorists. The project’s next phase will seek to address the obstacles and barriers identified and seize the opportunity to create a fair and accessible net zero future for all.”
Meanwhile, UK Power Networks has also partnered with local authorities and the charity Motability to identify barriers to uptake for disabled drivers and map out where accessible charging infrastructure will be needed as part of its Enable project. It said the maps will be used to inform the development of Local Area Energy Plans.
Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “It is essential that UK Power Networks fully understand the needs of all our customers if we are to ensure nobody is left behind in the UK’s transition to net zero. This pioneering research, informed by people with disabilities, is a necessary and important step to accelerate the uptake in EVs.”
Catherine Marris, head of innovation at Motability, said: “As a national disability charity, we welcome UK Power Networks’ ground-breaking research that will ensure the involved local authorities can meet the mobility needs of disabled drivers in time for the upcoming energy transition.
“There is a robust commercial and social case for ensuring that future electric vehicle charging infrastructure is accessible for all and we are pleased to be a part of this inclusive and forward-thinking project, which will help inform our own UK-wide initiatives on accessible charging.”