Disabled people are being excluded from using electric cars by inaccessible charging infrastructure

Our most recent Access Survey tells us that the electric vehicle charging network excludes disabled users and, as a charity that amplifies the voices of disabled people, we’re sharing what the problem is along with comments and data from the Access Survey in this blog post.

We were disappointed to learn that 75% of disabled people with experience of public electric charging points say accessibility is very bad or bad, according to the 2023 Euan’s Guide Access Survey supported by Motability Operations. 

Of the 6,000+ survey participants, 38% said they would not consider having an electric vehicle, with many comments suggesting that disabled people believe the infrastructure isn’t viable, and that many public charging points are inaccessible.

Even though 94% of Access Survey respondents said their main mode of transport is by car, only 27% said they’d consider having an electric vehicle - and a meagre 11% said they already have an electric vehicle.

As of January 2024, there are over a million registered battery electric (BEV) cars and a marked year-on-year increase of 52% for battery and plug-in vehicles (Source: SMMT and WeBuyAnyCar.com), yet disabled people are excluded from using them because of inaccessibility around charging.

Comments received in the Euan’s Guide Access Survey explained the challenges faced by disabled people when it comes to electric vehicles, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), and the charging of EVs. 

“I have not used a public electric vehicle charging point. If I ever do, I am concerned about them being inaccessible because they are on a raised plinth and the payment mechanism being too difficult to reach.”

“I have not purchased an electric vehicle because charging points especially at supermarkets are too far from the stores and I need to get inside to get a wheelchair. I am terrified of going on a journey and being unable to access chargepoints before running out of charge and then getting stuck.”

“My wife has an electric vehicle so we have used public charging points in various places. All have been inaccessible for me and seem to have had no consideration for how a wheelchair user would operate them.”

“There are no electric vehicle charging points accessible from disabled parking spots, so it isn't possible to park, get out the car and access the venue while the car is charging.”

Our founder, Euan MacDonald MBE, says, “Electric vehicles aren’t just about reducing emissions. For disabled people, EVs should offer not just a greener future, but a more inclusive one.

“As a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle user, I’m worried about being able to get out and about in the future. I have huge concerns about the transition to electric vehicles due to the lack of electric WAVs available.

“Sadly, the infrastructure to support disabled people having electric vehicles - from accessible charging points to WAVs - isn’t ready.

“We’re proud to be working with Motability Operations to amplify the voices of disabled people by sharing their views, opinions and experiences around disabled access and electric vehicles through our annual Access Survey.”

Motability Operations Chief Executive, Andrew Miller, said: “These findings are concerning, and our customers are telling us the same things. EVs are key to a greener future, but many people don't have off-street parking or readily accessible public charging points. This can limit their ability to make the switch.

“While the industry moves towards EVs, accessible charging infrastructure needs to catch up. Without it, going electric might not be a realistic option for many in the near future as petrol and diesel prices rise. We've invested £300M in EVs and partnered with innovators to create solutions: an accessible charging app, a first-of-its-kind electric WAV concept, and pilot schemes for customers who live in flats. However, collaboration is key; the government and the wider industry need to prioritise accessibility and inclusion from the start.

“Our customers are representative of the wider population, so by working together to remove these barriers for them, we can ensure no one gets left behind."

Cost of living

Another issue raised in the Access Survey was the cost of charging electric vehicles. With disabled people being disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis, other comments received in the survey expressed concern about the additional electricity bills.

“I have a WAV from Motability. I probably won't get an electric car next as they are far too expensive.”

“My condition means I am already a high energy user. Bills are outrageous. I fear what they'd become if I added charging for an electric vehicle.”

 “I have a hybrid car but since the cost of living and the rise in electricity I've not charged my car as it costs more than it does to fill with petrol.” 

How you can help those who do have EVs

We would encourage you to review EV charging points on EuansGuide.com so that other disabled people can know what to expect if they’re planning any travel. Likewise, if you work at a venue or have a business, you can promote your EV charging points and accessibility information by listing them for free on EuansGuide.com.

Have you ever experienced any of the issues faced by our Access Survey participants?

36% - Size and layout of the bay not suitable for my access requirements

35% - Screen too high or too difficult to read

38% - Payment or card mechanism too high or too difficult to use

39% - Fixed charging cables too heavy, not long enough or otherwise unsuitable

43% - Charger inaccessible due to being on a raised plinth or pavement

62% - Surrounding pavements and environment lacking dropped kerbs

37% - Size and layout of the bay not suitable for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)

To view the full 2023 Access Survey report and results visit: www.euansguide.com/AccessSurvey

Tags: blog post, electric vehicles, disabled access, motability operations, 2023 access survey