Inaccessible EV charging
Access Survey shows EV charging network excludes disabled users
Please note – while still relevant, this article relates to the 2023 access survey.
Euan’s Guide reports that their latest access survey shows disabled people largely excluded from electric vehicle (EV) ownership due to the inaccessibility of charging infrastructure.
Three-quarters of those with experience of public charging facilities said that the accessibility was bad or very bad, and despite nearly all respondents having a car as their main form of transport, only around a quarter would consider an EV.
Findings from 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.
94% of Access Survey respondents said their main mode of transport is by car, yet only 27% said they’d consider having an electric vehicle and a meagre 11% said they already have an electric vehicle, whereas electric cars made up nearly 24% of overall new car sales in 2023 (Source: ZapMap).
When asked if they had experience of public electric vehicle charging points and how they would rate their accessibility, 46% of respondents said they were very bad and 29% said they were bad.
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 EVs because of inaccessibility around charging.
You can read the full survey on the Euan’s Guide website (external link will open in a new browser tab or window)
Comments received in the Euan’s Guide Access Survey explain 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.”
Euan MacDonald, founder of Euan’s Guide, said:
“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 (WAV) 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.”
Cost of living has an impact
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.”
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