The Motability Scheme’s Big Event returned to the NEC in Birmingham last weekend, drawing over 11,000 enthusiastic attendees eager to learn about the future of motoring. This year’s event was more than just a motoring show - it was an immersive experience aimed at educating disabled people about the life-changing benefits of the Motability Scheme and gain knowledge about the fast-changing automotive industry.
The Motability Scheme is a lifeline for over 760,000 disabled customers across the UK, providing them with the freedom and independence that comes with having access to a vehicle. As the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate approaches, Motability Operations, the organisation behind the Scheme, is committed to ensuring its customers are prepared for the shift to electric.
The event featured a brand-new EV Information Hub, where the Scheme’s team of EV experts were on hand to answer questions, provide demonstrations, and discuss the benefits of switching to an electric vehicle. But most importantly the team listened to customers’ concerns about why EVs might not work for them.
Brian, a Motability Scheme customer from London, shared his excitement about the event: “I’ve already ordered my new EV and it’s currently being built. I’ve done a great deal of research and I’ve come along today to learn even more. If I hadn’t come to the show today, I wouldn’t have learnt about the electric transfer plate that you can get on the Scheme.
“I’m really fascinated by this new technology and an EV is going to be cheaper to run because I can charge it at home. It’s been so useful to speak to the team and I’ve learnt all about how far an EV can go on a single charge.”
However, Motability Operations knows this will not be the case for all its customers. Though over 48,000 customers have been able to switch to EVs, the company is aware of the barriers and challenges many others face when thinking about EVs so has partnered with various organisations and local authorities to create innovative solutions for its customers. Examples include working with home chargepoint supplier Ohme, to install over 46,000 home changepoints for customers as part of their lease package, and public charging provider bp Pulse to provide a subscription for customers to access their charging network. Most recently, Motability Operations partnered with innovative start-up Paua, to launch the Motability Go Charge app which helps customers simplify EV charging payments.
At the event, the organisation’s innovation team was also gathering valuable customer insight by trialling a variety of cross-pavement charging solutions with customers, including a prototype cable channel product. The team also showcased eVITA, a next generation electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (eWAV) concept, designed in collaboration with renowned car designer, CALLUM.
There were over 50 different EVs on display from a large range of popular manufacturers and over 550 customers also took the opportunity to test drive a vehicle, with many choosing to try out an electric vehicle (EV) for the first time.
The Big Event NEC was just beginning of a summer of events for the Motability Scheme, and the remaining programme of Big Events includes:
- The Big Event Exeter, Westpoint - 28 and 29 June 2024
- The Big Event Harrogate, Yorkshire Event Centre - 9 and 10 August 2024
- The Big Event Edinburgh, Royal Highland Centre - 13 and 14 Sept 2024.
For more information about the events and to catch up on recorded content, visit motabilitythebigevent.co.uk.
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