Motability Operations partners with Zap-Map to trial accessibility of UK public charging
To support customers with their transition to electric vehicles (EVs), Motability Operations is partnering with Zap-Map to run a three-month customer pilot using their app and the charging infrastructure it maps. The aim of the trial is to assess the experience of charging an electric vehicle (EV) for disabled people on the UK’s public charging network and understand how it can be improved.
Over 250 Motability Scheme customers have signed up, which is now underway and will continue for a three-month period.
During the trial, half of the customers are using the free version of the Zap-Map app, which provides access to the app’s core search, plan and pay services. The other half are trialling Zap-Map Premium, which enables in-car support with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, alongside other enhanced features. This means you can locate suitable charge points, view live charge point status and access route plans while on the move.
Until now, the focus on the UK’s public charging infrastructure has been on the availability of charging points throughout the country. However, this trial will help shift the focus of EV charging from availability to accessibility. As part of the trial, Motability Scheme customers will have a new voice in the EV space, and together Zap-Map and Motability Operations can better understand what the current situation is for disabled drivers with an EV.
Jonathan Jenkins, Head of Innovation at Motability Operations, said:
“We envision a future where Motability Scheme customers can confidently embark on any journey in an electric vehicle, knowing that they will be able to charge when they need to. We’re pleased to be engaging with companies, like Zap-Map, who value the importance of accessibility in the transition to EVs.”
Melanie Shufflebotham, Zap-Map Co-founder and COO, said:
“With the UK’s public charging infrastructure growing fast, we must ensure that electric vehicle charging is accessible to all drivers, including disabled people. That’s exactly why Zap-Map has partnered with Motability Operations to trial both the app and the physical charging points it maps. With people increasingly making the switch to electric vehicles, it’s critical that no-one is left behind.”