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Published: 25 Sep 2024

Motability Scheme empowers customers to make informed mobility choices

Category: Events EVs

Motability Scheme empowers customers to make informed mobility choices: EV Experience Day

The Motability Scheme’s free test drive day is heading to the iconic Donington Park racetrack in Derbyshire on Thursday, 3 October.

The Motability Scheme is offering customers, and those interested in joining its life-changing Scheme, the opportunity to experience electric vehicles (EVs) and adapted cars first-hand. 

The UK is transitioning to electric and car manufacturers are changing their production lines to produce more EVs ahead of the future ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars. 

For those who are ready to transition to electric, experts will be on hand to answer questions on topics such as charging, range, and running costs. Scheme partner and home chargepoint provider, Ohme, will also be on hand to demonstrate their products and answer any questions. 

There will be range of EVs at the event, and attendees will be able to book a test drive, to find a car that meets their individual needs and fits into their lifestyle. The aim of the event is to inform and empower customers so that they feel ready to make the transition to electric when they are ready. 

The transition to electric motoring presents unique challenges to some disabled drivers, such as inaccessible public chargepoints and heavy charging equipment. Research conducted by Motability Operations, the organisation that delivers the Motability Scheme to over 800,000 customers, also found that 72% of Scheme customers are not confident using the public charging network. 

To help address these concerns, Motability Operations is working with partners to find solutions, and this includes launching the Motability Go Charge alongside tech company Pua, an innovative solution to simplify public EV charging for its customers. In addition, the Motability Foundation, which oversees how Motability Operations runs the Scheme, partnered with government to co-sponsor the accessibility standard for public EV chargepoints, BSI PAS 1899, which provides a minimum accessible standard for all types of chargepoint. 

Feedback from previous events in the programme has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees reporting a 24% increase in confidence around EV range, charging, running costs, and accessibility after attending a similar event. 

Ashleigh Evans, Events Manager at Motability Operations, said:  
 
“I would encourage anyone who is interested in choosing an electric vehicle to come along and try one out for themselves, first-hand experience is crucial in making informed decisions about EVs.  

“As the car industry shifts rapidly to electric motoring, our goal is to equip customers with the knowledge and confidence to choose the right vehicle for their mobility needs, to ensure no one is left behind in the UK’s transition to electric.” 
 
- ENDS - 

Notes to editors

  • The EV Experience Days are free to attend, but test drives must be booked in advance via Eventbrite. 
  • Visitors will need to hold a full UK driving licence to take a test drive and will need to bring this on the day.  
  • The Motability Foundation, which oversees how Motability Operations runs the Motability Scheme, has conducted extensive research to understand the barriers disabled people face when using public chargepoints, such as the weight of charging cables and a lack of dropped kerbs around chargepoints. They also partnered with the UK Government to co-sponsor the accessibility standard for public EV chargepoints, BSI PAS 1899, which was published in 2022 and provides a minimum accessible standard for all types of chargepoint. Learn more here
  • For more information about the event and terms and conditions, visit www.motability.co.uk/news-and-events/ev-experience-days/.  

About the Motability Scheme   

We are Motability Operations, the largest vehicle leasing company in the UK. We run the Motability Scheme, where people receiving a qualifying disability allowance can choose an affordable and accessible vehicle.  

We play an essential role in connecting our 800,000 disabled customers to work, healthcare, education, and independence and provide unrivalled value. On average, the Scheme is 45% cheaper than alternative options, and includes insurance, breakdown, tyres and servicing.  

We are a key part of the automotive sector and play an essential role in helping the EV infrastructure become more accessible and inclusive. 

Contact information

Press Office
pressoffice@mo.co.uk

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