Free motoring event to address key barriers to EV adoption for disabled drivers – Scottish Business News

THE Motability Scheme’s Big Event, Edinburgh, returns to the Royal Highland Centre for two days on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September 2024, focusing on educating visitors about the benefits of going electric.

Motability Operations runs the Motability Scheme, where 80,000 customers in Scotland currently lease an affordable and accessible vehicle. As the UK transitions to electric vehicles (EVs) the organisation is supporting its customers to navigate the transition, so they can remain mobile, and no one is left behind.

There are already 5,000 Motability Scheme customers in Scotland driving EVs, but there are significant barriers preventing many disabled people from choosing an EV, including concerns around accessible charging, affordability and driving range.

Research conducted by Motability Operations has revealed that 72% of customers on the Scheme lack confidence about public charging, and more than 3 in 5 have range anxiety. Similarly, a recent Consumer Scotland survey, conducted by YouGov, found charging to be a significant concern among EV owners. Around four in 10 of those surveyed felt there aren’t enough chargepoints available, and 46% disagreed that public charge points are typically in good working order.

To help address these growing concerns, the team at the Big Event in Edinburgh will help disabled visitors learn more about the switch to electric. Across the two days, disabled people and their families can visit the dedicated EV Information Hub where EV experts will be available to answer questions, demonstrate charging options and explore the benefits of the leasing an EV through the Motability Scheme. Visitors will also be able to test drive an EV, or other car available on the Scheme.

After attending previous events, six in 10 visitors felt their knowledge of EVs had improved – and one in five had decided that an EV is suitable for their needs. Overall, nine in 10 felt the event was worthwhile and would attend another event.

Gavin Thomson, Chief Operations Officer and Managing Director Scotland, said:

“We’re excited to bring The Big Event, Edinburgh back to the Royal Highland Centre. Last year we welcomed over 4,000 visitors through the doors, and this year we can’t wait to welcome even more!

“As the industry rapidly moves towards electric motoring, we want to ensure our customers feel ready and prepared for the change. We understand some of our customers may have concerns about moving to an EV, so The Big Event, Edinburgh is a fantastic opportunity for disabled drivers and their families, to gain confidence and hands on experience with EVs and learn more about the Scheme.

“Whether you’re considering an EV now or in the future, we encourage you to come along and try one out.”

This family-friendly event isn’t just a motoring show and official Motability Scheme partners Scottish Disability Sport and British Wheelchair Basketball will be showcasing a range of disabled sports for visitors to get involved with.

Anyone in Scotland who receives a qualifying benefit, such as the enhanced rate mobility element of the Adult or Child Disability Payment in Scotland, is eligible for the Motability Scheme. The Big Event, Edinburgh is the perfect place to find out all the information they need to know before applying. New customers will benefit from a New Vehicle Payment worth £750 when they apply before the end of 2024.