Jonathan Jenkins
Head of Innovation at Motability Operations
Jonathan Jenkins serves as the Head of Innovation at Motability Operations, a role he transitioned into in early 2022 after initially joining the company in the finance department seven years ago. Since assuming his current position, he has assembled a team of specialists dedicated to supporting customers in shifting to EVs.
Motability Operations oversees the Motability Scheme, which offers individuals receiving qualifying disability allowances the opportunity to choose affordable and accessible vehicles with a customer base of 760,000. With a deep understanding of its customers' needs, Motability Operations informs industry and national strategies as well as advocates for inclusive mobility.
The company recently introduced eVITA, an electric wheelchair-accessible vehicle (UAV) concept. The eVITA was developed in collaboration with CALLUM, an engineering
consultancy with a highly experienced engineering team with diverse skills.
What’s the story behind the wheelchair-accessible prototype?
The eVITA concept aims to demonstrate to the automotive industry the feasibility of inclusive design and engineering. It showcases that it can produce an appealing solution for passenger electric wheelchair-accessible vehicle (eWAV) users and support their transition to eWAVs. The project seeks to initiate discussions on how the industry can help wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can transition to EVs.
Industry collaboration is crucial for EV transition. Motability Operations has extensive knowledge and experience regarding wheelchair users' requirements and we aim to work with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), converters and adaptors to share this insight and support them in addressing these requirements so they can develop appropriate solutions. Inclusive design is commercially and economically beneficial; however, it is most effective when integrated from the start and built from the ground up.
eVITA is a concept vehicle that illustrates what is possible when inclusive design is applied and sparks further industry discussions.
What role did collaboration play in the eVITA prototype?
Alongside the Motability Foundation and Designability, a people-centred design charity, we have collectively identified that the industry is not sufficiently addressing accessible EV design. We have engaged extensively and continuously with disabled people to understand their accessibility needs. It was these insights that helped inform the design of the eVITA.
With the knowledge and data gained, we approached CALLUM to support us in developing the eVITA concept. CALLUM led the design, development, and feasibility studies for the concept vehicle, which was built from the ground up to solve complex issues relating to battery packaging and accessibility.
We believe that wider industry collaboration is essential to drive change. We need vehicle manufacturers and policymakers to take action and work with us to ensure the EV transition is inclusive and beneficial for all.
What challenges arise in making EVs wheelchair-friendly?
The transition to EVs poses significant challenges for the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) conversion industry. Many EVs currently on the market are difficult to convert because of their battery placement. The EV batteries are typically located on the floor, with a raised portion towards the vehicle's rear. It restricts the internal cabin height and creates an uneven floor, preventing wheelchair users from entering from the rear in most small to medium vehicles and making them unsuitable for conversion.
Due to these challenges, only a few electric wheelchair-accessible vehicles (UAVs) are available on the Motability Scheme. Consequently, conversions are often more difficult and expensive because electric-based vehicles fall into a higher cost bracket. To ensure a successful transition to EVs, both the industry and wheelchair users need to find new solutions and ways forward.
How do you improve the EV experience for wheelchair users?
One significant challenge is the design of most EVs, which typically have the battery on the floor. The design poses accessibility and space issues, making conversion to an electric wheelchair-accessible vehicle (eWAV) difficult for some who are wheelchair users. The eVITA eWAV concept addresses all the challenges.
The primary issue to resolve was the battery packaging and placement. In addition to addressing this, eVITA incorporates several inclusive features tailored to the needs of wheelchair users. Through customer research, we included an easy-to-operate tailgate that integrates an automatic, wide access ramp.
The design positions the wheelchair user lower and further forward in the vehicle, seating them in the second row rather than at the rear. The seating arrangement places them at a similar height to other occupants, improving visibility and the line of sight out of the vehicle, which can help reduce motion sickness.
Other notable features include rear access to HVAC controls, infotainment features and device charging, which enhance independence, comfort and convenience. In addition, a 'utility bar' was designed for easy access to these features, offering flexible storage and accessory options.
Accessibility of charge points
How is the EV industry addressing accessibility needs?
Although more than 50,000 disabled drivers have made the switch to EVs, there are still significant challenges and barriers for many considering the transition. Disabled drivers reflect the wider UK population and their insights are invaluable in ensuring that the transition to EVs works for everyone.
We have partnered with various organisations and local authorities to find solutions to overcome these barriers. The EV industry is receptive to collaboration. For instance, we work with our home charge point supplier, Ohme, to install over 46,000 home charge points for our customers as part of their lease package. We partner with public charging provider bp pulse to offer customers a subscription to their charging network.
A common pain point for our customers was paying for public charging, often complicated by the need to download multiple apps. To address this, we recently launched the Motability Go Charge app, which already has 25,000 registered users. In partnership with innovative tech company Paua, the app and card provide an easy, one-stop solution for accessing and paying over 70% of all rapid charge points across the UK, with no subscription or pre-authorisation fees.
We have ongoing pilots and partnerships with organisations such as AppyWay, ChargeTrip, EV.energy, and Cenex to further enhance the EV charging experience for disabled drivers and passengers.
What’s the situation with accessible EV charging stations?
Accessibility to public charging is a significant barrier for many of our customers considering the transition to EVs. While there has been progress in EV assessability charging, work still needs to be done.
Some charge point operators (CPOs) are making notable strides in this area. For example, Osprey is keen to partner with us to understand our customers' experiences and challenges. However, the location of charge points is not always on a large, easily accessible site. In some cases, CPOs must install chargers in areas that need drop curbs or more space, which can be problematic.
We aim to make the network as comprehensive and accessible as possible, providing our customers with choices and accurate information about charging options. To aid this, we are developing an app set to launch early next year to help users navigate accessible charging stations.
At Motability Operations, we are collaborating with the wider EV industry to raise awareness about the needs of our disabled customers during the transition to EVs. We have received positive responses from numerous organisations in the sector and have established valuable connections. However, we recognise that more effort is necessary.
How do you see accessibility evolving over the next decade?
The transition to EVs is inevitable and we are fully embracing it. Seeing the rest of the industry moving in the same direction is encouraging. However, ensuring that everyone can shift to EVs is crucial. Motability Operations has a unique role in driving the transition, but we need help to ensure a smooth transition within the defined timeline. Without coordinated action, the EV transition might face difficulties, potentially leaving disabled drivers and the path to net zero behind.
To read the full story in the magazine click HERE
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