Now that some manufacturers are starting to produce fully electric MPV wheelchair accessible vehicles available to private purchasers or through the Motability Scheme, the onus is on the automotive industry to ensure that in the transition to EVs, WAV users have access to inclusive electric vehicles.

• Electric WAVs are becoming increasingly available for private purchase or through the Motability Scheme.
• The automotive industry should consider inclusivity in the wider transition to electric vehicles.

Just as inclusivity should feature in the development of autonomous vehicles, it is equally essential to weave it into the design, development, engineering, and manufacturing processes for electric vehicles.

The challenge for converting electric vehicles to electric wheelchair accessible vehicles arises because in most EVs have their batteries placed in the floor of the vehicle and are heavy.

In terms of conversions, this can alter the permissible maximum weight and affect the space and height available within the vehicle. Inevitably, the internal space they require means that people may have to opt for a larger vehicle than they actually need if they want to make the change from petrol or diesel to an electric vehicle.

Research regarding WAV user preferences suggests that around four fifths of WAV users would prefer a smaller eWAV to a larger one which in terms of volume is greater than their requirements.

In fact, around 80% of all European car users choose cars from the smaller car segments yet around 50% of available WAVs are in the larger segments.

While many WAV users do prefer larger vehicles that suit specific needs, offering a broader selection of smaller WAVs would provide more choice for those who prefer compact models and don’t actually want a bigger vehicle.

Research also suggests that WAV users look for automatic or electronic access and ramp controls (which will create a greater burden on an EWAV’s battery); a sufficient number of charging ports front and rear; easily accessible controls for features such as rear air conditioning and climate control, rear infotainment systems; flexible storage options; ample visibility from within the vehicles, and crucially, a senses of inclusion and close proximity to the other occupants.

Clearly, some of these features apply to all vehicle users rather than exclusively to WAV users, but the issue of battery placement, the room it requires, and the subsequent need for a bigger WAV vehicle doesn’t particularly support occupant proximity.

So, one design challenge for automotive manufacturers is the optimal placement of batteries and hoists in electric WAVs so that passengers and drivers are not compromised with either too much, or not enough, space. By consulting wheelchair users directly during the design process, manufacturers are more likely to develop inclusive, practical solutions that cater to the needs of all WAV users.