UK’s top fleet owner makes EVs accessible

Join us at the Net Zero Club News to uncover how Motability Operations, the UK’s largest fleet owner and member of the Urban Mobility Partnership, is spearheading the transition to electric vehicles. James Douglas, the manufacturer and network partnership director at Motability Operations, sheds light on the Scheme’s efforts to facilitate a seamless shift to EVs.

Motability Operations, responsible for delivering the Motability Scheme to over 750,000 disabled individuals in the UK, is committed to ensuring inclusivity in the shift towards electric vehicles. Through our partnership with the Urban Mobility Partnership, we are dedicated to integrating accessibility and mobility for disabled individuals into multi-modal transport solutions, shaping the future of mobility.

With our EV fleet doubling in 2023, boasting over 40,000 EVs on the roads and 5,000 new orders in January alone, Motability Operations is uniquely positioned to drive change and assist the UK in achieving its net zero goals. Our ongoing transition to electric vehicles underscores our belief that accessibility and sustainability can coexist harmoniously – aligning with the mission of the Urban Mobility Partnership.

The Motability Scheme offers individuals receiving a qualifying mobility allowance the opportunity to lease a vehicle. These allowances, approved and granted by the Government, empower customers to lease a vehicle equipped with our worry-free package covering insurance, tyres, servicing, and breakdown support. Upon lease conclusion, the vehicle is returned to Motability Operations, ensuring customers remain mobile as we reinvest 100% of profits to support independent mobility.

Stepping into the role of manufacturer and network partnership director at Motability Operations in 2023, I am honoured to contribute towards the company’s transition to electric vehicles as we navigate this transformative journey.

With the automotive industry swiftly pivoting towards electric, and dwindling availability of petrol and diesel cars in the UK, our proactive approach ensures a smooth EV transition for our customers.

The Motability Scheme is a game-changer for countless disabled individuals and their families, and it is our duty to safeguard the Scheme’s future while making EVs accessible and affordable for all our customers.

We have a significant opportunity to drive EV adoption in the UK by collaborating with our OEM partners to expand our fleet, all while prioritising customer support and providing the necessary information for a seamless transition.

It is anticipated that by 2030, approximately 80% of our applications will be for EVs, reflecting the evolving landscape of our OEM partners. The availability of longer-range and affordable electric vehicles on the Scheme has fuelled the growth of our EV fleet each quarter, offering manufacturers a conducive route to meeting their ZEV mandates.

Moreover, the influx of new manufacturers and automotive brands into the UK market is enhancing the availability and affordability of EVs for our customers, aligning with our commitment to offer a diverse selection reflecting market trends.

Interestingly, the distinguishing feature of our EV fleet lies not in its sheer size, but rather in the diverse demographic of our customers who opt for EVs through the Scheme. Unlike many other EV fleets primarily driven by employees benefiting from company car tax perks, our EV customers exhibit a unique profile.

Compared to the national average, our EV customers are younger, predominantly female, and more likely to reside in suburban areas. A significant proportion are not employed or are retired, with over half boasting a household income below £30,000 annually. The affordability of electric vehicles through the Motability Scheme makes them an attractive proposition for the mass market, indicating accelerated growth ahead.

While the uptake of EVs through the Scheme shows promising signs, a key challenge we face is the lagging evolution of charging infrastructure, with only half of our customers having access to home charging solutions. With ambitious net zero targets in sight, we aim to have 80% of all new applications for EVs by 2030 and 100% by 2035, anticipating a 95% electric fleet by that time. We remain optimistic about achieving these targets and ensuring continued mobility for disabled individuals as we progress towards an all-electric fleet.

To address these challenges, we are actively engaging with industry stakeholders, local authorities, decision-makers, and technology and energy organisations to advocate for our customers and raise awareness of the hurdles they face in transitioning to electric vehicles. An equitable EV transition that considers our customers’ needs from the outset will ultimately benefit all stakeholders in the future.

Our association with the Urban Mobility Partnership plays a vital role in this journey, facilitating collaboration with local authorities and transport providers to shape a future of travel that prioritises accessibility and caters to our diverse customer base.