Kia & Motability Team Up for Accessible Electric PV5

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a significant leap towards inclusive and sustainable mobility, Motability Operations and Kia Corporation have forged a partnership aimed at introducing the electric PV5 wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) to the UK market. This collaboration promises to deliver a locally converted and fully integrated version of the PV5, marking an exciting new chapter in the ongoing evolution of accessible transport.

From early 2026, the Kia PV5 will be available as a passenger vehicle within the Motability Scheme, beginning with locally converted WAV variants. Later that same year, a factory-made PV5 WAV is set to hit the market, all under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two organisations. This agreement not only underscores their commitment to the disabled community but also highlights the necessity of integrating accessibility into the growing sector of zero-emission transport.

This initiative builds upon Motability Operations’ innovative development of the eVITA concept eWAV, which was designed to engage car manufacturers in discussions about accessible design opportunities as the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs). The eVITA concept has been instrumental in demonstrating how inclusive design can be effectively incorporated from the outset of vehicle development, ensuring that the needs of disabled individuals are prioritised.

Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “The eVITA concept demonstrated how inclusive design works if it’s built in from the beginning, and this new MoU with Kia shows that vision becoming reality. By sharing our customer and WAV market insight with Kia’s innovative design teams, we’re taking the next step in creating a purpose-built electric WAV to protect disabled people’s mobility through the EV transition.”

Currently, Motability Operations manages over 35,000 WAVs as part of its scheme, working closely with UK converters who are investing in electric vehicle-ready designs. This partnership with Kia represents a significant stride towards ensuring that accessibility is not an afterthought but a foundational element of vehicle design.

In this collaborative effort, Motability Operations will lend its British Standards-approved technical expertise, particularly through PAS 2012-1, alongside invaluable customer insights. This ensures that the PV5 WAV will not only meet the necessary technological requirements for registration in the UK but will also qualify for the Motability Scheme, making it an accessible option for those who need it most.

Ho Sung Song, president of Kia Corporation, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “There is no better demonstration of the commitment towards Kia’s vision of ‘Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider’ than the innovative independence that the PV5 WAV offers to those facing mobility challenges. The signing of this MoU with Motability Operations reinforces our commitment to leading a future where ‘Mobility for All’ is both sustainable and a basic human right.”

Moreover, the partnership is not limited to the vehicle itself; Kia and Motability Operations are also exploring advanced smart charging solutions. These will enable customers to automatically charge their vehicles during off-peak tariff periods, significantly reducing running costs for all drivers. Additionally, the collaboration will investigate how innovative technologies such as vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems can further diminish total ownership costs while supporting the wider transition towards sustainability.

As we stand on the cusp of a new era in mobility, this collaboration between Motability Operations and Kia Corporation serves as a beacon of hope for the future of accessible transport. With a shared vision for a sustainable and inclusive future, both organisations are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift towards zero-emission vehicles. This initiative not only aligns with the overarching goals of the Net Zero movement but also highlights the importance of accessibility in our rapidly evolving transport landscape.

As we continue to monitor the developments stemming from this partnership, we invite our readers to reflect on the profound impact that inclusive design can have on the lives of individuals with disabilities. The journey towards a more sustainable and accessible future is not just about the vehicles we drive; it’s about ensuring that everyone has the freedom to move without barriers.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration as it unfolds, and let’s celebrate the strides being made towards a greener, more inclusive world for all.