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EV Transition Tracker

Ensuring disabled people aren't left behind as the UK transitions to electric vehicles.

The latest in a series of updates on how the electric vehicle transition is working for our disabled customers and drivers across the UK. 

Motability EV Transition Tracker January 2026
0191 IRIS Photography Mot Van Aug 2025 253A6925

As the UK moves towards phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, understanding what will help drivers – including our disabled customers – feel confident and ready to switch to an electric vehicle has never been more important. 

Public sentiment split on EVs

Although opposition to electric vehicles is beginning to soften, many drivers, particularly those with disabilities, remain cautious about the transition.

It is crucial that we tackle the barriers preventing a smooth transition and ensure EVs are accessible for everyone. 

  • 39% of the UK public feel positively towards EVs 
  • Just 27% of disabled customers on the Motability Scheme feel positive about EVs
  • But 85% of Motability Scheme customers already driving electric have a positive view towards them
  • Many who were previously against buying electric are beginning to change their minds. UK drivers who would not consider buying an EV fell from 36% in August to 30% in November.

Public charging challenges continue to be a key barrier

Without a reliable and accessible public charging network, many drivers will find it difficult to transition to electric. Location, availability and cost challenges remain a major barrier.  

Public charging present significant barriers for EV adoption  

50%
of people

say it is difficult to locate the nearest available charging points

45%
of people

say charging points are often unavailable because they are in use by others

52%
of surveyed Britons

say the cost of charging is the most important factor in determining which charge point they opt for

48%
of our customers

say that cost was also the most important factor in their decision making

74p/kWh
was the average cost of public charging

due to gaps in local infrastructure requiring people to choose more expensive chargers

15
minutes

Many households in the UK face long distances to reach their nearest public charger. In the East of England, people face an average walk of 15 minutes and 18 seconds to reach one

7F3A3395.61840

What our customers say

  • 7F3A5662.61816 (1)

    “Where I live, public transport is too far away for me to access so my car is essential. I’m lucky to have a home charger for my EV, which means charging is great value.

     

    “If I had to rely more on the public network, I would definitely need to prioritise the cost of the charge, over the speed unless I was in the middle of a journey.”

     

    Joseph B, Motability Scheme customer

  • Ndawe MO E Charger Edinburgh 220928 0317.57833 (1)

    “My wife and I changed to the EV because eventually we would like to get off grid and it suits our lifestyle.

     

    “We are lucky we have a home charger, it makes the running costs so much cheaper - I pay far less than I did when I was driving a petrol vehicle.” 

     

    Ronnie, Motability Scheme customer

  • Motability Solihull 133.61664 (2)

    “While I see real benefits to driving an electric vehicle, including the driving experience and the money I save from it, I really struggle with charging on the public network

     

    “Not only is it difficult to locate chargers that you know will be working and available, as a disabled person you have to consider whether the bays will be big enough, the cables too heavy, or facilities too far away.

     

    “I find myself doing all I can to avoid charging on the public network.”  

     

    Vanessa S, EV driver on the Motability Scheme 

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