Motability Operations undertakes EV rally
Motability Operations, which runs the Motability Scheme for 800,000 disabled customers across the UK, is embarking on a challenging two-day, 500-mile EV rally across Wales.
Commencing today (13 November) the rally is in collaboration with the Welsh government as one of the flagship events at Wales Climate Action Week this year. It will see Motability Operations employees join other teams to travel through diverse Welsh terrain, from Cardiff through the Brecon Beacons and finishing in Neath Port Talbot.
The Cymru EV Rally comes at a crucial time for the UK’s EV transition, coinciding with the Welsh government’s ambitious plans to ensure confident charging access by 2025 and develop a rapid charging network to meet the need for 55,000 fast chargers across the country.
It comes as challenges exist for more than half of Motability Operations’ customers who lack off-street parking, making public charging essential, but 72% express a lack of confidence in the network. As Motability Operations invests in supporting its customers to switch to electric, this rally will be important for gathering vital on-the-ground insights into the accessibility and reliability of public charging.
The Motability Operations team for the rally includes Ross Smith, Scheme Stakeholder Executive at Motability Operations, and Molly Chauhan, Partnerships Marketing Executive.
Smith said:
“This rally isn’t about speed; it’s about understanding.
“Our customers are representative of the wider UK population’s experience of electric. If the transition works for them it will work for everyone, so it’s vital we understand their experience and find innovative solutions that address their accessibility challenges. By experiencing these journeys firsthand, we can identify pain points and advocate for solutions that work for everyone.”
Molly Chauhan said:
“As a Motability Scheme customer for over a decade, I’m excited to be part of the annual EV rally and contribute to a stronger understanding of the current EV infrastructure.
“The Motability Scheme has given me invaluable freedom and independence, and I’m eager to help shape the future of accessible EV driving.”
Jonathan Jenkins, head of innovation at Motability Operations said:
“We are excited to see the EV industry come together for the EV Rally Cymru, it’s key that we all collaborate to make sure the EV transition can work for all.
“The rally’s findings will help inform our customer’s transition to electric and help us raise awareness of the accessibility challenges of the public charging infrastructure.”
Insights gathered from the EV Rally Cymru will help shape future initiatives at Motability Operations, building on the £300 million the company has already invested in ensuring an inclusive transition.
Image courtesy of Motability Operations