Making EVs Accessible for All

Andrew Corselli

Electric vehicles (EVs) were developed as an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered cars with environmental benefits. However, there’s one group that has a difficult time fully capitalizing on EVs’ myriad benefits: wheelchair-bound people. That is, until now.

To address the needs of wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) users in the U.K.’s transition to electric, Motability Operations has revealed eVITA. It’s an accessible and versatile concept electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (eWAV), designed in collaboration with CALLUM.

“eVITA is not the first eWAV, as conversions do exist, but it is the first concept to be designed from the ground up with inclusivity and accessibility front of mind,” said Michelle Vellacott, Customer Support Director, Motability Operations. “There aren’t lots of eWAV options available today, and those that do exist are either compromised by the battery or are larger vehicles.”

The battery-positioning hindrance is that they’re located in the floor of EVs; the batteries aren’t flat, which necessitates a raised portion of their housing. This restricts the internal cabin height and creates an uneven floor, which, in a small or medium vehicle, restricts access for wheelchair users entering from the rear, said Vellacott.

So, the CALLUM team re-engineered the EV battery by rearranging its internal components to reduce its overall height. Placed under the floor, eVITA’s flat battery location helps achieve a completely smooth floor. “Now, wheelchair users can enter via the tailgate and easily travel through the interior into the seating position,” said Adam Donfrancesco, Engineering Director, CALLUM.

“Reconfiguring the battery also means it’s possible to seat the wheelchair user lower, at a similar height to other occupants, which helps with communication and connection with other passengers — important elements of every journey,” he added.

According to Vellacot, “eVITA’s innovative split tailgate has an electronic door opening system and incorporates an automatic wide, low-angle ramp with a winch aiding wheelchair users’ entry. Its ease of use is a key functional requirement for passenger WAV users.”

Once the fundamental issue of the battery positioning was addressed, then other inclusive features desirable for wheelchair users could be incorporated. “The functionality and experience in the vehicle have been built around the wheelchair user in the eVITA concept,” Vellacott noted.

In addition, to ease the task of charging, eVITA boasts two charging ports, including a lower, accessible, front-mounted option.

“Inside, functionality and versatility were of the highest priority,” Vellacott said. “In the rear, a flip seat provides flexible seating options, while a modular ‘utility bar’ provides easy access to infotainment, heating and air conditioning controls, and features for comfort, convenience, and independence. The utility bar also includes charging ports for personal devices and can feature easy-to-reach storage.”

This was a new challenge for the team at CALLUM, Donfrancesco said. Supported by Motability Operations, they undertook workshops and ergonomic studies to get an understanding of the challenges faced by wheelchair users in vehicles not specifically designed for them.

“Members of the CALLUM design team travelled from Warwick to Bristol seated in a wheelchair in a WAV for real-world experience,” he said. “This and the contributions of Motability Scheme customers has led to eVITA, ensuring it addresses all those real-world issues.”

Vellacott said that Motability is in conversations with OEMs and converters, sharing knowledge and hoping to raise awareness. The aim is to get more people within businesses thinking about this important societal topic and taking inclusivity on board at the outset for design and engineering projects.

“It is vital that nobody is left behind as the U.K. transitions to electric, and Motability Operations has a unique role to drive this forward,” she said. “There is a long road ahead, but we’re very excited about how the project shows what is possible in inclusive design. Now is the moment to rethink design as we move to EVs.”

Also, eVITA has been shortlisted for the Engineering Impact Award at the Engineering and Manufacturing Awards, which celebrate the finest British engineering and manufacturing. The Engineering Impact Award celebrates engineering projects that have played, or are playing, a significant role in addressing wider societal challenges.

“The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on September 4,” Vellacott said. “We all have our fingers crossed!”

This article was written by Andrew Corselli, Digital Content Editor at SAE Media Group. For more information, visit here .

---