24 May 2024 , 09:24
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Disabled drivers driven round the bend by a mind-boggling array of apps now have access to a one-stop-shop app that makes it easier to top-up their electric vehicles.
The free Motability Go Charge app allows drivers to check which chargepoints are available in real time, track charging costs and get support for power or payment issues. It also gives Motability Scheme users an easy way of filtering chargers based on connector type and speed and pay for public EV charging - with no subscription fees or pre-authorisation required.
Half of the 760,000 Motability Scheme customers lack access to off-street parking and with limited accessible and affordable public charging available, many could find themselves unable to make the switch to EV. In a bid to tackle these challenges, Motability Operations partnered with several start-ups, including Paua, to pilot schemes that can help many disabled customers overcome some of the barriers to electric vehicles.
The Go Charge app and card makes things easier (Kennedy News and Media)Paying for public chargepoints, for example, can be particularly challenging for some disabled customers. The Go Charge app and card streamlines EV payments at more than 45,000 chargepoints across the UK. This includes operators such as GRIDSERVE, Source London, ChargePlace Scotland, ESB, Geniepoint, Shell Recharge, Osprey and others.
They cover more than 50 per cent of all chargepoints in the UK and 70 per cent of all rapid chargepoints, with ongoing efforts to expand coverage further as the government's ZEV mandate approaches. Chief executive of Motability Operations, Andrew Miller, said: "Our customers have told us that paying for public charging is difficult due to the need for multiple app downloads, complicated payment systems and costly subscriptions all creating a barrier to the transition to EV.
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"We also know that collaboration is key to make the EV transition successful, that's why we've partnered with companies like Paua and others to find innovative solutions for our disabled customers. In addition we've committed £300m to support the affordability of EVs and are working with local authorities to help plan for accessible public charging infrastructure."