Motability Operations and Ofgem have launched a new project to explore how electric cars can serve as emergency power sources for medical equipment during outages.
The Power Wheels project is testing vehicle-to-load technology with Motability customers in England’s North East. The goal is simple – use EVs as backup power supplies for critical medical devices and mobility aids when the grid goes down.
More than 12,500 Motability Scheme customers live in the North East region. The broader scheme supports almost 900,000 drivers across the UK.
For most people, power cuts mean inconvenience. For disabled households or those dependent on medical equipment, they can create serious health risks.
The project started by working directly with Motability Scheme customers to identify what features would make EV energy services safe and practical. Researchers examined how accessible bi-directional chargers could return energy from EVs to homes.
They also looked at charging medical equipment and mobility aids directly from vehicles – plus the accessible controls needed to make the system work for disabled users.
Real-World Testing Phase
The next stage involves 30 Motability customers testing the systems in real conditions. Their feedback will shape how the technology gets rolled out more widely.
“As the UK moves to electric vehicles, it’s vital that this transition supports disabled people’s freedom and independence, and that new technologies are designed around real lives and needs.”
That’s according to Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations.
“Power Wheels gives us the opportunity to work closely with customers and partners to explore how EVs could offer more than mobility – but support their medical resilience, helping people feel safer and more confident when disruption happens,” Miller added.
Accessible Vehicle Development
Beyond emergency power applications, Motability Operations continues expanding EV options for disabled drivers. The organization works with manufacturers to develop specially adapted vehicles.
In 2025, it partnered with Kia to create a wheelchair-accessible vehicle based on the PV5 van. This project breaks new ground in the WAV market.
Most wheelchair-accessible vehicles get converted by third-party companies after leaving the main factory. The Kia PV5 WAV will be built directly at Kia’s South Korean facility alongside standard PV5 models.
The first units are expected to reach UK customers before the end of 2026.
