Motability Operations has unveiled eVITA, an all-electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) designed to challenge automakers to prioritize accessibility in their EV designs.
Created through collaboration between the mobility provider and design studio CALLUM, the British-built eVITA serves as a demonstration vehicle showing how wheelchair users can be included in the electric vehicle transition.
The vehicle features a reconfigured battery layout that enables wheelchair access through a low-angle rear ramp integrated into the split electric tailgate. Raised windows help reduce motion sickness – a common issue for passengers in WAVs.
Inside, the eVITA allows wheelchair users to sit closer to the driver, creating a more social experience. A “utility bar” puts infotainment, climate controls, storage space, and charging ports within easy reach of all passengers.
Motability Operations currently manages 35,000 WAVs in its fleet.
The organization warns that manufacturers must ensure EVs are suitable or adaptable for wheelchair users or risk leaving them behind as the UK and Europe phase out internal combustion engine vehicles typically converted into WAVs.
“Up to 1.2 million wheelchair users in the UK are at risk of being left behind as the country shifts to electric vehicles but this can be addressed by placing accessibility at the heart of vehicle design,” said Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations. “That is why we invested in eVITA – informed by our customers’ insight – to provide a blueprint for how manufacturers can embed accessibility into design processes from the outset, reducing cost and protecting disabled people’s independence.
“This is just the first step. Our aim is to work with as many manufacturers and converters as possible to share our learnings and support the development of solutions that will safeguard disabled people’s mobility as the industry moves towards electric.”
The eVITA concept incorporates direct input from Motability’s existing WAV users to ensure it addresses real-world needs.
“Good design should start with understanding people and their real-world needs,” said Ian Callum CBE, design director of CALLUM. “Working with Motability Operations on eVITA has been an opportunity to understand what wheelchair users actually need from a vehicle as the industry transitions to electric.
“By taking a collaborative approach, we’ve created something that’s both practical and thoughtful and shows that accessible design doesn’t have to be an afterthought. I hope it encourages others in the industry to think differently and do more.”
The eVITA demonstrator is currently on display at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit, alongside the Kia PV5 WAV – another vehicle developed in partnership with Motability Operations.
