DRM - Disability Review Magazine - Winter 2021/22

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56 MOTORI NG AN D MOBI LIT Y D R M

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: DO YOU HAVE RANGE ANXIETY? Is worrying about running out of charge causing you to put the brakes on getting an electric vehicle? Worry not – we’ve put together this guide to ease you out of your range anxiety. One of the more persistent untruths about electric cars is that you’ll have an anxiety-filled journey waiting to suddenly run out of charge, with no way to recharge to get back home. The reality is very different. Today’s full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are so capable that running out of energy is now no more likely than running out of diesel or petrol in a ‘traditional’ car.

Charging options

One of the benefits of the Motability Scheme is you’ll be offered the option of a home charge point installation at no extra cost. If you don’t have off-street parking, or you’re not able to have a home charge point installed, you will be able to access a network of public charging points for easy on-street charging. There are also an increasing number of charge points popping up, for example in supermarket car parks and motorway service stations.

it. Also, if you download the ZapMap app, you can locate publicly available electric vehicle charging points across Britain.

How can I find an electric car on the Motability Scheme?

There are a number of makes and models available to lease on the Motability Scheme, from small city cars to family hatchbacks and larger SUVs. To see what’s currently available, use the car search tool at motability.co.uk and select ‘Electric’ in the ‘Fuel Type’ option.

About the Motability Scheme Motability Scheme enables you to exchange all or part of your mobility allowance to lease a car, Wheelchair Accessible

Range alerts

Full battery electric vehicles never run out of charge without warning. They repeatedly remind you of the outstanding range. They are equipped with economy modes for low battery to help get you to a safe place. Early electric cars did have low ranges which were limiting for many people, but a lot has developed over the last decade. The “Range Anxiety” label should now be consigned to history. Batteries are now a lot bigger in electric vehicles, like the Hyundai Kona Electric, capable of 259 miles, the Nissan Leaf e+ which can do as much as 217 miles on a full charge.

Vehicle, mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. Find out more about the qualifying

If you’re charging on the go it will take a bit more time and planning than a petrol or diesel car. Instead of taking two minutes to fill up at the pumps, it can take around half an hour with a rapid charger to top up your electric car. And if you’re charging from empty on average, it takes just under eight hours to charge to the brim, but it all depends on the speed of the charging point and the size of your car’s battery.The latest battery electric vehicles, with their navigation systems, will find the nearest charging station if you need

mobility allowances at

motability.co.uk/allowances Every lease is all inclusive, so insurance for up to 3 named drivers (this doesn’t have to be you), servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover is included. All you need to do is add fuel and go. If you think the Scheme could be right for you, and you’d like to find out more, you can visit the website motability.co.uk or call one of their friendly advisors on 0800 093 1000.

Author: Motability | motability.co.uk | @MotabilityOps

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