The UK government’s planned end to the sale of petrol and diesel engine cars and vans by 2030 is fast approaching. The main alternative will be electric vehicles (EVs) – but will everyone be able to make this switch?

Research by Energy Systems Catapult commissioned by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has found that people with mental health problems will face extra difficulties when they have to change to electric cars.

Under Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) funding, the Equal Electric Vehicles (Equal EV) project, is exploring the enablers and barriers to people with disabilities and/or other vulnerabilities adopting and using electric vehicles (EVs).

Stage 1 of the Equal EV project, carried out by Impact Research, identified four key barriers for members of these groups that could limit their ability to engage with EVs:

Stage 2 of the Equal EV project, was carried out Energy Systems Catapult, aiming to:

Key findings

The main conclusions from the Equal EV – Stage 2 report – Unequal EV: Technology Viability and Future Services for Vulnerable Customers, include:

Mobility Impairments

Mental Health Impairments

How can DNOs help?

The project generated a further 71 ideas/concepts, with three explored in more depth:

Lisa Doogan, Head of Customer Service and Stakeholder Strategy at SSEN

“We are excited to be working with Energy Systems Catapult on this second phase of Equal EV; examining solutions to overcome the obstacles identified by drivers and motorists with disabilities and vulnerabilities during Equal EV’s first phase.”

Read the Report

Unequal EV: Technology Viability and Future Services for Vulnerable Customers.

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