Disabled groups call for wireless EV charging

Wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging should be introduced to overcome the accessibility issues disabled motorists face with the current charging system and ensure that they are not ‘left behind’ in the switch to electric cars.

That’s the message from Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK), a charity for disabled drivers, passengers and Blue Badge holders.

Its chief executive Graham Footer believes that with the Government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, wireless charging (also known as inductive charging) is essential to help disabled motorists make the switch to EVs. 

He said: “If the Government promise of leaving no one behind is to be realised, then wireless charging will need to be given much more serious consideration.”

Almost one in ten new cars in the UK are bought on behalf of disabled people but owning an electric car is more difficult for those who need to use public charging points as most have not been designed with disabled people in mind. 

Fazilet Hadi, head of policy at Disability Rights UK, described the current situation as a “Wild West”, with companies seemingly able to install charging points “without considering the needs of all street users”.

She said that “a considerable number of wheelchair users struggle with the accessibility of current charging points”.

“Current systems either block pavements, meaning people walk into them, or the cables are trip hazards for people with visual or mobility impairments,” she said. 

“Wireless charging does away with such dangers.”

There are two types of wireless EV charging: static, where a car parks on a charging pad or dynamic, where the car is charged wirelessly on the move. 

The former could provide a solution for disabled motorists at public car parks or for home charging. 

Although no electric cars on sale in the UK have wireless charging capability, Hyundai Motor Group has been working with WiTricity to develop the technology and the Genesis GV60 is set to have it as an option. A number of other manufacturers are also trialling the technology. 

BMW ran a pilot in Germany which has since been expanded to the United States with customers providing feedback on using wireless charging technology to charge BMW 530e plug-in-hybrids. 

Mercedes-Benz is also eyeing the technology. A spokesperson said that wireless charging could be a “very convenient solution” for its customers so it is observing and evaluating the technological development “and a possible introduction into our products”. 

Various trials of wireless charging technology have been taking place in the UK. In October 2021 Char.gy launched a 12-month trial in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, with car sharing platform Hiyacar, using 10 Renault Zoes fitted with an aftermarket induction charging kit, while in Nottingham 10 Nissan and LEVC electric taxis have been fitted with wireless charging hardware to trial taxi rank-based charging.

"We have provided £10 million of funding to develop wireless charging technologies." DfT spokesperson

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport (DfT) said: "We recognise the diverse needs of different user groups and that different zero emission vehicle infrastructure technologies may be required to meet those needs.

"That is why Government is supporting a wide range of infrastructure innovation projects, including their design, development, and use.

"We have provided £10 million of funding to develop wireless charging technologies, recognising the many accessibility benefits.

"This includes removing cables on pavements for pedestrians, the need to lift heavy cables, and removing barriers to plug them in."