Motability Operations, the company behind the Motability Scheme, and Kia Corporation are working together to introduce the electric PV5 wheelchair-accessible version to the UK in locally converted and fully integrated variants.

Kia’s PV5 model will join the Motability Scheme as a passenger vehicle from early 2026, firstly with locally converted WAV variants, followed by a ‘made-in-plant’ PV5 WAV expected to enter the market later that year, under a newly signed memorandum of understanding.

It’s the next stage in an ongoing partnership and reinforces both organisations’ commitment to ensuring disabled people are included in the UK’s transition to zero-emission transport, advancing the shared goal of making mobility more accessible and sustainable for everyone.

This agreement builds on Motability Operations’ development of the eVITA concept eWAV, which was created to engage car manufacturers about opportunities for accessible design as the industry shifts to electric.

Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, said: “The eVITA concept demonstrated how inclusive design works if it’s built in from the beginning, and this new MoU with Kia shows that vision becoming reality.

“By sharing our customer and WAV market insight with Kia’s innovative design teams, we’re taking the next step in creating a purpose-built electric WAV to protect disabled people’s mobility through the EV transition.”

Motability Operations currently has over 35,000 WAVs on the Motability Scheme and continues to work closely with UK converters who are also investing in EV-ready designs. By collaborating with Kia and other manufacturers, Motability Operations aims to ensure accessibility is included by design for vehicles.

Motability Operations will support the development process of the PV5 WAV by sharing British Standards-approved technical expertise through PAS 2012-1 and customer insights. The organisations will also ensure the vehicle meets the technological requirements necessary to be registered in the UK and qualify for the Motability Scheme.

Ho Sung Song, president of Kia Corporation, said: “There is no better demonstration of the commitment towards Kia’s vision of ‘Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider’ than the innovative independence that the PV5 WAV offers to those facing mobility challenges.

“The signing of this MOU with Motability Operations reinforces our commitment to leading a future where ‘Mobility for All’ is both sustainable and a basic human right.”

Beyond the vehicle itself, Kia and Motability Operations are exploring smart charging solutions that allow customers to automatically charge when tariffs are lowest, helping reduce running costs which will benefit all drivers. The partnership will also look at how technologies such as vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) can further reduce total cost of ownership and support the wider sustainability transition.