Motability Operations has launched its new Go Charge solution to simplify public EV charging for customers.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Developed in partnership with EV charge card business Paua, Go Charge provides EV drivers on the Motability Scheme with a one-stop solution for accessing and paying for public charging, with no subscription fees and no pre-authorisation required.

The EV transition has brought specific challenges for disabled drivers. Half of the 760,000 Motability Scheme customers lack access to off-street parking and with limited accessible and affordable public charging available, many customers could find themselves unable to make the switch.

Paying for public charge points can be especially challenging for Motability Scheme customers but the new Go Charge app and card tackles this. It works in a similar way to Paua’s direct charge card solution for fleets, enabling app and card EV payments at more than 45,000 charge points across the UK. This includes chargers from operators such as Gridserve, Source London, ChargePlace Scotland, ESB, Geniepoint, Shell Recharge, Osprey and many more, covering over 50% of all charge points in the UK and 70% of all rapid charge points, with ongoing efforts to expand coverage.

Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations, said: “Our customers have told us that paying for public charging is difficult, with the need for multiple app downloads, complicated payment systems and costly subscriptions all creating a barrier to the transition to EV.

“We also know that collaboration is key to make the EV transition successful, that’s why we have partnered with companies such as Paua and several others to find innovative solutions for our disabled customers.

“On top of this, we have committed £300m to support the affordability of EVs and are working with local authorities to help plan for accessible public charging infrastructure.”

Go Charge will now roll out automatically to every EV customer on the Motability Scheme and customers will be sent the card and user guide when they order their EV.

Its launch follows a successful pilot in 2023, where Motability Operations gathered extensive data and insights during a nine-month pilot period with 5,000 customers to understand the specific challenges its disabled customers face when charging their EV using public charge points.