Motability Go Charge Launches To Simplify Public EV Charging

Motability Operations, the organization responsible for the Motability Scheme in the UK, has partnered with tech company Paua to enhance public charging options for its customers. With over 760,000 customers across the country, Motability Operations aims to simplify the charging experience for disabled electric vehicle (EV) users. The collaboration has resulted in the development of the Go Charge app and card, which provide a convenient one-stop solution for accessing and paying for over 70% of all rapid chargepoints in the UK, without any subscription fees.The Motability Go Charge app allows customers to check real-time availability of chargepoints, filter chargers based on connector type and speed, track charging costs over time, and receive immediate support for any chargepoint or payment issues. This innovative solution addresses the specific challenges faced by disabled drivers during the EV transition. Many of Motability Scheme's 760,000 customers lack off-street parking and have limited access to affordable public charging options. By partnering with startups like Paua, Motability Operations aims to overcome these barriers and support its disabled customers in making the switch to electric vehicles.Paying for public chargepoints has been a major challenge for Motability Scheme customers. However, the Go Charge app and card streamline EV payments at more than 45,000 chargepoints across the UK. This includes chargepoints from various operators such as GRIDSERVE, Source London, ChargePlace Scotland, ESB, Geniepoint, Shell Recharge, and Osprey. The coverage extends to over 50% of all chargepoints in the UK and 70% of all rapid chargepoints, with ongoing efforts to expand further.Motability Operations CEO Andrew Miller emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring a successful EV transition. He stated that the company is committed to finding innovative solutions for its disabled customers and has partnered with Paua and other companies to achieve this goal. Miller also mentioned that Motability Operations has allocated £300 million to support the affordability of EVs and is working with local authorities to plan accessible public charging infrastructure.Following a successful pilot in 2023, where extensive data and insights were gathered from 5,000 customers over a nine-month period, Go Charge will now be automatically rolled out to every EV customer on the Motability Scheme. Customers will receive the Go Charge card and user guide when they order their EV. The pilot demonstrated high levels of customer satisfaction, with nearly 12,000 transactions completed and positive feedback from users. The success of Go Charge highlights its potential to inspire further innovations that promote an accessible EV transition for all.Motability Operations has been delivering the Motability Scheme for over 45 years, helping disabled individuals and their families access independent mobility. The scheme allows people who receive higher or enhanced mobility allowance to use their allowance for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles, powered wheelchairs, or scooters. The worry-free package includes insurance, servicing, tires, and breakdown cover for a lease period of 3-5 years. At the end of the lease, customers can choose a brand-new vehicle while their old vehicle is remarketed at the best possible price. Motability Operations takes pride in its exceptional customer service and has an average customer satisfaction rating of 9.6/10.In conclusion, Motability Operations' partnership with Paua has resulted in the development of the Go Charge app and card, providing a simplified and inclusive solution for disabled EV customers on the Motability Scheme. The app allows customers to easily access and pay for public charging at numerous chargepoints across the UK. With a commitment to supporting its customers through the EV transition, Motability Operations aims to overcome the challenges faced by disabled drivers and ensure an accessible and affordable charging infrastructure.