How can electric vehicles help drivers with disabilities maintain their independence?
Image by Eren Goldman, Unsplash
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and it is easy to see why. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they are helping to make the lives of drivers easier in a number of ways. In fact, disabled drivers, in particular, may find that electric vehicles offer them a level of independence that they did not have before. In this article, we explore three ways in which EVs achieve this.
Reducing costs
Owning a car is an expensive investment. After the initial outlay, you’ll have to consider servicing costs, fuel prices, taxes and insurance, on top of any repairs your car may need. And whilst the average cost of an electric vehicle will be higher initially than a petrol/diesel equivalent, many of the other costs associated with car ownership will be dramatically lower or taken away altogether.
For example, with fewer moving parts, ongoing maintenance is typically cheaper with an EV. What’s more, with no internal combustion engine, you won’t have to worry about filling up your tank with petrol. Whilst you will have to consider the electricity costs that come with charging this type of car, these will typically be less expensive than fuel prices.
Reducing these costs can help individuals to maintain their independence by making it easier for them to use and run a car, and will likely go a long way to help encourage greater EV takeup. This can particularly benefit people with disabilities, who may not work, or work-part time, and so have a tighter household budget.
Easy to operate
EVs are considered by some to be easier to operate. Whilst many disabled drivers struggle with the coordination required to operate a traditional vehicle, electric vehicles can be controlled with just a few simple buttons.
Additionally, EVs are typically automatic, meaning there is no gear stick to manage - this can make the driving experience more comfortable, particularly for people who suffer from joint pain or lack of mobility in their arms. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, and more choice becomes available, disabled drivers will have increased opportunities to enjoy the freedom of the open road.
Of course, not everyone will find this new technology easier to operate, particularly if they have been driving a traditional vehicle for most of their life. Taking a test drive before purchasing an EV is a valuable step to gauge how comfortable one might feel driving an EV full-time.
Responsive to eco-anxiety
For people living with eco-anxiety, or at least a strong environmental conscience, mundane tasks can suddenly feel more daunting. For example, a short drive to the grocery store might be easier than walking for people with mobility issues, but short car journeys are when traditional cars are most inefficient, posing a dilemma for these people.
In this way, EVs could help make the decision easier, and encourage more people to make more journeys on their own, helping them to maintain their all-important independence. With these cars producing zero tailpipe emissions, there will be no guilt about making short journeys, which could otherwise be harmful to the environment.
