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Callum eVita
Introducing eVITA… Callum’s concept electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (eWAV) ⚡️
Callum Introduces eVITA… a concept electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (eWAV)
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The eVITA design addresses the needs of passenger WAV users in small/medium electric vehicles.
Developed in partnership with Motability Operations Ltd, the accessible, versatile and stylish concept vehicle showcases what can be achieved with inclusive design and engineering.
Key Highlights:
- Innovative Design: eVITA introduces a reengineered EV battery layout enhancing wheelchair accessibility, seating positions, and visibility.
- Automated Access: Features an automated ramp for easy wheelchair entry, addressing a crucial need for mobility.
- Adaptable Interior: Offers versatile seating and storage options, catering to the unique needs of every occupant.
- Industry Collaboration: Motability Operations aims to work with the automotive industry, emphasizing inclusive design to ensure no wheelchair user is left behind in the EV transition.
Press Release
Motability Operations has identified that more than 34,000 users of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in the UK could be left behind in the transition to EVs if the automotive industry does not take action and collaborate to design and manufacture inclusive vehicles.
London/Warwick, 20 March 2024: Motability Operations, the commercial organisation that delivers the life-changing Motability Scheme to disabled people across the UK, reveals eVITA, a next-generation electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (eWAV) concept. Designed and engineered by CALLUM, eVITA addresses the needs of passenger WAV users in the transition to small/medium electric vehicles.
The EV concept has been developed using inclusive design principles with input from Motability Scheme customers throughout. Utilising eVITA to demonstrate what is possible, Motability Operations wants to collaborate with the automotive industry to ensure inclusive design principles are considered throughout development so that wheelchair users are not left behind.
Motability Operations is supporting its 750,000 customers in the transition to EVs by highlighting challenges and finding solutions. It currently has over 34,000 WAVs on the road, with around 4,000 applications each year for small and medium WAVs. The design of today’s EVs poses challenges for eWAV conversion and accessibility for wheelchair users. Without a solution, this would lead to customers in a wheelchair having to opt for larger vehicles than they need when switching to electric.
Ian Callum, Design Director at CALLUM, emphasizes the necessity of inclusive design, “With eVITA, form and functionality have been developed in parallel, resulting in a well-considered, user-friendly EV.”
“The transition to electric simply won’t work unless it’s accessible for all,” says Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations. “We have the largest fleet in the UK and three quarters of a million disabled customers who rely on their vehicles for their independence. Our customers aren’t the typical early EV adopters, they’re more representative of the wider population, and we know from first-hand insight what the challenges of having an EV will be for everyone. Without solutions and an equitable switch to electric, thousands of people could be left behind.”
“This is most pressing for our customers who use wheelchair accessible vehicles as they don’t have an obvious or affordable solution to transition to a smaller EV. We were determined to find a way forward and I’m absolutely delighted that we have developed the eVITA concept with CALLUM, which genuinely has accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of its design, demonstrating what is possible. We’re sharing our knowledge and understanding with the industry – manufacturers, designers and engineers – to support an EV transition that works for everyone.”
To find out more take a look at:
- Callum Designs: https://callumdesigns.com/
- Motability Operations: https://www.motabilityoperations.co.uk/
*eVITA is a concept vehicle designed to showcase potential advancements and spark innovation within the automotive industry. It is not currently available as a production vehicle.
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