Being able to get around is vital for any adult, as it gives a sense of independence. For those who live in cities, they may have the option of public transportation, but in rural areas, a car is essential. This can be especially true for people with disabilities, as public transport is often not up to scratch when it comes to accessibility.
With climate change growing into an ever-pressing issue, many drivers are considering making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Unlike traditional gas or diesel vehicles, they do not emit harmful gases from the exhaust, which contribute to global warming. They also offer a smoother driving experience, which many drivers prefer. This can also be beneficial for drivers with a disability, who want to avoid any jolting movements.
But one of the biggest concerns around purchasing an EV is just how easy or hard it will be to charge. If this resonates with you, then read on to find out how switching to an electric car could affect you.
Non-grip charging
Positives
Perhaps one of the benefits of electric charging over traditional fuel is the ease of grip. EV chargers simply require the user to push the nozzle in, rather than needing to hold down a trigger to start fueling. Once the car is charged, you just pull the charger out again.
Whilst it takes longer to charge an EV than traditional fueling at a gas station, the driver doesn’t need to wait by the car whilst it is filling up. People with muscular problems, artificial limbs or joint pain may benefit from this type of charging in particular.
Issues
Some drivers find that lifting the charging cable from the trunk and maneuvering it to the charge point is challenging.
Charge point accessibility
Positives
Gas stations can be difficult to navigate at the best of times, as having two vehicles lined up next to each other can leave little room to maneuver if you’re in a wheelchair or need additional space. Whilst electric charge points might be more challenging when you’re out and about, the majority of your charging is likely to be done at home. This means that you can have the charge point installed in a location which suits you, without having to worry about being rushed by other people in the queue.
Issues
One of the downsides of owning an EV is that you need to plan where you’re going to recharge if you’re going on a long journey. Unlike an in-and-out gas station, you’re likely to need to wait a while before your vehicle is back on the road again, and all this time, you’re either going to need to wait in the car, or inside a local service station.
Electric chargers in the U.S tend to be quite remote (there are 43,000 public charging stations, but a significant number of them are in California) which means that the driver will potentially be alone and may feel vulnerable sitting in the car.
To sum up
There are pros and cons to EVs for disabled drivers, but ultimately it depends on the length of journey that you’re doing. If you’re charging at home the majority of the time, then an EV can be a great option, as it avoids many of the issues that come with EV charging.