Motability Operations and CALLUM challenges students to design the next generation of electric Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (eWAV)

Engineering and Design students from Coventry University and Glasgow School of Art have been tasked with designing a prototype eWAV, that helps to tackle some of the problems faced by wheelchair users looking to transition to electric vehicles.

Most Motability Scheme WAV customers choose smaller WAVs as they’re less cumbersome and generally cheaper to run. However, as electric vehicles typically have their battery located in the vehicle’s floor, offering small, electric WAVs is challenging. Users switching to EVs face higher costs, less usable space and internal height, and lower available payloads. An innovative solution is required if the availability of practical and affordable WAVs is going to continue post-2030 when all new vehicles will be electrified.

The winning students will be given an opportunity to work at design and engineering business CALLUM (founded by acclaimed car designer Ian Callum CBE) on a paid placement, and will bring their vision to life by producing their prototype for testing. This prototype will inspire further eWAV innovation and automotive design, allowing Motability Operations to continue to provide life-changing mobility to Scheme customers in a fast-changing world.

Transitioning WAVs to electric is a challenging task, but this partnership will give the next generation of automotive designers an opportunity to find innovative solutions without threatening the mobility of disabled people.