Millions of people across the country could benefit from a breakthrough new charging tool that makes electric car ownership easier.
Drivers continue to make the transition from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles every day, despite concerns about the viability of making the transition.
Particular concerns have been highlighted for disabled people and how they can adapt to electric vehicle ownership, especially regarding charging at home.
Kerbo Charge has announced the new "Kerbo Glide" cable insertion tool so that disabled people can easily charge their electric cars at home without needing to bend over.
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The Kerbo Glide slots into the charging channel without the driver needing to bend down
|KERBO CHARGE
The brand, which has received backing from Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden, allows motorists to charge their electric cars even if they don't have a driveway.
Drivers can run the charging cable from their house, into a charging gulley in the pavement and up into their cars. The installation of the channel is organised by Kerbo Charge and is being backed by a growing number of councils.
The new Kerbo Glide will enable all EV owners, including those with disabilities, to deploy the charger with one hand and without bending over to insert the cable into the channel.
Kerbo Charge collaborated with Motability Operations to ensure the feature works in the real world, with the unit, which retails for £59, shipping from December.
The Kerbo Glide makes it easier for people with disabilities to charge their electric vehicles
|KERBO CHARGE
Michael Goulden, CEO and co-founder of Kerbo Charge, said: "We've listened to Motability Operations and delivered a cable insertion accessory to make it easy for anyone to use our EV charging channel.
"This is an extremely important, yet so simple, solution to allow those with disabilities ease of charging - even without off-street parking."
A report from Motability Operations in June earlier this year found that the lack of access to on-street home chargers was limiting EV adoption among disabled drivers.
It noted that EV drivers without off-street parking may trail charging cables across the pavement, which can cause hazards for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities.
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Similar data from Motability's EV Transition Tracker found that 46 per cent of people who will not consider investing in an EV cited concerns about home charging as the main reason.
Jon Jenkins, head of innovation and EV accessibility at Motability Operations, acknowledged that cross-pavement products were a "potential solution", but more still needed to be done.
He added: "That's why we've been working directly with manufacturers to help shape designs that better meet the needs of all users.
"It's brilliant to see Kerbo Charge respond to the challenges we raised and take meaningful steps toward cross-pavement products that are inclusive by design."
The Kerbo Glide will begin shipping in December and will retail for £59
|KERBO CHARGE
Motability also highlighted that other cross-pavement products pose difficulties, including heavy or rigid components that create challenges for users with limited motor function, as well as tools that may not be suitable for people seated in wheelchairs.
The Kerbo Glide was tested by Motability Scheme customers, including Sharon, who, alongside her assistance dog Frankie, used the tool to charge her EV.
The motorist, from Woking, gave her verdict, saying: "As an EV driver with a disability, this solution is perfect for me, as it means I do not need to bend down to plug in my electric vehicle.
"As a Motability Scheme customer, it's great to see companies coming together to help make charging my EV as easy as possible. I hope more and more people get to use this simple, yet so effective, cross pavement solution."