AssetID: 53597243
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Top British Car Designer Creates Futuristic Electric Vehicle For The Disabled
Caption: The designer of some of Jaguar and Aston Martin’s most spectacular modern cars has created a futuristic new electric concept car specifically for the disabled. Motability Operations, the leading provider of mobility solutions for disabled individuals in the UK, collaborated with Ian Callum and his firm CALLUM on the revolutionary eVITA, a cutting-edge electric Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (eWAV) concept. Incorporating feedback from Motability Scheme customers, the eVITA concept embodies inclusive design principles, ensuring accessibility without compromising on style or functionality. Motability Operations aims to spearhead collaboration within the automotive industry to prioritize inclusivity throughout the development of electric vehicles, preventing the exclusion of wheelchair users. “Today, electric vehicles are not offering the functionality and flexibility required by WAV users,” says Callum. “OEMs, their designers and engineers must plan ahead and embrace inclusive design principles to ensure that WAV users and disabled people are not forgotten in the transition to EVs. With eVITA, form and functionality have been developed in parallel, resulting in a well-considered, user-friendly EV that is both practical and stylish.” With over 34,000 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) currently on the road and approximately 4,000 new applications annually for small and medium WAVs, Motability Operations recognizes the importance of supporting its 750,000 customers through the transition to electric vehicles. One of the significant challenges faced by wheelchair users is the reduction in internal space caused by traditional floor-mounted batteries in many electric vehicles. The eVITA concept, crafted by the CALLUM team under the direction of design director Callum, the man responsible for the Aston Martin DB9 and Vanquish, boasts a striking exterior design coupled with innovative engineering solutions. The vehicle's battery has been strategically positioned under the floor, optimising interior space and ensuring a smooth transition for wheelchair users from the ramped entrance to the cabin. Key features of the eVITA concept include a flat floor design, two charging ports for convenience, and a spacious interior equipped with user-friendly controls accessible to all occupants. The vehicle's lower centre of gravity enhances stability and manoeuverability, providing wheelchair users with a comfortable and secure travel experience. Innovative lighting technology integrated into the eVITA concept addresses common challenges faced by wheelchair users, such as limited access space in parking lots. LED puddle lights project visual cues onto the ground, alerting other motorists to leave sufficient space for wheelchair access. The interior of the eVITA concept prioritizes versatility and accessibility, with a modular utility bar providing easy access to essential features and customizable storage options. The hope is that the introduction of the eVITA concept marks a significant milestone in the journey towards accessible and equitable cars tailored for disabled individuals, with production cars following its lead in the future. Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations adds: “The transition to electric simply won’t work unless it’s accessible for all. 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.”
Keywords: evita, callum, car, electric vehicle, disabled, feature, photo, video
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