Motability and Paua sign deal to simplify charging

Motability Operations has launched a new EV charging service to simplify public EV charging for its customers.

In partnership with Paua, Motability Go Charge allows any Motability customer with an electric car to charge their vehicle at more than 45,000 charge points using a single payment method.

Motability Operations provides lease vehicles for more than 760,000 disabled customers and already has more than 48,000 customers using EVs. However, it says that issues with chargepoint access and complicated payment systems are among the obstacles to more making a switch to EVs.

Paying for public chargepoints can be especially challenging for Motability scheme customers, so the Go Charge app and card aim to streamline EV payments using a single payment method at more than 45,000 chargepoints across the UK. This includes chargepoints from operators including GRIDSERVE, Source London, ChargePlace Scotland, ESB, Geniepoint, Shell Recharge, Osprey and many more, covering over 50% of all chargepoints in the UK and 70% of all rapid chargepoints.

Customers can use the Go Charge app to check which chargepoints are available in real time, filter chargers based on connector type and speed, track charging costs over time and provide in the moment support for chargepoint or payment issues.

Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations, said: “Our customers have told us that paying for public charging is difficult, with the need for multiple app downloads, complicated payment systems and costly subscriptions all creating a barrier to the transition to EV.

“We also know that collaboration is key to make the EV transition successful, that’s why we have partnered with companies like Paua and several others to find innovative solutions for our disabled customers.

“On top of this, we have committed £300m to support the affordability of EVs and are working with local authorities to help plan for accessible public charging infrastructure.”

Go Charge will now roll out automatically to every EV customer on the Motability Scheme. Customers will be sent the card and user guide when they order their EV. This follows a successful pilot in 2023, where Motability Operations gathered extensive data and insights during a nine-month pilot period with 5,000 customers to understand the specific challenges its disabled customers face when charging their EV using public chargepoints.