Go Charge launches to simplify public EV charging

MOTABILITY Operations has launched Motability Go Charge, an innovative solution to simplify public EV charging for its customers. 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. Go Charge delivers a 1 stop solution for accessing and paying for public charging for EV customers on the Motability Scheme, with no subscription fees and no pre-authorisation required.

As the Government's ZEV mandate approaches, manufacturer lines are changing quickly. More Electric Vehicles (EVs) are being produced resulting in fewer yet more expensive choices of petrol and diesel cars. However, the EV transition has highlighted specific challenges for disabled drivers. Half of the 760,000 Motability Scheme customers lack access to off-street parking and with limited accessible and affordable public charging available, many customers could find themselves unable to make the switch.

Despite these challenges, the company remains focused on supporting its customers through the transition. That's why it has partnered with several startups, including Paua, to pilot schemes, which can help many of its disabled customers overcome some of the barriers to electric, especially the 48,000 customers which have already made the switch.

Paying for public chargepoints can be especially challenging for Scheme customers. The Go Charge app and card streamlines EV payments 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, with ongoing efforts to expand coverage.

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 9 month pilot period with 5,000 customers to understand the specific challenges its disabled customers face when charging their EV using public chargepoints.

Public Health report sings Eurovision's praises 

AS the City marks the Anniversary of hosting Eurovision and prepares to welcome pop mega star Taylor Swift, the report pinpoints the importance of Liverpool's thriving cultural sector in helping the Council's Public Health team to reach a wider audience; promoting healthier lifestyles and the health and wellbeing offers available to City residents.

A key example was the Eurovision community programme, which saw a host of singing classes take place in schools and nursing homes across the City Region.

The report, which has been praised in the Association of Directors of Public Health Annual report for its accessibility, also reveals the pressing need for the Public Health team to work with City communities to develop innovative approaches.

Collaborations with people on the ground in our communities is just 1 example of this, having an impact on vaccination uptake, improving mental health and raising awareness of a range of health issues.

Councils across the country are required to produce annual reports to detail the state of Public Health in their area. In Liverpool, the report is set within the context of the Health 2040 report.

Also released this year, Health 2040 details the stark picture of Liverpool's collective health, and how the City must respond to health challenges to prevent reduced life expectancy and extended periods of ill health for residents.

You can read the 2023 Public Health Annual Report for Liverpool online at:- PHAR.Liverpool.Gov.UK .

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:- "Liverpool Public Health and Culture Liverpool have built an outstanding partnership in recent years to improve the lives of people in our communities. Huge events like Eurovision and the River of Light Festival provided an opportunity for teams to work together to promote health messages to improve health and wellbeing. Challenges still remain for people living in deprived areas of the City, which is why we need to continue working with our communities to reduce inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of all residents."

Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council, said:- "2023 was a year in which the importance of culture in Liverpool was thrown into full focus; and the Public Health team rose to the occasion, offering us new and innovative ways of reaching a wider audience of people with important messages about their health. However, Liverpool's commitment to health extends beyond headline events in the face of ongoing challenges, including the cost of living, particularly affecting our most vulnerable communities. By listening to our community and working collaboratively, we aspire to develop targeted interventions to empower communities during these challenging times."