Going green: the road ahead

In the UK, a quarter of all CO2 emissions come from transport and 90% of this originates from road vehicles so if the Government is going to achieve its target on reducing greenhouse gases we are all going to need to reduce our carbon emissions. But, asks Helen Dolphin, if you are a disabled motorist just how easy is it to be green?

One of the simplest ways for all of us to reduce our emissions is to use less petrol or diesel. Although car manufacturers have taken this on board by improving fuel efficiency there are still wide variations between different vehicles and it is down to the consumer to decide how important efficiency is to them. For some disabled people it’s hard enough to find a vehicle that fits all the necessary mobility and access requirements and the average MPG is not usually the most important consideration. However, Motability have made it easier for their customers by including the average MPG and an average annual fuel cost for each car in their searchable price guide.

Motability have also included a Greener Scheme section which includes cars with low carbon emissions. The scheme now has over 250 cars with CO2 emission levels of 120g/km or less. In line with banding introduced by the Government, cars at this level are considered low emission models.

Mike Betts, chief executive, Motability Operations said: “People are now more environmentally aware than ever, with changing attitudes and lifestyle choices reflecting this trend. Car manufacturers have responded by producing vehicles that are cleaner and cheaper to run. Customers will be surprised at just how many cars are available through Motability that can boast green credentials.”

Although choosing a car with a better green profile is something most people can try to do regardless of their disability, it is a little harder to choose vehicles which run on a different fuel system.

One I’ve considered myself is converting my vehicle to LPG. However, the main stumbling block to me and other wheelchair-users is space. The LPG tank is usually fitted into the boot of the vehicle and if you’ve got a wheelchair in the boot – it’s not going to fit. But if you’re not a wheelchair-user this could be an option worth considering.

Another option is buying a hybrid car. Hybrid cars are powered by a combination of electric battery and petrol engine and include vehicles such as the Toyota Prius. There are far less hybrid options available than other vehicles which limits choice and price can also be a bit more restrictive. The advance payment for a Toyota Prius is £2,795.

In the last couple of years electric cars have been slowly coming onto the market and now going electric is a real option. However, the choice is still very limited and the distance these cars can go without requiring charging is only between 50 and 80 miles on a charge - unless you invest in a Tesla electric sports car which can do 160+ miles on a single charge! So for most people this type of car is only an option if you don’t do any long journeys. Lack of charging points have also been an issue but by the end of next year, there should be 4,000 charging points. I’ve not tried myself to charge an electric car but I’m sure it’s not something I could do without help and as far as I know charging points are unmanned. This could be a sticking point for disabled drivers who can’t refuel independently.

So in answering my question how easy is it for the disabled motorist to go green, I think I’d say to some extent we can all do something. We can all make greener choices with regards to vehicle efficiency and as technology improves I’m sure hybrids and electric vehicles will become better and more affordable options. Petrol and diesel is not going to last forever and so to shift away from a reliance on petrol and diesel will not only be good for the planet but will also help to retain the personal mobility so many of us rely on.