EVITA: The Concept Of Future Electric Van Cars That Are User-Friendly In Wheelchair

EVITA. (Doc. Callum)

JAKARTA - The automotive world is intensively turning to electric vehicles. However, can everyone enjoy this convenience? Motability Operations and Callum Design from England together show their concern for wheelchair users by presenting an EVIDATE, an electric car concept specifically designed to support their mobility.

Although the eVITA has not yet been intended for mass production, its presence has shown a direction for major car manufacturers to create more inclusive and wheelchair-friendly electric cars.

Motability Operations CEO Andrew Miller said that collaboration between car manufacturers, designers and the government is the key to making the transition to electric vehicles a success for wheelchair users. He hopes that the eVITA can be an example and inspire stakeholders to move forward in a better direction.

"Currently, electric vehicles do not offer the functionality and flexibility needed by persons with disabilities. eVITA is designed and created to ensure that WAV users and persons with disabilities are not forgotten in the transition to electric vehicles," he said, quoted by Carscoops, March 20.

Design, Battery, And Interior

eVITA is designed to overcome some of the main problems that wheelchair users often face in conversion electric cars. Usually, the batteries placed on the car floor make the cabin space limited. eVITA solves this problem by laying the battery under the first row seat, so that the car floor can be flattened and wheelchair users can move freely.

eVITA has a modern design with a short engine hood, wide glass, and minimal overhang. The back door is split into two and equipped with a ramp with a low angle to facilitate access for wheelchair users. There are also four side doors, two regular doors and two sliding doors. The special LED light will turn on under the car when parking, signaling the area where the ramp will be removed.

A battery with a capacity of 50 kWh offers an estimate of a range of up to 322 km. Charging can be done through two charging ports, one behind and one in front of the car. The highly damped rear suspension provides good driving comfort and stable handling.

Meanwhile, the eVITA interior is also designed by paying attention to the convenience of wheelchair users. Users have access to infotainment screens, air conditioning and heating controls, as well as customizable "utility bars". This utility bar has various functions such as charging ports, laundry hangers/tass, cup holders, and storage space. The rear passenger seat can be folded into a table, complete with additional charging options.