New concept challenges EV accessibility

1 Motability Operations - CALLUM - eVITA concept - Side

Callum has teamed up with Motability Operations to address a vehicle segment that is generally overlooked by today’s EV makers. The eVITA concept aims to combine functionality with style, and was designed using feedback from focus groups

Passenger cars today are designed for the many, not the few. A natural result is that those with mobility challenges are generally underserved, with solutions that are either too generic, not fit for purpose or perfectly functional but lacking any real desirability factor. The team at Callum has taken this head on with its latest concept, the eVITA, which aims to be more inclusive and is designed to reflect the needs of wheelchair users in particular. 

This article opens with mention of “the few” but that does not accurately describe the issue at hand. Motability Operations, the UK-based organisation that represents disabled motorists, has identified some 34,000 users of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the country that could be left behind in the transition to EVs. This cannot happen. 

Now, that is not to suggest that an innovative concept vehicle is the answer, but it is certainly a strong start. It is also less pie-in-the-sky than the fabled robotaxi trend, which although showing promise continues to face the same challenges it did a decade ago (namely: crashing into things or refusing to move, like a stubborn dog). 

Callum founder, Ian Callum, told CDN that the project resulted from conversations with Motability back in 2022 after recognising that many wheelchair users would not be supported by upcoming EV designs, or forced to shell out on a much larger, expensive vehicle than they would like. This is because traditional battery platforms raise the height of the floor, eating into interior space and restricting access. Leaning on his background as an industrial designer, Callum says this was one of those ‘problem solving’ challenges that he always enjoys, and brought the wider team together to find a solution.

Motability Operations - CALLUM - eVITA concept - Rear three quarters

Clean surfacing and clever bodywork creates a striking profile

“Callum is much more than a styling outfit – we can approach such issues seriously and resolve them, working hand-in-hand with our own engineering team to ensure the solution can be brought to market,” he says. “Our whole intention with Callum was to have the freedom to take on the projects that really inspire, resonate with and excite us. This is certainly such a project.”

Before embarking on the…

This content is available to subscribers only   |   Sign in

Get unlimited access to Car Design News

Unlock exclusive design knowledge, inspiration & connection.

Essential Trial

Trial

Includes:


Knowledge

  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams

Inspiration

  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Access Interior Motives magazine in digital page turner format

30-days free

Then $16 per month

Billed as $194 annually

Start trial

Other currencies: £149 / €179 annually

Available to new subscribers only

Essential Plus

Essential

Includes:


Knowledge

  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams

Inspiration

  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Receive 2x print editions of Interior Motives per year
  • Activate a 20% discount on the annual Car Design Review yearbook

Connection

  • Take part in subscriber only design challenges

$22 per month

Billed as $259 annually

Subscribe today

Other currencies: £199 / €239 annually

Premium

Premium-svg

Includes:


Knowledge

  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams
  • Access deeper insights with trend report whitepapers

Inspiration

  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Receive 2x print editions of Interior Motives per year
  • Receive 1x annual copy of the Car Design Review yearbook
  • Activate a 25% discount on additional Car Design Review books

Connection

  • Take part in subscriber only design challenges
  • Participate in subscriber only online workshops

$32 per month

Billed as $389 annually

Subscribe today

Other currencies: £299 / €359 annually

 

Explore more subscription options.

 


Need help?


For help with individual user subscriptions please contact:

Eric Ng
Eric.Ng@ultimamedia.com

For help with multi user subscriptions please contact:

Angela Yang
Angela.Yang@cardesignnews.com

 

Sign in     Forgotten password