Driving toward sustainability: experiences of electric vehicle users with car adaptations

• EV design features unlock new mobility options for drivers with disabilities. • Home EV charging boosts independence for drivers with disabilities. • Lack of accessible charging risks excluding EV owners with disabilities. • Inclusive infrastructure and policies are needed to enable individuals with physical impairments to join fossil-free mobility. There is an urgent need for a global shift toward more sustainable living. Electric vehicles contribute to this goal; however, the transition is challenging, particularly due to high purchase costs, which can be a particular hindrance for people with disabilities. Only a few individuals currently drive electric vehicles with necessary adaptations, and the insights and experiences of these early adopters can offer valuable knowledge. The aim of this study is to explore the motives and initial experiences of Swedish persons who drive electric vehicles with car adaptations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among nine people living with physical impairments who drove an electric car with adaptations. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The motives for shifting from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric vehicles included long-term economic benefits, environmental aspects, practical advantages, and interest in new technologies and cars. Interviewees generally found it easy to adapt to their new electric vehicles, although some needed to establish new routines for charging during long-distance trips. Participants highlighted functional advantages—such as remote heating, and spacious interiors—as particularly beneficial for their needs. Home charging was perceived as a major enabler of independent mobility, while limited accessibility at public charging stations and insufficient financial support posed challenges. Despite these barriers, the perceived benefits of electric vehicle ownership predominated. These findings highlight the need for inclusive infrastructure and revised policy frameworks to ensure that individuals with physical impairments can fully participate in the transition to fossil-free mobility.