Project Lead - BS Duerstock
Project Team - BJ Pitts, JA Duvall
There are fundamental differences in the manufacture of EVs from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that radically affect how they may be adapted for passengers in WC. Currently, ground transportation vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and vehicle conversion companies are pursuing different strategies in making EVs accessible. We propose to develop and share inclusive design guidelines and standards that permit access to EVs by numerous passengers.
The specific aims represent Exploration and Discovery stages of research. Specific Aim (SA) 4.1. Develop an interactive accessible design assessment tool based on previous user-centered design studies for evaluating accessible design features. SA4.2. Conduct participant testing of various EVs to assess accessibility design features using previously developed assessment tool. SA4.3. Evaluate assessment results using expert-based analysis. SA4.4. Determine accessible design guidelines and recommendations for EVs. The deliverables are to 1) develop inclusive design guidelines that highlight EV accessible design features that are found to be most beneficial for PWD, particularly those using WC and other mobility aids, 2) identify EV accessible design features that require greater research and development, and 3) promote the integration of inclusive design features in future EVs as a function of their intended transportation purpose, such as personal use, public and paratransit transportation, and autonomous transportation.