UK government announces partnership with disability charity to set standards for electric vehicle charging

Accessibility standards are to be developed for electric vehicle charging points across the UK to allow disabled drivers to easily identify which models are best suited to their needs.

In partnership with charity, Motability, the Department for Transport has commissioned the British Standards Institution to develop accessibility standards for EV chargepoints across the country. These standards will provide industry guidance and drivers and will have a clear definition of the phrases ‘fully accessible’, ‘partially accessible’ and ‘not accessible’ at public electric vehicle chargepoints.

The design of public chargepoints is already carefully considered, however, consistent standards are crucial for drivers to identify which ones are best for their needs. This could range from adequate space between bollards, charging units being of a suitable height for wheelchair users, the sizes of the parking bay and the height of the kerb.

The Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles, Motability and the British Standards Institution will work together with industry stake holders, EV chargepoint operators, disability charities and innovators to ensure that the consumer can find the right chargepoint for their needs.

Rachel Maclean, Transport Minister, said about the project: “With sales of Electric Vehicles increasing and the government’s net zero ambitions accelerating, I want to make it as easy for drivers of electric vehicles to charge up their vehicles at public chargepoints right across the UK, regardless of their mobility. We are taking action to provide accessibility guidance to both operators and drivers to make sure that the transition to zero emission driving will benefit everyone in society as we build back better.”

Motability is working with Designability, a charity that creates products to enable disabled people to live with greater independence, to engage with disabled drivers and identify their requirements for accessible charging. To ensure all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to come together and discuss how the project should proceed, Motability will be holding a series of workshops on accessibility and electric vehicle charging throughout August.

Justin Tomlinson, Minister for Disabled People, said: “As we build back greener, this government is ensuring disabled people are at the heart of our plans. As electric vehicles become more popular it is imperative that disabled people have the same opportunities to access them as everyone else. The new accessibility standards for chargepoints will help make this a reality.”

Barry Le Grys MBE, Motability’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “There is a risk that disabled people are left behind as the UK’s transition to electric vehicles approaches and Motability wants to ensure that this does not happen. We welcome the interest from government in our research on electric vehicle charging and accessibility and we are excited about our partnership with the Office for Zero Emissions Vehichles to further this work. We look forward to working together to create world leading accessibility standards and to support the UK’s commitment to achieving zero emissions. Motability looks forward to a future where electric vehicle charging is inclusive for all.”