The UK Government has partnered with Motability to set standards for electric vehicle charge points

Working towards a more inclusive and reliable electric vehicle charging network, the UK Government has partnered with national disability charity Motability to provide industry guidance on accessible charge points by summer 2022.

Today (30 June), Transport Minister Rachel Maclean has announced that the Department for Transport has commissioned British Standards Institute (BSI) to develop accessibility standards for electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the country. 

ACCESS

These standards will provide industry with guidance and drivers with a new clear definition of ‘fully accessible’, ‘partially accessible’ and ‘not accessible’ public EV charge points.

“With sales of EVs increasing and the government’s net zero ambitions accelerating, I want to make it as easy as possible for EV drivers to charge up their vehicles at public charge points right across the UK, regardless of their mobility, commented Transport Minister Rachel Maclean.

“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.”

DESIGN

Design of public charge points is already taken into great consideration, however, more consistent and coherent standards are required for disabled drivers to know and easily identify charge points that meet their needs

Adaptive design that will be considered includes adequate space between bollards, charging units being of a height suitable for wheelchair users, size of the parking bay and the kerb height.

The Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson added: “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 charge points will help make this a reality.”

WORKSHOPS

Motability is also working with Designability, a charity which 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 inform the standards, Motability will be holding a series of workshops on accessibility and electric vehicle charging in August.

Charities working with disabled people, or those with long-term health conditions, who are interested in participating in the workshops, you are advised to get in touch.

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