🔗 Share this article

Advocates including Lady Grey-Thompson have issued warnings that disabled motorists risk being locked out from the transition to EVs due to inaccessible charging points.

Rising Numbers However Accessibility Gaps

The number of public EV chargers in Britain has been rising fast, with some 17,400 deployed in the period up to July. However, the missing guidelines means those with disabilities sometimes cannot be sure they will be able to access them.

Frequent barriers include raised kerbs, gravelled areas, screens mounted too tall, or leads that are difficult to handle.

Government Steps

Recently, the Lords passed an amendment to the national infrastructure legislation that would grant authority to impose inclusive design rules on electric vehicle stations.

Lady Grey-Thompson, who earned eleven golds across five Games, currently acts as a independent member in the Lords. She regularly highlights problems with mobility-friendly travel, such as a recent incident where she was forced to crawl off a train due to absence of support.

"Individuals with disabilities have been left out of the picture," she stated. "I've sought to transition to an EV a couple of times. It has been extremely difficult."

Expert and Advocate Opinions

An EV association leader, noted, "We now face the risk a huge number of users being excluded from the move to electric cars. Nearly half of EV owners face issues with accessibility of public charging."

She emphasized the authorities to release updated access guidelines and to adopt regulatory measures to make the rules compulsory.

Studies funded by the Motability Foundation shows the UK has up to 1.35 million disabled drivers, of which 390,000 probably lacking domestic charging facilities.

Standards and Future Outlook

Right now, just 2.3% of EV stations fulfill the requirements set by the BSI. Efforts to make its accessibility standard PAS 1899 more achievable have slowed down.

Lord Borwick, who introduced the measure, cautioned that installing unsuitable chargers now would have effects for years and limit choices for those with disabilities when non-electric vehicles are phased out after 2035.

"We will end up with a large number of EV stations without proper access," he noted. "It is essential to design for inclusive use from the start."

The chief executive of the Motability Foundation remarked that EV charger guidelines should be be enforced. "It is vital that all providers of public EV charging assume responsibility for guaranteeing that their infrastructure is accessible."

Vicky Read commented, "No motorists should be excluded in the EV shift, and this covers drivers with accessibility needs."

Authorities' Reply

A Department for Transport spokesperson commented, "We are fully committed to ensuring disabled drivers can conveniently recharge their EVs, which is why we ordered an analysis into accessibility standards for charge points."

"The review has now concluded, and its conclusions will be made public in the near future. We are still collaborating with businesses on how we can enhance charger availability for motorists with access needs."