Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland

Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland have been reviewing and updating the Universal Design standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure within the Republic.

By commissioning Direct Access Consultancy in October 2024, ZEVI’s initiative aimed to conduct comprehensive user testing of EV charging stations at fifteen strategically selected sites across the Republic of Ireland.

The primary objectives of the program were to gather valuable feedback from a diverse range of users with different disabilities on the effectiveness of each station and the views of disabled people who were considering purchasing an EV. 

The program was designed to include several key components:

• Site visits by a certified Access Consultant: These visits were crucial for assessing the physical accessibility of each charging station and identifying any potential barriers that could hinder use by individuals with disabilities.

• Engaging disabled people: By pre-booking opportunities for individuals with disabilities to discuss their experiences and challenges at each charging station, the program ensured that their voices were heard.

• Engaging users at each charging station: Direct interactions with users while they utilised the charging facilities provided real-time insights into the practical aspects of accessibility and usability.