How to facilitate inclusive Electric Vehicle Charging Points

October 28, 2024

With the end of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicle sales set for 2035, the importance of accessibility in the transition to electric vehicles cannot be overstated. The forecast of 2.7 million disabled drivers and passengers in the UK highlights the need for inclusive solutions in our transportation systems.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are considered a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles. This is due to the lower emissions they produce and the opportunity to reduce society’s dependence on fossil fuels their introduction to our roads presents. However, it is equally important that EVs are accessible and inclusive as their usage becomes more commonplace.

As is the case with anyone living in the modern world, disabled people often depend on vehicles to travel long-distance, making it imperative that EV charging points are reviewed for accessibility before installation. Elements such as weight, height from the ground, and the proportion of accessible EV charges in a given car park are all considered when our access auditing team reviews EV charging points.

Direct Access is proud to be leading the charge when it comes to EV accessibility, championing the benefits not only to draw attention to and promotes the independence of disabled drivers, but allow site owners to attract a diverse range of visitors. Sadly, our standard for truly inclusive charger points are not universally understood nor mandated by the British government. Controversially, a report from the House of Lords committee earlier this year recommended that a small fraction of new electric vehicle charging points be designated as accessible. However, this recommendation invites a limited discussion on the balance between infrastructure development and equitable access for all users.

Regrettably, this report was widely criticised by disability groups, in addition to the non-mandatory status of the leading British standard on inclusive EVs (BSI’s PAS1899 guidance).

PAS1899 ensures that accessibility is embedded into electric vehicles from the offset, a practice we always encourage for new-build car parks in our audit reports. However, the aforementioned criticisms highlights a disconnect between building planners and ordinary disabled people who struggle to operate electric car charging points, due to factors such as cable weight, pump placement in relation to accessible parking bays, and facility height (adversely affecting disabled people of short stature, as well as wheelchair users). Other complex issues include EV chargers often being fitted with high curbs. Sometimes there are even bollards in front, which are in place to protect the charge point but prevent access to mobility-impaired drivers.

As access consultants, we encourage compliance with PAS1899, and will recommend comparable guidance based on these guidelines internationally, due to the current lack of legislation surrounding EV Accessibility procedure. We take into account the tethering of cables, their weight, and environmental limitations. Recognizing that disabilities can vary widely, our goal is to to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their physical or sensory capabilities, can effectively use these charging stations. By considering the diverse needs of users, we move closer to achieving a truly inclusive design.

We, therefore, encourage you to book an accessibility audit with Direct Access if you manage an EV charging facility to ensure that you understand exactly what is required to offer a truly inclusive, barrier-free experience for disabled and non-disabled drivers alike. In the ever-changing world of accessibility, acting now can ensure compliance with future laws as electric vehicle usage becomes more widespread.

In Ireland, Direct Access has partnered with Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland for a significant survey focused on improving the accessibility of electric vehicle charging stations in Ireland. During November and December 2024, our auditors will visit several cities and towns across the country to survey the experiences of disabled people using active Charging stations and feedback to the scheme, which is operated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

We invite electric vehicle owners current and former in Ireland to share their experiences and challenges with current charging facilities. Your feedback is essential for developing better accessibility standards. Reserve your slot today and help us drive change! Below is a full breakdown of the various dates our team will be available and where you can find us. To register, please send your name, preferred location, and hour slot to info@directaccess.group or phone us at 015 079 08.

Carlow: Mount Wolsely Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, 4th November. (10am – 5pm).

Wexford: Abbey Street, Wexford Town (opposite Wright Insurance), 5th November. (9am – 3pm).

Kilkenny: St Canice Council car park, 6th November. (10am – 4pm).

Wexford: M11 Gorey Service Area (Circle K), 7th November. (10am – 4pm).

Kildare: M7 Junction 14 Service Station, 8th November. (10am – 4pm).

Westmeath: M6 Circle K Athlone, 9th November. (10am – 4pm).

Monaghan: Monaghan Shopping Centre Car Park, 10th November. (12pm – 6pm).

Dublin: Decathlon, St Margarets Road, Ballymun, 20th November. (10am – 4pm).

Dublin: University College Dublin next to Sutherland School of Law, 21st November. (9am – 3pm).

Dublin: M1 Applegreen, Lusk (Northbound), 22nd November. (10am – 4pm).

Dublin: Mark Street, Dublin, 23rd November. (9am – 3pm).

Cork: Copley Street, 10th December. (10am – 4pm).

Waterford: Car Park, Parnell Street, 11th December. (9am – 3pm).

Limerick: Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle Road, 12th December. (12pm – 6pm).

Tipperary: M7 Obama Plaza, Monegal, 13th December. (10am – 4pm).

How to facilitate inclusive Electric Vehicle Charging Points

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