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Perry Richardson

UK Government partners with disability charity to create standards for electric vehicle chargepoints


The UK is moving towards a more inclusive, reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging network, as the Government and charity sector come together to set accessibility standards, Transport Minister Rachel Maclean has announced today.


In partnership with national disability charity Motability, the Department for Transport has commissioned the British Standards Institute (BSI) to develop accessibility standards for EV chargepoints across the country. These standards will provide industry with guidance, and drivers with a new clear definition of ‘fully accessible’, ‘partially accessible’ and ‘not accessible’ public EV chargepoints.

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

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “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 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.”



Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, 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.”


The consultation on the consumer experience at public chargepoints (which closed on 10 April) sought evidence on where further regulation/standards are required to address these issues.


According to sources the standards which are likely to be considered are:

  • the size of the parking bay;

  • the force required to plug the cable in;

  • the weight of the cable;

  • the curb height to access the charger;

  • the height level of the instructions, and

  • the accessibility of the display screen.

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