An end to discrimination for disabled EV drivers?
“The charge point roll-out is gathering speed and retrofitting existing chargers will be very expensive, so it’s been important to achieve a recognised standard as soon as possible,” explains Catherine Marris, head of innovation at Motability.
“The launch of this BSI-accredited standard is a hugely positive step towards ensuring that disabled motorists aren’t left behind in the transition to EVs,” says Marris. “We’ve found the EV charging infrastructure industry very responsive and keen to improve. It’s just that without the proper research, they didn’t know what accessible charging actually looked like.”
Not just for those with mobility issues
The standard’s guidance for designers, procurers and installers of charge points doesn’t only cover the physical design of the chargers and charging spaces to enable better access for those with mobility issues. It also covers elements such as signage and messaging to aid those with hearing or sight issues, and signals that would potentially help any user with the equipment.
“We recommended having helpful sounds and lights to let the user know the car is plugged in properly,” says Matt Ford, Designability’s head of design and engineering, as an example.
“All motorists know how to use a fuel pump, but with chargers we’ve had to get to grips with different brands and their various layouts. Although the charge-point design improvements were made with disabled people in mind, the fact is that inclusive design benefits everyone.”
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What can disabled users do ahead of rollout?
While the BSI standard is only voluntary for now, many organisations such as local councils and retail outlets will be keen to install chargers that meet this standard as this will indicate their commitment to the Equalities Act 2010. However it could be a while before the new accessible charge points are widely available. What can disabled users do in the meantime?
If a disabled motorist is considering getting an electric car, it is a good idea to ask the dealership to arrange for a visit to one or two local charging points to try out the whole process. If the vehicle has items such as a hoist, ramp or heating pads, these can potentially affect the range of the vehicle, so that’s another topic to discuss with the dealer. Apps such as Zap-Map are useful when it comes to tracking down suitable chargers, and it is worth downloading it in advance.
“Plan your journey and include charging stops before you actually need one,” advises Marris. “That means that if one location isn’t suitable you still have enough charge to try another. Also consider choosing charging locations that are more likely to have assistance or staff at hand such as those at venues.”
Flagging up charge-point problems is also worthwhile. “If you find a charge point that isn’t accessible, it’s worth pointing it out to the provider,” says Phillips. “I told Exeter City Council about the lack of space for my chair and they resprayed the bay, making it wider.”
Get involved
The RIDC welcomes disabled motorists to join its panel and contribute to ongoing research to improve EV accessibility. Both Phillips and Bomorse say they are very pleased to have helped in developing the new charging standard.
“Electric cars have so many advantages: they are cheaper to run, better for the environment and offer an excellent driving experience,” says Bomorse. “It feels very worthwhile to have helped with a project that means disabled drivers aren’t left out from joining the shift to electric vehicles.”
Phillips echoes his sentiment. “It was great to work with the team at Designability and I’m very excited to have been part of improving the public charging experience, not just for disabled people but for all EV drivers.”
For more information, see the Designability Design Guidance, which has helpful information, diagrams and videos. The new standard can be downloaded fromPAS-1899 | BSI (bsigroup.com)