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Groups featuring the former Paralympian have issued warnings that drivers with disabilities may be excluded from the transition to EVs due to inaccessible charging points.

Rising Numbers But Accessibility Gaps

The count of electric vehicle charging points in Britain is increasing rapidly, with approximately 17,400 set up in the period up to July. Yet, the lack of standards means those with disabilities sometimes cannot be sure they will be able to access them.

Frequent barriers involve high pavements, gravel surfaces, screens mounted too tall, or cables that are too heavy.

Government Steps

Just this week, the upper chamber approved a change to the government’s planning and infrastructure bill that would enable officials to enforce accessibility standards on public charging points.

Tanni Grey-Thompson, who secured 11 Paralympic golds across five Paralympic Games, currently acts as a non-aligned lord in the Lords. She regularly highlights problems with mobility-friendly travel, including a past event where she was needed to exit a train on her hands and knees due to no available help.

"Individuals with disabilities have been overlooked entirely," she remarked. "I've attempted to switch to an electric car a couple of times. It has been very challenging."

Industry and Advocacy Voices

Vicky Edmonds, noted, "We now face the risk a huge number of users being locked out from the transition to electric vehicles. Nearly half of EV owners face issues with accessibility of public charging."

She urged the government to issue new inclusive design rules and to take enabling powers to enforce those requirements.

Research commissioned by the charitable foundation indicates the Britain has as many as 1.35 million motorists with disabilities, including 390,000 without access to home-based EV charging.

Regulations and Forward View

At present, a mere 2.3% of charging points meet the criteria set by the BSI. Attempts to render its standard, known as PAS 1899 more achievable have slowed down.

Jamie Borwick, who tabled the amendment, stated that installing unsuitable chargers now would impact the future and limit choices for those with disabilities when new petrol and diesel vehicles are phased out after 2035.

"We're going to have a significant quantity of EV stations without proper access," he noted. "We must design for inclusive use from the start."

Nigel Fletcher said that accessibility requirements should be made mandatory. "It is vital that all EV station companies assume responsibility for making sure that their facilities is inclusive."

A lobby group leader commented, "No drivers should be excluded in the EV shift, and this covers those with disabilities."

Official Statement

A Department for Transport spokesperson stated, "We are fully committed to ensuring drivers with disabilities can readily power up their EVs, which is why we ordered an analysis into inclusive design for charging stations."

"The study has finished, and its conclusions will be published shortly. We remain engaged with industry on how we can enhance access to chargers for disabled drivers."