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Advocates including the former Paralympian have expressed concerns that drivers with disabilities could be left out from the shift to electric vehicles due to EV chargers that lack proper access.

Rising Numbers Yet Accessibility Gaps

The number of public EV chargers in Britain has been rising fast, with approximately 17,400 set up in the period up to July. However, the lack of standards means disabled drivers often cannot trust they will be able to access them.

Typical challenges involve elevated curbs, loose stone sections, touchscreens positioned too high, or charging cords that are weighty.

Policy Moves

Recently, the Lords voted for an addition to the national infrastructure legislation that would provide power to impose inclusive design rules on electric vehicle stations.

Tanni Grey-Thompson, who won 11 gold medals across five Games, is now a crossbench peer in the Lords. She regularly highlights shortcomings in transport access, such as a previous situation where she was had to crawl from a train due to lack of assistance.

"Those with access needs have been completely forgotten about," she remarked. "I've tried to change to an EV more than once. It has been very challenging."

Industry and Advocacy Voices

Vicky Edmonds, noted, "We now face the risk a huge number of users missing out from the EV shift. Nearly half of EV owners are struggling with accessibility of public charging."

She urged the authorities to release updated access guidelines and to take enabling powers to enforce those requirements.

Research commissioned by the Motability Foundation indicates the UK has around 1.35 million disabled drivers, of which 390,000 probably lacking home charging options.

Regulations and Forward View

At present, only 2.3% of charging points meet the criteria outlined by the national standards body. Work to ensure its standard, known as PAS 1899 easier to meet have slowed down.

Conservative peer Jamie Borwick, who proposed the change, warned that installing unsuitable chargers at this time would impact the future and leave disabled drivers with few options when non-electric vehicles are withdrawn from sale from 2035 onward.

"We will end up with a large number of inaccessible chargers," he noted. "It is essential to design for accessibility from the outset."

Nigel Fletcher asserted that EV charger guidelines should be become compulsory. "It is crucial that all public charging operators assume responsibility for guaranteeing that their equipment is accessible."

A lobby group leader added, "No motorists should be overlooked in the transition to electric vehicles, and this covers drivers with accessibility needs."

Official Statement

A transport department official stated, "We are fully committed to making sure those with access needs can conveniently recharge their EVs, which is why we commissioned a review into inclusive design for charging stations."

"The review has now concluded, and its findings will be released soon. We are still collaborating with industry on how we can enhance charger availability for those with disabilities."