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Advocates including Tanni Grey-Thompson have expressed concerns that those with mobility challenges may be excluded from the move toward electric cars due to charging stations that aren't accessible.

Expanding Network Yet Barriers Remain

The number of public charging stations in Britain is increasing rapidly, with some 17,400 deployed in the twelve months ending in July. Yet, the absence of regulations means motorists with access needs frequently cannot rely on they will be able to use them.

Common obstacles include raised kerbs, gravel surfaces, screens mounted too tall, or leads that are difficult to handle.

Government Steps

Recently, the House of Lords approved a change to the government’s planning and infrastructure bill that would grant authority to impose inclusive design rules on electric vehicle stations.

Lady Grey-Thompson, who earned eleven golds across five Paralympic Games, now serves as a non-aligned lord in the House of Lords. She regularly highlights problems with mobility-friendly travel, such as a recent incident where she was had to crawl from a train due to lack of assistance.

"Those with access needs have been overlooked entirely," she remarked. "I've attempted to switch to an electric vehicle on several occasions. It has been really hard going."

Industry and Advocacy Voices

Vicky Edmonds, stated, "We now face the risk a huge number of users being locked out from the EV shift. Close to half of EV drivers face issues with public charger access."

She urged the authorities to publish its revised accessibility standard and to take enabling powers to enforce those requirements.

Studies funded by the non-profit organization shows the Britain has up to 1.35 million motorists with disabilities, with 390,000 probably lacking home-based EV charging.

Standards and Future Outlook

Currently, only 2.3% of charging points comply with the standards set by the British Standards Institution. Efforts to make its PAS 1899 guideline more feasible have slowed down.

Conservative peer Jamie Borwick, who tabled the amendment, cautioned that setting up non-compliant stations now would have effects for years and limit choices for those with disabilities when non-electric vehicles are withdrawn from sale post-2035.

"We will end up with a whole mass of inaccessible chargers," he noted. "We must design for accessibility from the start."

A foundation leader said that charging standards should be be enforced. "It is crucial that all public charging operators bear the duty for ensuring that their infrastructure is easy to use."

Vicky Read stated, "No drivers should be overlooked in the move to electric cars, and this covers those with disabilities."

Government Response

A Department for Transport official stated, "We are dedicated to making sure those with access needs can conveniently recharge their EVs, which is why we commissioned a review into EV charger access guidelines."

"The study has finished, and its conclusions will be released soon. We continue to work with the sector on how we can enhance access to chargers for motorists with access needs."