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Groups featuring Lady Grey-Thompson have issued warnings that those with mobility challenges could be left out from the move toward electric cars due to inaccessible charging points.

Rising Numbers However Accessibility Gaps

The number of public charging stations across the UK is growing quickly, with around 17,400 deployed in the twelve months ending in July. Yet, the missing guidelines means disabled drivers often cannot trust they will be able to access them.

Typical challenges encompass high pavements, gravel surfaces, touchscreens positioned too high, or charging cords that are weighty.

Policy Moves

Just this week, the Lords passed an amendment to the government’s planning and infrastructure bill that would grant authority to enforce accessibility standards on public EV chargers.

Lady Grey-Thompson, who secured 11 Paralympic golds across five Paralympic Games, is now a non-aligned lord in the upper house. She frequently underscores problems with mobility-friendly travel, for example a recent incident where she was forced to crawl off a train due to absence of support.

"Individuals with disabilities have been overlooked entirely," she commented. "I've tried to change to an electric vehicle a couple of times. It has been really hard going."

Expert and Advocate Opinions

An EV association leader, noted, "We're currently risking countless motorists being excluded from the EV shift. Close to half of EV owners are struggling with accessibility of public charging."

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

Studies funded by the Motability Foundation indicates the United Kingdom has as many as 1.35 million motorists with disabilities, of which 390,000 unlikely to have domestic charging facilities.

Standards and Future Outlook

Currently, only 2.3% of EV stations meet the criteria outlined by the British Standards Institution. Attempts to render its standard, known as PAS 1899 more achievable have halted.

Jamie Borwick, who introduced the measure, cautioned that setting up non-compliant stations today would create long-term issues and limit choices for those with disabilities when new petrol and diesel vehicles are withdrawn from sale post-2035.

"We are likely to see a large number of EV stations without proper access," he said. "It is essential to design for disability from the start."

A foundation leader remarked that charging standards should be made mandatory. "It is essential that all EV station companies bear the duty for guaranteeing that their facilities is inclusive."

A lobby group leader commented, "Not a single user should be excluded in the EV shift, and this covers motorists requiring access accommodations."

Authorities' Reply

A government transport body representative stated, "We are fully committed to ensuring disabled drivers can readily power up their electric vehicles, which is why we requested a study into inclusive design for charging stations."

"The review has now concluded, and its conclusions will be published shortly. We are still collaborating with businesses on how we can improve access to chargers for motorists with access needs."