🔗 Share this article Tanni Grey-Thompson warns motorists with accessibility needs could be excluded in move to EVs. Groups featuring the former Paralympian have issued warnings that disabled motorists may be excluded from the transition to EVs due to EV chargers that lack proper access. Expanding Network But Barriers Remain The number of public EV chargers across the UK is growing quickly, with around 17,400 installed in the twelve months ending in July. Yet, the missing guidelines means those with disabilities often cannot trust they will be able to access them. Common obstacles involve elevated curbs, loose stone sections, screens mounted too tall, or cables that are too heavy. Government Steps Recently, the upper chamber approved a change to the planning and development law that would grant authority to enforce accessibility standards on public charging points. Tanni Grey-Thompson, who secured 11 Paralympic golds across five Paralympics, currently acts as a non-aligned lord in the upper house. She often draws attention to shortcomings in transport access, for example a previous situation where she was needed to exit a train on her hands and knees due to absence of support. "Disabled people have been overlooked entirely," she stated. "I've attempted to switch to an electric car more than once. It has been very challenging." Industry and Advocacy Voices An EV association leader, stated, "We now face the risk a huge number of users being locked out from the transition to electric vehicles. Almost 50% of EV owners face issues with public charger access." She called for the government to publish its revised accessibility standard and to take enabling powers to mandate that standard. Analysis ordered by the non-profit organization shows the United Kingdom has up to 1.35 million drivers with access needs, with 390,000 without access to domestic charging facilities. Standards and Future Outlook Right now, just 2.3% of charging points fulfill the requirements set by the BSI. Efforts to make its accessibility standard PAS 1899 more feasible have halted. Lord Borwick, who introduced the measure, warned that setting up non-compliant stations now would have effects for years and restrict options for accessible users when conventional fuel cars are phased out post-2035. "We're going to have a large number of charging points that aren't accessible," he noted. "We must design for inclusive use from the very beginning." The chief executive of the Motability Foundation remarked that charging standards should be become compulsory. "It is vital that all providers of public EV charging are taking responsibility for ensuring that their facilities is accessible." Vicky Read added, "No motorists should be overlooked in the EV shift, and this covers drivers with accessibility needs." Government Response A Department for Transport official stated, "We are determined to ensuring drivers with disabilities can easily charge their electric cars, which is why we ordered an analysis into EV charger access guidelines." "The review has now concluded, and its findings will be released soon. We are still collaborating with businesses on how we can improve EV station use for those with disabilities."