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Campaigners such as the former Paralympian have raised alarms that those with mobility challenges risk being locked out from the move toward electric cars due to charging stations that aren't accessible.

Rising Numbers Yet Barriers Remain

The count of electric vehicle charging points in Britain has been rising fast, with approximately 17,400 set up in the period up to July. Yet, the lack of standards means motorists with access needs frequently cannot rely on they will be able to use them.

Frequent barriers involve high pavements, gravel surfaces, screens mounted too tall, or charging cords that are weighty.

Government Steps

Just this week, the upper chamber voted for an addition to the national infrastructure legislation that would provide power to enforce accessibility standards on electric vehicle stations.

Lady Grey-Thompson, who won 11 gold medals across five Games, currently acts as a non-aligned lord in the upper house. She regularly highlights shortcomings in transport access, including a recent incident where she was had to crawl from a train due to absence of support.

"Those with access needs have been overlooked entirely," she commented. "I've tried to change to an electric car on several occasions. It has been very challenging."

Industry and Advocacy Voices

An EV association leader, noted, "We now face the risk millions of drivers being excluded from the move to electric cars. Close to half of electric car users are struggling with accessibility of public charging."

She emphasized the authorities to issue new inclusive design rules and to adopt regulatory measures to make the rules compulsory.

Analysis ordered by the Motability Foundation shows the UK has around 1.35 million disabled drivers, with 390,000 probably lacking home charging options.

Standards and Future Outlook

Right now, just 2.3% of EV stations meet the criteria established by the British Standards Institution. Attempts to render its accessibility standard PAS 1899 more achievable have stalled.

Jamie Borwick, who introduced the measure, stated that deploying inaccessible points now would impact the future and leave disabled drivers with few options when new petrol and diesel vehicles are no longer sold after 2035.

"We are likely to see a significant quantity of EV stations without proper access," he commented. "You've got to design for disability from the very beginning."

A foundation leader remarked that charging standards should be made mandatory. "It is crucial that all public charging operators assume responsibility for ensuring that their facilities is easy to use."

Vicky Read stated, "Not a single user should be left behind in the move to electric cars, and this covers drivers with accessibility needs."

Authorities' Reply

A Department for Transport representative stated, "We are determined to ensuring disabled drivers can conveniently recharge their electric vehicles, which is why we ordered an analysis into accessibility standards for charge points."

"The review has now concluded, and its results will be published shortly. We continue to work with the sector on how we can enhance access to chargers for those with disabilities."