Making EV Charging Accessible for All: A Look at PAS 1899 and the Future of Inclusive EV Infrastructure

As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow, so does the need for infrastructure that supports all users. The PAS 1899:2022 document, sponsored by Motability and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and facilitated by The British Standards Institution (BSI), provides guidelines for making electric vehicle charge points accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

According to research by Motability, by 2035 1.3 million disabled people are expected to be using EV charge points, highlighting the critical need for charging infrastructure that can be accessed and used by everyone.

At Energy Park, accessibility and inclusivity are core principals of our designs, and these five key recommendations from PAS 1899 guide us in every EV installation we complete:

1.       Charge Point Design Requirements: Accessibility First

When designing EV charge points, accessibility must be top of mind, particularly when designing for users who may be in wheelchairs or have other mobility limitations.

The guidelines set specific height specifications to ensure that all components of the charging station are easily accessible (screens should be positioned between 800-1300 mm from the ground, and socket outlets should be between 800-950 mm). These height ranges are designed to accommodate users who might be seated or have difficulty reaching higher components. The goal is to make the process of locating, using, and paying for a charging session as seamless as possible for every individual.

Cable management is another critical factor. By improving the design of cables and connectors, the usability and safety can be improved for all users. One of the common challenges for people with limited dexterity is handling heavy or unwieldy charging cables. PAS 1899 recommends several best practices to address this issue. For example, tethered cables—those that are directly attached to the charge point—should be no longer than 7.5 metres when not in use. This prevents cables from becoming too tangled or difficult to manage.

For high-powered charge points, the specification suggests using lighter and liquid-cooled cables. These cables are easier to handle, reducing strain on individuals who may have limited grip strength or dexterity. Proper cable management systems are also essential to prevent cables from becoming a trip hazard or causing accessibility barriers.

Additionally, specifications are provided for screen design, including orientation, illumination, readability for the visually impaired and the provision of instructions.

2.       Placement and Surrounding Environment: Prioritising the Layout

The placement of EV charge points is just as important as their design. The PAS 1899 guidelines recommend placing charge points in locations that are easy to reach from a seating or standing position. This means providing adequate space around the charge point, especially for users in larger mobility devices like electric wheelchairs or scooters.

The ground surface around a charge point should be uniform, smooth, stable, slip resistant and well maintained, and consideration should be given to the placement of charge points in relation to low level obstacles such as manholes, wheel stops and bollards, ensuring the impact of any such obstacles is minimised or mitigated.

When designing the placement of the charge point, consideration should also be given to the effect on the existing built environment, ensuring that its safety, accessibility and usability are not impacted.

Dropped curbs and tactile paving are also essential features for improving accessibility. Dropped curbs allow individuals in wheelchairs or with limited mobility to approach the charge point without obstruction, while tactile paving helps guide users with visual impairments to the charge point.

For charge points located near designated accessible parking bays, additional placement guidelines are provided to ensure sufficient manoeuvring space around the vehicle. This ensures that larger vehicles, such as wheelchair-accessible vans, can park with ease.

3.       Digital Information and Payments: Accessibility in the Digital Age

As the world becomes more digital, payment terminals and digital interfaces at charge points must also be accessible. Creating easy-to-navigate digital platforms that provide clear information about the availability, pricing, and accessibility features of each charging station is vital. The aim is to ensure that users can quickly find the information they need to use the service efficiently by giving consideration to the writing style, font size, colours and contrast.

The operation of charge points should be supported by a remote digital platform, such as an app. However, payment systems must be designed to accommodate all users, which includes enabling non-app-based payments, such as contactless card payments, which is essential for individuals who may not have access to smartphones or who have difficulty using mobile apps. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their technological proficiency, can access EV charging without barriers.

4.       Best Practices: Collaboration for Better Outcomes

Guidelines suggest that all stakeholders should work together to ensure that EV charging infrastructure is designed and implemented with inclusivity at the forefront. This collaborative approach will ensure that accessibility features are not overlooked and that best practices are shared across the industry.

A Step Towards a More Inclusive EV Future

As the industry evolves, Energy Park is dedicated to ensuring that our EV charging infrastructure is built with accessibility top-of-mind.

By following the PAS 1899 guidelines, and by implementing well thought out placement, user-friendly interfaces and innovative solutions, we're committed to ensuring that the transition to EV is a option for every individual in communities across the UK.