Chargepoint operator joins review of accessibility guidelines

Chargepoint operators are is taking part in a review of BSI guidelines for making of electric vehicle chargepoints are accessible to people with disabilities.

Three years on from the publication of the PAS 1899 accessible charging guidance, a comprehensive review brought together consumer and disability groups, local authorities, and chargepoint operators (CPOs) to assess how well the standard is working in practice and to recommend improvements for its future development. 

CPO Believ was involved in both the technical review group, and the accessible charge point data standard working group, supporting the assessment of the existing requirements. 

Key amongst the findings was the need to recognise the differences in chargepoint installation in built environments and to identify industry implementation advice specific to different scenarios, such as managing the logistical and spatial constraints of on-street chargepoint installations. 

The review addresses the challenges faced by local authorities, businesses, private landlords and CPOs, recognising the complexities and technical limitations of accessibility measures, for example understanding that solutions still need to be further developed regarding charging cable weights. 

Believ has been working with local authorities to improve inclusive EV charging infrastructure in three East London boroughs. Believ has collaborated with the boroughs of Waltham Forest, Newham and Redbridge – leveraging LEVI funding to trial new on-street EV charging bay designs that it hopes will enhance accessibility. 

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, said: “At Believ, we see it as our responsibility to help shape the future of accessible EV charging, and we’re committed to continuing to work with industry to recognise what is possible now, while also highlighting challenges that need to be addressed. Making charging inclusive for every driver is not just a technical challenge – it’s a social responsibility that we take seriously.

“We recognise that there is still more work to do in the industry to further accessibility of EV infrastructure, and Believ is committed to working with our supply chain and actively participate and contribute to developing PAS 1899 and ensuring that no driver is left behind in the EV transition.” 

Believ states the PAS 1899 review also highlights the importance of future engagement with European bodies such as CEN and CENELEC, helping to create more consistent, pan-European accessibility guidance, which Believ views as a positive step towards global accessibility standards for EV infrastructure.