Osprey Charging EV charger artwork celebrates Autism Acceptance Week

Rebecca Ellis

Rebecca Ellis

To celebrate Autism Acceptance Week, Osprey Charging is displaying artwork created by autistic artist Rebecca Ellis across its EV chargers. The Acceptance Journey will appear on Osprey chargers across the UK between Monday 27 March to Sunday 2 April.

Ellis is a researcher, artist, science communicator, and advocate for the neurodivergent community.

“I’m hugely flattered that Osprey has chosen to display my artwork on their chargers,” she said. “The Acceptance Journey represents the steps we are taking to reach autism acceptance and awareness. The books represent learning with key messages and themes written on their spines. I wanted the piece to be colourful and positive as we work together as a community to reduce stigma, embrace neurodiversity and increase understanding.

“Osprey is giving me a platform to display my art whilst creating such a positive message. The charger artwork project shows allyship in supporting the autistic, neurodivergent and wider disabled communities with these fantastic campaigns.”

Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong condition that can affect a person's social skills, such as communication and the way they interact with other people. It is estimated that there are around 700,000 Autistic people in the UK. The aim of Autism Acceptance Week (formerly known as Autism Awareness Week) is to help more people understand what autism is, as well as the ways it can affect life for Autistic people and to raise awareness and acceptance of autism.

Osprey has awarded Ellis £1,000 for The Acceptance Journey, which is being printed into high quality wraps and exhibited on 21 of its chargers at the following rapid charging locations:

• Purley Cross Retail Park, Croydon
• Pearl and Trawl, Wadebridge
• Rock Rose, Dover
• Skymaster, Warrington
• Thatcher’s Needle, Diss
• Squirrel, Ludlow
• Stourvale, Christchurch
• Burger King St Oswalds, Gloucester
• Willows, Blackburn
• Allison Street Retail Park, Ayr

Osprey’s chargers have previously hosted artwork in celebration of Pride (July), Black History Month (October), UK Disability History Month (November) and International Day of People with Disabilities (December).

Ian Johnston, chief executive of Osprey Charging said: “At Osprey we are building an EV charging network that is open to all, and it’s therefore critical for us to show our support for communities who are often underrepresented. By converting our EV chargers into galleries for artwork we are honouring themes that have been suggested by our staff and customers, whilst bringing attention to some important causes and organisations. I want to thank Rebecca for supporting us with this campaign. Her artwork will inspire drivers and others at our charging locations to consider and make choices that respect people with autism as well as all disabilities.”