Information about charging points
Before someone arrives at a charging point, they may want to find out what is available and choose one that suits their needs.
Why does information matter?
Information about charging points is important to help people choose a suitable one before they set off. This can be essential for disabled people who may have accessibility needs around parking, charging and nearby amenities, on top of the usual considerations such as charger type and speed, and eligibility to use a particular brand of charger.
Without easy access to this information, disabled people and those who travel with them can spend unnecessary time and effort looking for suitable charging points.
“It’s so frustrating when I can’t tell if the chargepoint will be accessible when I get there – it makes me anxious about my journey”
Types of information
Once a user has chosen a suitable geographical location to search for a charging point, they may want more detailed information about accessibility, for example:
- The size of the parking space
- Space beside and at the ends of the vehicle
- The position and location of the charging unit and its features
- Kerbs or other obstructions around the space or the charging unit
- Level access to and from any nearby amenities
They may also want to know more general information about a charging point, such as:
- Where exactly is it (for example on a particular floor of a multi-storey car park, or next to a store entrance)?
- Is the charger working?
- Is it available or is someone else using it – and can it be booked?
- What type and speed of charging is available?
- Are there any time limits to charging?
- How much will charging cost and what payment methods are available?
- Who can use it – only existing customers of that charging brand or anyone?
- Will I have to pay for parking?
“What if I have a low battery and then arrive at a chargepoint and it doesn’t work?”
Having this information can help disabled people and others to have confidence that they will be able to use a particular charging point. This can also help reduce concerns about having enough battery to reach their destination (known as “range anxiety”).
The new standard for accessible EV charging
Take a look at the requirements and recommendations set out in PAS 1899:2022 Electric vehicles – Accessible charging – Specification
