Making chargepoints more accessible is of vital importance to all electric vehicle users, including the predicted 2.7 million disabled drivers and passengers expected to be on the roads by 2035. 

This report summarizes the findings of the PAS 1899 Technical Working Group (TWG), which reviewed the implementation of PAS 1899:2022 - Electric vehicles: Accessible charging - Specification. 

The summary report is now available to download for free here.

What is PAS 1899?

This standard, published in October 2022, and sponsored by Motability Foundation and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), set out requirements for making public charge points more accessible to all drivers, including disabled people.

Two years after its publication, a review of PAS 1899 considered how well the standard is working in practice and how it can be improved. The TWG brought together a wide range of stakeholders, from consumer and disability organizations to local government and charge point providers, to assess the challenges of implementing the standard and make recommendations for its future development.

What are the key takeaways from the PAS 1899 review?

The report highlights several important points:

• The standard represented a positive step towards making EV charging infrastructure accessible for all drivers, including those with disabilities.

• Challenges remain for disabled drivers in accessing charge points highlighting the importance of clearer requirements.

• Clarity and consistency are needed with many stakeholders reporting difficulties in interpreting and understanding the requirements of PAS 1899.

• Procuring charge points that meet the physical design requirements remains difficult.

• On-street charging presents unique issues as the variability of residential environments makes implementation more complex.

• Drivers need better access to data on the accessibility of each public charge point so that they can find charge points that best meet their needs.

Looking ahead

Updating PAS 1899 is essential to ensure that accessibility remains at the heart of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure. 

The Technical Working Group’s recommendations and proposed plan mark a pivotal step towards creating a network that truly works for everyone. By refining the standard and addressing practical challenges, we can move closer to an inclusive, future-ready charging ecosystem that supports all drivers.

Download the full report to read the findings and recommendations in detail.