The Motability Foundation has endorsed assessment schemes run by AccessAble and BSI Assurance UK that check the accessibility of public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints.
The assessment schemes give providers and manufacturers a way to check if their public chargepoints conform with the PAS 1899 accessible charging standard, which was published last year, and co-sponsored by the Motability Foundation and the government.
Accessibility concerns include the weight of charging cables, force required to attache the connector, a lack of dropped kerbs and unsuitable parking.
Organisations that could provide an assessment scheme were invited to take part in an application process, during which they were required to provide details of how they would check for the core accessibility standards set in PAS 1899. Each organisation was asked to provide details of their approach to programme delivery, quality assurance and data sharing, as well as providing details of their project team and relevant previous experience of delivering assessment schemes.
After evaluating all applications received, the Motability’s Foundation’s selection panel reached the decision to award both AccessAble and BSI Assurance UK with its endorsement.
Barry Le Grys, Chief Executive of the Motability Foundation said: “We know from our engagement with industry that providers and manufacturers are keen to have a way of checking if their chargepoints conform with the PAS 1899 standard. We also want disabled people to be able to easily locate accessible public chargepoints so they can make the journeys they choose in electric vehicles.
“These Motability Foundation endorsed schemes will provide that service, and we know that both AccessAble and BSI Assurance have the expertise and knowledge to provide a robust and fair assessment process.
“Engaging with an assessment scheme will allow providers of public EV charging to demonstrate their commitment to accessibility. It will also help to increase the number of accessible chargepoints, supporting disabled people with the transition to EVs.”
David Livermore, Director of Business Development at AccessAble said: “Our programme will not only provide specific insight and advice for operators in meeting PAS 1899, but will also provide them with an online Detailed Access Guide to promote the accessibility of their chargers that can then be used to plan trips and everyday activity by more than 5 million different disabled people.”
Matt Page, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Assurance at BSI said: “Encouraging a greater uptake of electric vehicles by ensuring they are accessible is key to helping drive the transition to a net-zero economy.
“This scheme ensures certified chargers are both accessible and safe. Building on the introduction last year of PAS 1889, this offers the opportunity to ensure that charging point providers and manufacturers continue to improve accessibility for all. This can help guarantee the transition to an electric vehicle society is one that is inclusive, and ultimately accelerates progress towards a sustainable world.”
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