Electric vehicle charging Access all areas Sarah Juggins looks at the challenges around electric vehicle charging accessibility an area under increasing scrutiny for motorists and for parking managers he world is lurching towards a fossil fuel-free future. It is true to say that the adoption of cleaner energy is not being done with the haste that climate change demands or with the goodwill that a more selfless, forward-looking society might demonstrate. But, in fits and starts, it is happening, and the electric vehicle (EV) sector is a good indicator of the approach and attitude towards the changes here in the UK. Rachel Swiatek, programme manager for Energy Saving Trust, is one of the voices calling for rapid improvement. With growing demand for EVs in the UK, accessible design of vehicles and chargepoints is crucial to ensure that there T are suitable EV options available for everyone, she says. For disabled people, in particular, not being able to access EVs could lead to a significant loss of independence and seriously impact their quality of life. There are currently some key barriers for disabled people looking to purchase and run an EV. These include a lack of choice of EV models adapted for disabled people. Those that are suitable often have a higher upfront purchase or lease cost, and any modifications required increase this cost further. There is also a lack of information to help decide whether an EV is right for an individual and their disability. The public charging network is currently not fit for purpose for many disabled consumers, 14 PN June 2023 pp14-17 Lead Feature.indd 14 23/05/2023 11:47