As more companies introduce EV charge points to support employees, customers, and visitors, accessibility is becoming a critical part of good EV infrastructure.

Accessible charge points help more people make the switch to electric, strengthen your sustainability commitments, and ensure every driver can charge safely and confidently on your site.

But what does accessible EV charging actually look like, and how can businesses get it right?

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Why Accessibility Matters

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It’s about creating a positive, inclusive experience for anyone who needs to charge. For many drivers, poor design makes EV charging unnecessarily difficult. Narrow spaces, steep kerbs, heavy cables, and unclear signage can all act as barriers, particularly for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.

Improving accessibility helps businesses remove these barriers, enhance user experience, and increase the value of their charging infrastructure.

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PAS 1899 and Accessible EV Charging

PAS 1899 is a UK specification that outlines good practice for designing accessible EV charge points. It covers practical elements such as bay layout, charger positioning, socket height, cable reach, signage, and space for wheelchair access.

The standard is not mandatory, but it is widely seen as the minimum level of guidance businesses should be working towards. While accessibility campaigners argue it does not go far enough, PAS 1899 remains an important reference point when planning inclusive EV charging.

Following PAS 1899 helps businesses show that accessibility has been properly considered at the design stage. It also reduces the risk of poorly designed installations that limit who can use the charge points or require costly changes later.

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What Businesses Should Consider

There are several simple yet essential measures that can make EV charging accessible and user-friendly:

• Clear Access Routes
  Charging bays should be wide enough for wheelchair users and free from obstructions, with dropped kerbs where needed.
• Thoughtful Charger Placement
  Equipment should be positioned so cables can reach sockets easily and safely without stretching or awkward manoeuvres.
• Safe, Visible Environments
  Good lighting, clear markings, and readable signage make bays easy to navigate and use day or night.
• Cable Management
  Using tethered chargers or suitable cable supports helps reduce trip hazards and improves ease of use for all drivers.
• User-Friendly Design
  Straightforward interfaces, clear instructions, and visible charging status indicators all contribute to accessibility.
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Supporting Accessibility From the Start

The best time to prioritise accessibility is during the planning and installation stage. A professional installer can assess your site, identify potential challenges, and design a layout that works for everyone.

At Voltari, we work with businesses to install accessible, reliable commercial EV charge points that support staff and visitors while enhancing long-term sustainability goals.

Ready to make your EV charging more accessible? Contact Voltari to discuss a customised commercial EV charger installation tailored to your specific site.