Osprey launches accessible public electric car charging site design

Electric car charging firm Osprey has launched a new charging site design that is more accessible for disabled drivers.

The new site design has 1.2 metres of space on either side of the bay, making it easier for drivers in wheelchairs use. The cables, which have traditionally been quite heavy, feature counterweights to make them less cumbersome. The screens, meanwhile, are easier to read from various angles and in different light conditions.

The charging site design, which meets the draft PAS accessibility standards set out by the BSI, is intended for safe locations with CCTV in place. The site design has already started to be rolled out across the Osprey network.

The news follows a lengthy campaign by Auto Express for EV charging to be made more accessible for disabled drivers, many of whom have struggled to use public chargepoints where accessibility has been an afterthought.

Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey, said: “Osprey’s mission is to provide safe, reliable and accessible EV charging for all. That means well lit sites, chargers that you can rely on and the ability for wheelchairs and anyone with reduced mobility to have the space and access to charge, pay and enjoy our facilities.

“Obviously, this is being built into all our new sites in development and we’re working with landlords and Motability to achieve this. But we’re also going back to existing sites, upgrading hardware and increasing space and access wherever possible.”

Click here for more information on the UK’s electric car charging network…