| Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge Point Operator (CPO) Believ has welcomed the BSI PAS 1899 review and updated recommendations as an important milestone in industry coming together to improve access of EV charging for all drivers, including those with diverse accessibility needs. |
| Three years on from the publication of the PAS 1899 accessible charging guidance, a comprehensive review brought together consumer and disability groups, local authorities, and CPOs, including Believ, to assess how well the standard is working in practice and to recommend improvements for its future development. Believ was involved in both the technical review group, and the accessible charge point data standard working group, supporting the assessment of the existing requirements. Key amongst the findings was the need to recognise the differences in charge point installation in built environments and to identify industry implementation advice specific to different scenarios, such as managing the logistical and spatial constraints of on-street charge point installations. The review usefully addresses the challenges faced by local authorities, businesses, private landlords and CPOs, recognising the complexities and technical limitations of accessibility measures, for example understanding that solutions still need to be further developed regarding charging cable weights. Believ has already been working with local authorities to improve inclusive EV charging infrastructure in three East London boroughs. Believ has collaborated with the boroughs of Waltham Forest, Newham, and Redbridge, leveraging LEVI funding to trial new on-street EV charging bay designs that enhance accessibility, engaging with customers and advocacy groups to understand real-world barriers and rapidly deploy improvements. Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, says he is proud of Believ’s involvement in the review: “At Believ, we see it as our responsibility to help shape the future of accessible EV charging, and we’re committed to continuing to work with industry to recognise what is possible now, while also highlighting challenges that need to be addressed. Making charging inclusive for every driver is not just a technical challenge—it’s a social responsibility that we take seriously. “We recognise that there is still more work to do in the industry to further accessibility of EV infrastructure, and Believ is committed to working with our supply chain and actively participate and contribute to developing PAS 1899 and ensuring that no driver is left behind in the EV transition.” The review also highlights the importance of future engagement with European bodies such as CEN and CENELEC, helping to create more consistent, pan-European accessibility guidance, which Believ views as a positive step towards global accessibility standards for EV infrastructure. |
