The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) is to conduct a trial to create access standards to electric vehicle charging infrastructure for people with disabilities.
Announced to coincide with the International Day of Persons with a Disability, the RAA will partner with disability consultants Able Access Design to test planned charging site designs for the state’s EV charging network and ensure that it meets specific accessibility needs.
The trial will be undertaken at the Tonsley Innovation District in Adelaide and will focus on ensuring drivers with varying levels of mobility, including those who use a wheelchair, have adequate space to exit their vehicle, can safely access a charging point, and are able to make payment.
“Drivers with accessibility needs are often left behind when it comes to infrastructure development,” said Charles Mountain, RAA senior manager safety & infrastructure.
“In delivering the first Statewide EV charging network for South Australia, we have the unique opportunity to get this right from the beginning and develop a standard for charging site designs.
“The trial will ensure drivers with accessibility needs will be able to use our rapid and ultra-rapid charging sites across the State’s electric vehicle charging network.”
Able Access Design Consultant Warwick Gregg (pictured above) explained his own experiences using charging infrastructure that hadn’t been built with accessibility in mind.
“Too often wheelchair users like myself and those with other considerations encounter infrastructure that presents more challenges than it should,” said Gregg.
“At Able Access Design we work with organisations and governments to help inform and co-design inclusive environments. This project with RAA has been a great learning experience for all involved and we look forward to seeing the results of the trial shared as design recommendations all operators can consider for their networks.”
Following the trial, the findings and subsequent design recommendations will be published in early 2023, with the goal to guide installation of rapid and ultra-rapid charging sites across South Australia’s charging network.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.