Disabled drivers left behind by electric car transition: Three-quarters of councils have no accessible chargers

Three-quarters of local councils in England and Wales lack accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging points tailored for disabled drivers, according to new research commissioned by Vauxhall. The study, based on responses to a Freedom of Information request, reveals that only 49 of 194 councils surveyed have on-street charging points meeting accessibility standards, up from 24 in 2025. Despite a doubling in the number of councils offering such facilities in the past year, the majority remain unprepared to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals transitioning to electric vehicles. The data highlights a persistent gap in accessibility, with 75% of councils failing to provide chargers specifically adapted for drivers with mobility challenges or conforming to the British Standards Institution’s PAS 1899:2022 standard. While the number of on-street EV chargers located within disabled parking bays has more than doubled since 2024—rising from 105 to 245—the proportion of these that meet accessibility criteria remains low. An estimated 15% of on-street chargers are now specifically adapted for disabled drivers, while another 14% adhere to the PAS 1899:2022 guidelines. These figures underscore that although progress has been made, the overall landscape remains inadequate for many. Regional disparities further illustrate the challenge. In London, there are 2,131 accessible on-street chargers, significantly outpacing the 43 available in the North West and 14 in Scotland. Such inequalities suggest that efforts to improve accessibility have not yet reached all parts of the country evenly. Many councils that responded to the survey indicated that their charging strategies consider the needs of disabled and elderly residents, yet the implementation of these policies varies widely. Dundee Council stands out as a model for other authorities seeking to enhance accessibility. Its Clepington Road charging hub, developed in collaboration with Swarco E.Connect Smart Charging, features larger spaces, longer cables, and level access, eliminating obstacles such as raised plinths or bollards. Designed in consultation with disabled drivers and disability charities, the hub adheres to the PAS 1899:2022 standard, demonstrating how accessible infrastructure can be achieved through targeted planning and stakeholder engagement. Eurig Druce, managing director of Vauxhall UK, acknowledged the positive trend of increasing numbers of councils providing accessible charging options but emphasized that the current state of affairs falls short. “Three-quarters of councils still do not provide chargers that are specifically adapted for disabled drivers or conform to recognised accessibility standards,” he stated. As the shift toward electric vehicles accelerates, Druce stressed the necessity of ensuring that all drivers, including those with disabilities, are able to access and utilize public charging networks effectively. The findings call attention to the urgent need for coordinated action between local governments, automotive manufacturers, and advocacy groups to close the accessibility gap. With more drivers adopting electric vehicles, the failure to address the specific needs of disabled individuals risks leaving them behind in the nation’s green energy transition. The ongoing challenge lies not only in expanding the availability of EV chargers but also in ensuring that these facilities are truly inclusive and usable by all members of society.