News & Features

Ministers Given the Power to Mandate PAS1899 Accessible EV Charging Standards

Posted in News on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill has reached its final parliamentary stages and with them comes a major step forward for accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging. On Friday, Ministers backed a key amendment to the Bill that would give the government new powers to require all future public charge points to meet accessibility standards, ensuring they are safe, convenient, and usable for everyone, including disabled drivers.

The amendment, first proposed by Conservative Peer Lord Borwick and now strengthened by the government, will allow ministers to mandate the accessible EV charging standards set by PAS1899. If voluntary progress across the industry continues to fall short.

(PAS 1899 sets out clear requirements such as space to get wheelchairs or mobility aids out of the vehicle, dropped kerbs, easy-to-use charge units, safe cable management, clear lighting, and more)

Introducing the change in the Commons, Minister Matthew Pennycock MP said that although the Government has been “working closely with the sector to update the current accessibility standards,” he is now “convinced that we should use the Bill to provide further certainty.” Responding for the Opposition, Conservative MP David Simmonds welcomed the government’s “willingness to embrace the debate about electric vehicle charging.”

This development comes as the Commons and Lords look to agree on final amendments before the legislation becomes law.

What Happens Next?

As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill moves through its final Parliamentary stages, the new amendment signals a clear direction of travel. Accessible EV charging is no longer optional. With legislative backing and updated standards on the horizon, the UK is one step closer to building a charging network that works for every driver. 

DMUK CEO, Graham Footer commented: “DMUK is pleased to see this important development which is a positive step forward for disabled motorists who require accessible public electric vehicle charging. DMUK wants to see the electric vehicle industry move faster on the provision of accessible public charging and provide adequate accessible charging at every charging site. Failing to do so will mean a lot of expensive retrofitting in the future.”

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