A new national standard ensures that the design of electric vehicle charging stations in Sweden is accessible to every driver and passenger. BraunAbility Europe helped make it happen.
Charging stations for electric vehicles can be challenging to use for people of different abilities and ages. Until now, there have been no specific requirements to guarantee accessibility during planning and design. That has changed, thanks to a broad civic, institutional and industrial effort, in which BraunAbility Europe played a part:
Since late September this year, the Swedish Institute for Standards has officially introduced a new technical specification that makes it easier for charging operators, procurement bodies and manufacturers to set the right requirements. Above all, it is ensuring that accessibility is considered from the start.
Sweden introduces clear standards for EV charging stations
This work also established the basis for a European standard. BraunAbility Europe played a role in shaping these guidelines. Through our expertise, we were able to define important aspects like:
- What types of vehicles will be charged?
- How accessibility products interact with and impact the charging process.
- Consider vehicle adaptations and mobility aids when planning space and accessibility at charging stations.
Under the title 'Accessible recharging stations for electric road vehicles - Requirements and recommendations', the standard was officially constituted and released (see the original standard here).
Local sustainability meets global accessibility
Our shared vision is clear: accessibility for all, regardless of the vehicle you choose to drive. This includes everything from the design of the charging station itself to practical details in and around the car.
Compliance Officer Ann-Sofie Engdahl, who works with sustainability as part of her tasks at BraunAbility Europe, explains:
“We care deeply that our products work throughout everyday life – not just inside the vehicle.”
And, she adds:
“More and more customers are discovering that many of our solutions are already compatible with electric vehicles. This progress is a step toward a future where sustainable mobility truly includes everyone.”
How we support accessibility in electric mobility
Learn more about our work regarding sustainability, EVs and their users:
Accessible and sustainable mobility for all
Collaboration across industries and disciplines
This work was of course a collaborative effort, achieved by a coalition of smaller and bigger representatives across numerous industries and parts of the Swedish civil society. A big thank you to everyone who helped develop this standard and who continues the important work of standardising accessible charging stations for all, both in Europe and elsewhere.
Many thanks to: