Charging Ahead: How Dundee is Leading the Way in EV Accessibility

02 May, 2023 | Dundee Electric

In addition to incorporating ‘industry first’ EV technology, our new Clepington Road charging hub has been designed to be as accessible as possible for disabled and non-disabled drivers to help make the EV future a reality for everyone.

Our new public charging hub includes charge points specifically designed to improve the experience of disabled and non-disabled drivers. By following the government’s new BSI PAS 1899:2022 standard, Dundee will seek to make its EV charging points as accessible as possible.

Inclusivity has been a key concern when installing the new Clepington Road Charging hub which has been designed to offer accessible charging for disabled motorists to help make the EV future a reality for everyone. There are no kerbs, allowing ease of access for wheelchair users, and the charge points feature assisted charging cables to make it easier to put EVs on charge. There are also blocks in bays to ensure space is left in front of vehicles for easy access to chargers.

Anticipating and overcoming restrictions and barriers

The city has made an effort to ensure that the charging infrastructure is inclusive and convenient for everyone, including those with disabilities. We have made sure that the designated parking bays for disabled drivers are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users.

In addition to this, our charging points have been fitted with features that offer easier accessibility for disabled drivers. For example, specific charging points have been designed with a height-adjustable cable, for those who require help with reaching chargers.

We have also added user-friendly interfaces that are easy to operate throughout touchscreens.

Furthermore, the charging hubs across Dundee are located in areas that are easily accessible, such as in car parks or on-street locations that have level access, no steps or steep inclines. This allows for unobstructed routes from the car to the charger.

Promoting sustainable mobility and working towards greater inclusivity

Dundee is leading the way in creating a more accessible and sustainable future in several ways. For example, they have implemented accessibility in their general EV infrastructure:

Public transport network: many electricity or hybrid run buses have been designed to be more accessible, with low floors, wheelchair ramps and designated spaces.
Incentives: we offers various incentives, including free parking at the hubs, grants and tax credits to help with purchase or conversion of an EV
Partnerships: we have worked with various partners, for example the Energy Saving Trust to provide advice and support for people with a disability looking to switch to electric mobility

How levelling-up programme will continue Dundee’s legacy of accessibility
Thanks to the government's levelling-up project, a Major UK investment of £14,400,000 will allow us to create a multi-modal transport hub in Bell Street car park located near Dundee city centre while spreading different opportunities into overlooked areas. This new addition to Dundee will further include accessible charging stations allocating 50 vehicles and special parking locations for club vehicles.

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Testimonials

“I love my new Nissan Leaf… the forward-thinking city council are at the forefront of the whole electric car revolution”

Lorraine Kelly

“Electric taxis always surprise our customers with how quiet they are. The switch from fuel to electricity has saved us thousands – and it’s clean too!”

There are now a total of 187 electric taxis operating in Dundee which is 25% of all taxis operating in the city.

Dundee Taxis

“Electric vehicles have reduced the city’s cO2 levels by 987 tonnes so far (Sept 2017)”

Dundee City Council have 223 electric vehicles (and counting) in their fleet, the biggest of any UK local authority.

Gary McRae, Dundee City Council

“The excellent charging infrastructure in Dundee makes running an electric car very easy. I often plug in to one of the chargers in town, pop to the shops and my Nissan Leaf is fully charged by the time I’m done. I can’t wait to use the charging hubs that are planned across the city. The ability to park for free in the Dundee City Council car parks because my car has zero emissions is an added bonus.”

Elinor, Dundee

“We are now using an electric car since 2012 and will not go back to a petrol car. The drive is smooth, responsive and quiet. With Dundee getting better and better with chargers in several places, free parking in Council car parks, what’s not to like? The car has saved us money compared to the Ford Ka we had before, with currently over 90,000 miles, you can’t tell us it’s not used. Looking forward to the new charging hubs in Dundee.”

Erwin, Alyth

“EVs are over 60% cheaper to refuel than modern petrol and diesel cars and have only 1% of the moving components, so they’re really reliable. There are EVs that have clocked up over 174,000 miles in three years and only needed a ball bearing replaced. Switching to an EV from a 70mpg hybrid and charging it at home has saved me £500 per year on fuel and maintenance alone – double that if I only use Dundee’s free public charge points!”

Euan, Dundee University graduate

“Our two electric vans have completely transformed our business. Not only have they helped reduced our running costs, but they are much better for the environment and work well with the stop start style of driving that we do on our free pick-up and delivery service. The move over to electric vehicles has been extremely easy due to the excellent facilities for charging in the local Dundee area. We are even considering adding a third electric vehicle to our fleet.”

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