Charging network Osprey has become the first charging operator to subscribe to ChargeSafe, a new public charging body that independently inspects and rates EV charging locations for safety and accessibility.
ChargeSafe will be inspecting and rating all of the UK’s charging locations this year and will base its verdicts on 63 different safety and accessibility criteria. The organisation’s ratings will be out of five and will be available to the public.
By subscribing to ChargeSafe, Osprey says it will be able to assess its charging location ratings and find new ways to improve the service it provides.
ChargeSafe's accessibility criteria (which is co-sponsored by Motability and the Office for Zero
Emission Vehicles) has been developed in line with the new draft guidelines from the British Standards Institute for accessible charging points.
The independent body says it will combine its safety criteria, from lighting and CCTV, to nearby facilities and business in order to offer drivers a simple rating system.
Osprey’s new Paisley Pear site - a high power hub with eight charging points - was the first of Osprey’s new accessibly-designed hubs to be rated by ChargeSafe.
It achieved a score of 4.46/5, including the highest accessibility rating seen so far by ChargeSafe on the UK network.
“We are committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible EV charging for all,” said Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging.
“That means well-lit sites, the best chargers and the ability for wheelchairs and anyone with mobility requirements to have the space and access to charge, pay and enjoy our facilities.”
Johnston said that working with ChargeSafe would ensure the charging operator provided accessible charge points that were safe while also gaining insight into how to improve its service.
Kate Tyrrell, ChargeSafe co-founder, added, “We’re delighted to be working with a leading nation-wide charging network such as Osprey and we hope other charging networks follow suit soon to give drivers better charge options when considering their safety and accessibility needs.”
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