ADA Frequently Asked Questions
Category: 2010 ADA Accessibility Standards
Question: #39
Do accessibility standards apply to Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations?
Answer:
Various accessibility standards may apply to EV charging stations depending on their design and the entity that is using them.
For entities covered under the ADA or ABA Accessibility Standards, EV charging stations must comply with the technical requirements for floor and ground surfaces (§302), clear floor or ground space (§305) , reach ranges (§308), operable parts (§309), accessible routes (§402), and other provisions when needed, such as some of the provisions in parking (§502), signs (§703),and fare machines (§707). See 36 C.F.R. §1191.1.
EV chargers developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies must also comply with the revised Section 508 Standards. See 36 C.F.R. §1194.1, App. A and C. This includes that the user interface (UI) be accessible. EV chargers which do not incorporate a display screen would not be required to be speech-output enabled, but are still ICT and would have accessibility requirements if they are more complicated than just plugging them in.
Resource(s):
Design Recommendations for Accessible EV Charging Stations for more guidance.
ABA Accessibility Standards
ADA Accessibility Standards
Section 508 Standards
For entities covered under the ADA or ABA Accessibility Standards, EV charging stations must comply with the technical requirements for floor and ground surfaces (§302), clear floor or ground space (§305) , reach ranges (§308), operable parts (§309), accessible routes (§402), and other provisions when needed, such as some of the provisions in parking (§502), signs (§703),and fare machines (§707). See 36 C.F.R. §1191.1.
EV chargers developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies must also comply with the revised Section 508 Standards. See 36 C.F.R. §1194.1, App. A and C. This includes that the user interface (UI) be accessible. EV chargers which do not incorporate a display screen would not be required to be speech-output enabled, but are still ICT and would have accessibility requirements if they are more complicated than just plugging them in.
Resource(s):
Design Recommendations for Accessible EV Charging Stations for more guidance.
ABA Accessibility Standards
ADA Accessibility Standards
Section 508 Standards