The Route to Accessible EVs #20
5
5
Date of visit: May 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets, moving around and seeing.
I use or have experience of: disabled toilet, hidden impairment, mobility scooter, powerchair, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Excellent
This charging station sits in the middle of a busy motorway service station. We chose not to pre-plan our charging stops on this leg of the journey because the motorway in France regularly advertises charging options on road signage to service stations, allowing us to drive ahead confidently. The services themselves are lovely. While we were charging, an operator maintenance van pulled up and temporarily blocked one of the adjacent stalls to repair a neighbouring unit. Screenwash was also available nearby.
Disabled Access In and Around
The charging spaces are not designated or marked as accessible bays for disabled users and they do not meet PAS 1899 layout specifications. Clear directional signage routes drivers to the station from the highway and the location is highly visible upon entering the services. Obstacles around the units include low-level protective bollards. While they do not block your vehicle, they do present an inconvenience because you are forced to lift the heavy cable up and over the bollard to reach the car’s charging port. A minimum clearance path of 1200 mm from the charge unit to the vehicle socket point is maintained despite these barriers and components can be reached within a maximum 220 mm boundary. The hardware layout allows components to be viewed and operated easily, with the bottom of the connector socket sitting between 800 mm and 950 mm and the terminal screen interface positioned between 800 mm and 1000 mm from the ground.
Parking & Transport
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
arrived. The chargers are run by Ionity and provide ultra-rapid 350 kW speeds. Our battery was at 27% when we arrived and reached 98% in just over an hour, costing a total of £28.75. We paid on the app but the machine supports charge card or RFID options. The software system has a multi-lingual interface. The charger has its own attached cable and connector with built-in cable management, though extending the lead feels somewhat awkward. The connector handle weighs 3.55 kg and was easy to remove and return to the holster.
Accessible facilities: Electric Vehicle Charging
Accessible Toilets
There are no public facilities right next to the chargers, but toilets are available nearby within the service station.
Additional Information
There is no help point or customer assistance option mounted at the units. Our visit took place during daytime but overhead lighting is installed across the location for night-time visits. No shelter is provided.
