Home EV Charging for Disabled Drivers and Blue Badge Holders in London

For disabled drivers and Blue Badge holders, a home charger can make an electric car much easier to live with. It saves trips to public chargers, many of which are not designed with accessibility in mind: heavy cables, high screens and kerbs or bollards in the way. This post covers what to think about when planning an accessible home charger in London.

Where to put the charger

• Mount the charger at a height you can reach comfortably, whether standing or seated. A wall unit can usually be fitted lower than standard, within the maker's instructions.
• Put it close to where you park, on the side of the car where the charging port is, so the cable does not have to be pulled far.
• Keep a clear, level path between the car and the charger, free of steps, gravel or tight gaps.
• Good lighting near the charger helps when plugging in after dark. See our main blog's guide to outdoor and security lighting.

Tethered cable or socket

A tethered charger has its cable attached, so you do not have to lift a cable out of the boot every time. Some drivers find this much easier. A cable holder or hook at a comfortable height stops the cable lying on the ground. Charging cables can be heavy, so it is worth trying one before you choose. See our guide to tethered or untethered chargers.

Smart features that help

A smart charger with an app lets you start, stop and schedule charging from your phone, so you do not need to use small buttons or screens on the unit. Scheduled charging also means the car is ready when you need it, without having to remember to plug in at a set time. Our guide to smart charger rules explains the main features.

If you lease through the Motability Scheme

If your car comes through the Motability Scheme, check what charging support is included before you book an installer separately, and what the scheme needs from the installation.

If you park on the street

If you have no off-street parking, a home charger may not be possible, and trailing a cable across the pavement is usually not allowed without council permission. Some London councils offer disabled parking bays and are expanding on-street charging. Our guide to charging without a drive covers the options.

Talk to the installer about your needs

Tell the installer at the survey how you get in and out of the car, which side the port is on, and any reach or grip limits. A good installer will plan the position, height and cable route around you rather than the easiest wall to drill.

Energy North Ltd installs home chargers across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians. See our EV charger installation page to book a survey.