One of the UK’s leading providers of EV charging points, Osprey Charging, has become the first network to subscribe to ChargeSafe, an independent endorsement body that inspects and rates EV charging locations.
Chargesafe are in the process of inspecting all the UK’s EV charging points, based on 63 criteria for safety and accessibility, with ratings out of five made publicly available. By subscribing, Osprey can review the detailed data behind the scores to identify specific areas to further improve the charging service it offers its customers.
The accessibility criteria have been developed in line with guidance from Motability (a charity that helps disabled people acquire vehicles), and the forthcoming PAS1899 BSI standards for accessible charging. Combined with detailed safety criteria, from lighting and CCTV to nearby facilities and busy-ness, the simple rating system will provide drivers with more informed charging options for day and night.
Osprey’s new eight-charger high power hub, located at the Paisley Pear restaurant in Buckinghamshire (see picture above) was the first of the company’s sites to be inspected by ChargeSafe, scoring a pre-launch rating of 4.46 out of 5, including the highest accessibility score seen so far by ChargeSafe on the UK network. Hubs launched in 2021 at Banbury Cross, Wolverhampton and Croydon scored 4.26, 3.96 and 3.80 respectively.
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging said:
“We have long been supporters of what ChargeSafe stand for and we’re proud to become the first charging network to subscribe to its thorough, EV charging location rating system. We are committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible EV charging for all. 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.
“Working with ChargeSafe means we can ensure that accessibility and safety are prioritised at all of our new sites, whilst giving us the insight to rectify other areas of our network that should be upgraded.”
ChargeSafe Co-Founder, Kate Tyrrell said:
“The aim of ChargeSafe is to support the public charging networks to identify areas for improvement with greater accuracy, championing what’s being done well and ultimately leading to a more inclusive charging experience for the UK. 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.”
