The UK's Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has opened a survey on EV charging signage this week.
char.gy is pressing the Government to guarantee it specifically looks into residential, lamppost and kerbside charging points, rather than just rapid chargers along major routes.
char.gy highlights that whilst on-street and lamppost chargers are already delivering convenient, cost-effective charging to thousands of residential streets nationwide, they remain far too often essentially "hidden in plain sight". Numerous motorists may reside mere minutes' walk from dependable public charging yet remain completely unaware of its existence.
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, said: "We would urge government and local authorities to treat EV signage, including wayfinding to on-street and lamppost charge points, as critical infrastructure."
Clear consistent signage can:
• Make home-adjacent charging visible to residents who don't have off-street parking, helping them understand that switching to an EV is realistic for them.
• Reduce anxiety and confusion for new and prospective EV drivers by showing, at a glance, that charging is available on ordinary streets, not just at retail parks and motorways.
• Maximise the impact of existing investment in charging infrastructure; a charge point that isn't clearly signposted or identifiable from the road isn't delivering its full potential.
Mr Lewis added: "As we continue deploying thousands of public EV chargers in partnership with local authorities, signage policy must evolve alongside this growth.
"That's why we're working alongside Brighton and Hove City Council and the British Parking Association to help shape future signage standards, having submitted a proposed design with the goal of it becoming the national EV charging sign."
We believe there should be a stronger emphasis on simple, instantly recognisable symbols for EV charging, alongside clearer national guidance for councils on how and where these signs should be implemented. "
Tanya Sinclair, CEO of Electric Vehicles UK, said: "Other than the vehicles themselves, signage is one of the most visible ways drivers build confidence in going electric.
"Clear, consistent signage makes charging feel normal and navigable. It's why many countries have moved quickly to standardise it.
"The UK has not. That lack of progress is frustrating, because this is one of the simplest and lowest-cost ways government could support driver confidence and accelerate adoption."
Fiona Howarth, Founder and Director of Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: "Households with driveways can cut petrol costs by up to 80% by going electric. Now we need to make sure everyone can share those savings by clearly signposting low-cost kerbside charging.
"With pay-per-mile tax expected in two years, the government has a real opportunity to make charging simple, visible, and affordable on every street. If we get that right, more drivers can get their hands on EVs and discover just how great they are."
Read the full Press Release in the Daily Express 🔗 https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/2173663/char-gy-calls-consistent-uk-signage-street-ev-charging-points