Call for Urgent Infrastructure Changes
Immediate action is needed to address the lack of accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, according to Physical Disability Australia. As the nation moves towards electric transport, this issue could deepen inequality in the transport system without urgent changes.
Australia’s shift to electric vehicles is quickening due to rising petrol prices and volatile fuel security. However, many disabled drivers still find the EV charging network inaccessible, creating significant barriers and daily challenges.
The report ‘Enabling Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging’ by Austroads highlights the concerns of disabled drivers. It shows that the current ‘minimum bays’ approach, while meeting basic requirements on paper, fails in practice. Disabled drivers face longer waits, fewer options, and uncertainty when recharging.
Suzanne Gearing, CEO of Physical Disability Australia, stated, “If Australia is serious about an electric future, it must be a future that includes everyone. Accessible charging cannot be an afterthought. It is essential infrastructure. When disabled drivers are forced to rely on one bay being available, and not misused, that is not equality. It is exclusion by design.”
Governments, councils, developers, and charging operators are urged by Physical Disability Australia to prioritise accessibility by adopting universal design standards. Retrofitting existing sites and implementing enforceable measures to protect access for disabled drivers would ensure equal access and integration into the future transport network.
Ms. Gearing emphasised, “This is a chance to build the right system from the start.” She added that universal design in charging stations would benefit not only disabled drivers but a significant portion of the community. The introduction of accessible features, similar to curb cuts, will be advantageous for many.
Integrating accessibility into the framework as Australia develops its future transport network is crucial. This ensures inclusivity and equality for all drivers. The organisation stresses the need for leadership, urgency, and a commitment to dignity, safety, and equal access.
Physical Disability Australia, a national peak Disability Peoples Organisation, advocates for Australians living with physical disabilities. The organisation aims to enable them to realize their full potential and is available for further comments, with Suzanne Gearing, CEO, reachable for interviews.
For media inquiries, contact Natasha Nobay, Communications and Engagement Manager, at 1800 732 674 or email [email protected].
Last updated: 5 May 2026, 12:06 pm
