What Europe does better: EV charging road signage

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) market share has surged from 3.2% to 33.5% in just over six years, and with the ZEV mandate now in law, this is set to rise to 80% by 2030.

But while adoption accelerates, the infrastructure that supports drivers is being slowed down in unexpected ways.

Critical public charging infrastructure operators continue to face barriers when applying for road signage that would safely guide drivers and build public confidence in the ZEV transition.

Why?

There is a lack of clear guidance on when and where EV charging signage can be installed in the UK, particularly on local roads, which are under local Highway Authorities control. At present, because directional EV road signage is not prescribed in the ‘Planning Circular’, Local Authorities are encouraged to get special authorisation from the Department for Transport for any EV charging signs they approve. And where guidance does exist, for the Strategic Road Network, the requirements for amenities and services are disproportionate – often going beyond what is expected for traditional petrol station signage. Even for Motorway Service Areas (MSAs), where there is clear permission to add the EV charging symbol to roadside signs, the six symbols are often already fully used up by MSA's fast food partners logos.

Across Europe, progress looks very different. As the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) engages with industry to improve the UK situation via its Signage Survey, here's what happens in other countries - where the safety and informational importance of road signs for EV charging is acknowledged, and acted on.

·      EV charging signs may be installed on motorways, separated carriageways, and optionally on other roads.

·      Signs can provide directional information.

·      Signs can display the distance to the charging point.

·      EV charging is categorised alongside fuel stations, campsites, hospitals and airports for signage purposes.

Requirements for sign installation:

·      In some cases, charging must be available 24/7.

·      No additional on-site amenities are required.

·      EV charging signs may be installed on motorways and major roads.

·      Signs can provide directional information.

·      EV charging is categorised alongside fuel stations, restaurants, camping and accommodation for signage purposes.

Requirements for sign installation:

·      At least 43kW should be provided by all chargers.

·      The charging site should be open to all chargeable vehicles.

·      Charging must be available 24/7.

·      No additional on-site amenities are required.

·      EV charging signs may be installed on motorways and major roads.

·      Signs can provide directional information.

·      Signs can display the distance to the charging point.

Requirements for sign installation:

·      In some cases, charging must be available 24/7.

·      No additional on-site amenities are required.

European countries have recognised that clear EV charging signage is not a luxury or advertising – it is part of safe, modern road use.

A common reason for Local Authority rejection, in the UK, is on the grounds of reducing sign clutter. Yet our roads remain full of signage for a wide variety of attractions arguably less important than vehicle refuelling.

Making EV charging stations harder to find than petrol stations sends the wrong message at a time when we need consumers to feel confident to choose electric.

EVs are coming, and the UK Government should learn from our European neighbours, making our roads clearer, safer and ready for the ZEV transition.