Osprey Charging is first network to subscribe to ChargeSafe

Osprey Charging has subscribed to ChargeSafe, a public charging endorsement body that independently inspects and rates EV charging locations.

It's the first charging network to join the scheme.

ChargeSafe is inspecting and rating all charging locations In the UK this year, 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.

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’s accessibility criteria have been developed in line with the draft PAS1899 BSI standards for accessible charge points (co-sponsored by Motability and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles). 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 site at the Paisley Pear, an eight-charger, high power hub, was the first of Osprey’s new accessibly-designed hubs to be inspected by ChargeSafe. It scored a pre-launch rating of 4.46/5, including the highest accessibility score seen so far by ChargeSafe on the UK network. This new hub marks a step-change in Osprey’s hub roll-out to more accessible designs, with 2021-launched hubs at Banbury Cross, Wolverhampton and Croydon, scoring 4.26, 3.96 and 3.80 respectively.

ChargeSafe co-founder Kate Tyrrell added: “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.”

A new report from Glenigan indicates EV infrastructure needs to accelerate to meet surging demand.

The research’s key takeaway highlights the "staggering" number of new commercial and consumer EV charging points which will be required to meet the UK’s surging EV uptake. With 300,000 new EV registrations expected in 2022 alone, and set to increase significantly over the next few years, a massive drive to boost the charge point network will need to occur.

Forecasts suggest that at least 280-480,000 public charge points will be needed by 2030, more than ten times the current number (approx. 25,000).

The report can be viewed here: https://www.glenigan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Glenigan-EV-Infrastructure-and-Charging-Increasing-Opportunities-for-Operators-and-Installers-Report.pdf