ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines for EV Charging Stations (Proposed Rule)
In September 2024, the U.S. Access Board issued a landmark proposed rule to update accessibility guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), explicitly addressing the design and operation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
This proposal represents the first comprehensive federal framework defining how EV charging stations must be designed to ensure independent, dignified, and equitable access for people with disabilities.
1. Why EV charging accessibility is being regulated
Public EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly across the United States, driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and programs such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. However, existing ADA standards were written before EV charging became common and do not adequately address:
- the physical effort required to handle charging cables
- non-uniform vehicle charging inlet locations
- touchscreen-based payment and activation interfaces
- the need to maneuver mobility devices around a parked vehicle
The proposed rule fills these gaps by establishing clear scoping and technical requirements so that EV charging stations are usable by drivers with mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity impairments.
2. Facilities covered under the proposal
Once adopted by enforcing agencies, these guidelines will apply to:
- places of public accommodation and commercial facilities (ADA)
- state and local government facilities (ADA)
- facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds (ABA)
The requirements apply to new construction and to alterations of existing EV charging stations, to the maximum extent feasible.
3. Key scoping requirements
- A minimum number of accessible EV charging spaces is required at each charging station, based on station size.
- Accessible EV charging spaces are scoped separately from accessible parking and do not count toward parking minimums.
- Where multiple charger power levels are provided (e.g. DC fast and AC Level 2), accessible spaces must be provided for each level.
- Accessible routes must connect EV charging spaces to building entrances and on-site amenities.
4. Accessible EV charging spaces: size and layout
| Requirement | Proposed standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum space size | 132 in wide × 240 in long (with access aisle) |
| Access aisle | 60 in minimum width, full length of space |
| Surface | Stable, firm, slip-resistant; no level changes |
| Vertical clearance | 98 in minimum |
| Identification | International Symbol of Accessibility (with limited exceptions) |
Unlike accessible parking, EV charging spaces must accommodate movement around the vehicle to retrieve, handle, and connect charging equipment. This is why the proposed dimensions exceed standard accessible parking requirements.
5. EV charger hardware and mobility features
EV chargers serving accessible charging spaces must support independent use by drivers who use mobility devices.
- Clear ground space for a parallel approach
- Controls within standard ADA reach ranges (15–48 inches)
- Operable with one hand, without tight grasping or twisting
- Maximum operating force of 5 pounds
- Cable management systems for cables over 5 pounds
Notably, the proposal does not exempt EV charging connectors from operability requirements, unlike traditional gas pump nozzles.
6. Communication and user interface accessibility
A central feature of the proposal is the requirement that all EV chargers—not just those at accessible spaces— provide accessible communication features.
- Readable, high-contrast text with minimum character sizes
- Visual, audible, and tactile status indicators
- No reliance on color alone to convey information
- Volume control and amplification for audio output
- Captioning for video content with audio
- Compatibility with hearing aids for two-way communication
This approach recognizes that many users with disabilities do not require mobility-accessible spaces but still need accessible interfaces.
7. “Reserved” vs. “Use Last” accessible charging spaces
The Access Board is requesting public comment on an alternative “use last” model for accessible EV charging spaces.
Under this model, accessible spaces would not be strictly reserved for drivers with disabilities, but would instead be available to all users when no other spaces are open—while increasing the total number of accessible spaces.
Preliminary analysis suggests this approach could reduce wait times for disabled users but may introduce enforcement and compliance challenges.
8. Cost and impact overview
The preliminary regulatory impact assessment estimates total national costs of approximately $830 million (2024–2030, 3% discount), primarily driven by the additional space required for accessible charging layouts.
On a per-station basis, costs are relatively modest compared to overall EV charging infrastructure investment, and near-zero in states such as California that already mandate accessible EV charging design.
9. What this means for EV charging stakeholders
- Site hosts: must plan for larger footprints and accessible routes.
- Charging network operators: must ensure hardware and software accessibility.
- EVSE manufacturers: should anticipate new design baselines for cables, connectors, and interfaces.
- Developers using NEVI funds: should align designs early to avoid costly retrofits.
