Osprey commits to accessible and safe charging by becoming the first charging network to subscribe to ChargeSafe

• Independent, public EV charging endorsement body ChargeSafe will inspect each Osprey site as part of a UK-wide site assessment for safety and accessibility
• ChargeSafe’s detailed site inspection criteria are based on Motability guidance and PAS1899 specifications, and data available to Osprey as a subscriber will drive network improvement
• Osprey’s new eight-charger, high-power hub site at Paisley Pear in Buckinghamshire scores a pre-launch ChargeSafe rating of 4.46/5, including the highest accessibility score seen to date

Osprey Charging, one of the UK’s major networks of rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points, has become the first charging network to subscribe to ChargeSafe, a public charging endorsement body that independently inspects and rates EV charging locations.

ChargeSafe are inspecting and rating all the UK’s charging locations 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 to identify specific areas to further improve the charging service it offers its customers.

ChargeSafe’s accessibility criteria have been developed in line with guidance from Motability (a charity that helps disabled people acquire vehicles), and the forthcoming PAS1899 BSI standards for accessible charging. 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.

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 Co-Founder, Kate Tyrrell said:

“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.”

Neil Swanson, director, Electric Vehicle Association Scotland (EVA) Scotland said:

“We view the safety and security of all EV drivers using public charge points, particularly those who may feel vulnerable or are disabled, as of paramount importance. ChargeSafe’s commitment to improving safety and accessibility at chargers is second to none and we’re delighted that Osprey has become the first CPO to step up and show how important safety and accessibility are to its customers. At EVA Scotland we continue to ensure that safety and security of all EV drivers remains a top priority as the pace of new charge point installations rapidly increases across the country.”

About Osprey Charging Network

Osprey Charging Network is a UK-wide, rapid electric vehicle charging network, backed by Investec and Cube Infrastructure Partners. Osprey fund, install and manage their network on behalf of landlord partners. The Osprey network is built to provide a trusted and comfortable experience: reliable, open-access and easy-to-use charge points are conveniently located on major routes and with nearby amenities. All Osprey chargers accept contactless payments, App payments, RFID payments and payment through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards and roaming partners. Every charging point is also powered by 100% renewable electricity. More information on Osprey can be found at ospreycharging.co.uk.

About ChargeSafe

ChargeSafe is an independent, public charging endorsement body that is committed to improving and maintaining safety and accessibility for electric vehicle drivers using the UK’s public charge infrastructure. Its measures of site expectations to deliver a safe and easily accessible charge experience, to every motorist in the UK, provides the charge-point networks with valuable insights and detailed feedback as to what improvements can be made and where they are required, as well as real-time feedback accessible via a dashboard.

Its partnerships with public charge-point mapping applications also enable EV drivers better visibility as to the safety score of a location, to make a more informed choice when selecting a charger. ChargeSafe is committed to a transparent approach and to remain unbiased. This is why its inspections are randomly audited by an independent third party to ensure a high-quality service is provided and no safety score is compromised. ChargeSafe will always place safety at the heart of everything we do.