Electric Vehicle Industry Calls for National Road Sign Standard
The electric car industry is pressing the Labour Party government to introduce new nationwide road sign changes. char.gy, a leading EV charging company, is demanding guaranteed new signage to support millions of drivers across the UK.
Urgent Appeal for Critical Infrastructure
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, emphasized the importance of treating EV signage as critical infrastructure. He stated, "We would urge government and local authorities to treat EV signage, including wayfinding to on-street and lamppost charge points, as critical infrastructure."
Clear and consistent signage can make home-adjacent charging visible to residents without off-street parking. This helps them understand that switching to an electric vehicle is realistic and reduces anxiety for new and prospective EV drivers. It shows at a glance that charging is available on ordinary streets, not just at retail parks and motorways.
Maximizing Existing Investments
Proper signage can maximize the impact of existing investments in charging infrastructure. A charge point that isn't clearly signposted or identifiable from the road fails to deliver its full potential. Mr. Lewis added, "As we continue deploying thousands of public EV chargers in partnership with local authorities, signage policy must evolve alongside this growth."
char.gy is collaborating with Brighton and Hove City Council and the British Parking Association to shape future signage standards. They have submitted a proposed design with the goal of it becoming the national EV charging sign. Lewis believes there should be a stronger emphasis on simple, instantly recognizable symbols for EV charging, alongside clearer national guidance for councils on implementation.
Building Driver Confidence
Tanya Sinclair, CEO of Electric Vehicles UK, highlighted the role of signage in building driver confidence. She said, "Other than the vehicles themselves, signage is one of the most visible ways drivers build confidence in going electric. Clear, consistent signage makes charging feel normal and navigable. It's why many countries have moved quickly to standardise it."
Sinclair expressed frustration over the UK's lack of progress, noting that this is one of the simplest and lowest-cost ways the government could support driver confidence and accelerate adoption.
Ensuring Accessibility for All
Fiona Howarth, Founder and Director of Octopus Electric Vehicles, pointed out the financial benefits of electric vehicles. Households with driveways can cut petrol costs by up to 80% by going electric. However, she stressed the need to ensure everyone can share those savings by clearly signposting low-cost kerbside charging.
Howarth mentioned that with pay-per-mile tax expected in two years, the government has a real opportunity to make charging simple, visible, and affordable on every street. She concluded, "If we get that right, more drivers can get their hands on EVs and discover just how great they are."
The electric vehicle industry's push for standardized signage aims to create a more inclusive and confident transition to electric mobility across the UK.
