Accessible EV Charging Stations: ADA Requirements & Installation Guide
In order to understand accessible EV charging stations, you have to look at the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in addition to any applicable local or state building codes. When a property owner, developer, or city installs EV charging stations, they need to consider ADA accessibility standards to provide stations that can serve everyone. At ADA Access Consultants, we can provide expert consulting for the installation of chargers in addition to in person evaluations and reporting. If you want to tackle ADA compliance for EV charging stations, we have you covered!
What Are Accessible EV Charging Stations?
Accessible EV charging stations refer to stations that have the proper access required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These standards are set in place so people with disabilities have the same convenience when operating EV charging stations. When you aren’t accessible, you’re infringing on a person’s civil rights to access public areas.
Public Commercial and Workplaces
Accessibility standards for EV chargers apply to almost all charge stations. This includes public property, workplaces, publicly funded entities, and many more areas. If you own or manage a property, it’s in your best interest to provide an accessible EV charger to the public and consult with someone who can help you get there.
Commercial vs Home EV Chargers
Commercial EV charging stations differ from home EV charging in power, size, and requirements. At home EV chargers are much lower power and are optimized for slower, overnight charging sessions. Level 2 and commercial EV chargers have much higher volts and deliver hundreds miles of range in 25 minutes to an hour.
EV Charger Lawsuit Risk
Because the ADA is federal law, it is federally enforceable. Tons of lawsuits are emerging related to accessibility issues at properties, and a lack of accessible EV charging stations can put you at risk. Some law firms are filing hundreds of accessibility related lawsuits in order to capitalize on the many violations present at most public EV chargers. If you want to protect your business from fines and lawsuits while creating a more inviting space, you need an accessible EV charging station.
State Codes That Go Beyond the ADA
In some states, local and state code goes further than the ADA. For example, California Title 24 / CBC 11B-812 goes into much more depth about accessible EV charging stations so it’s important to understand your local regulations and plan accordingly.
ADA Requirements for Accessible EV Charging Stations
Following the requirements laid out, you will have the best chance at avoiding lawsuits and providing EV chargers that can be used by everyone. Compliance can be as simple as hiring an ADA inspector, making the necessary changes, and working towards compliance.
How Many Accessible Spaces are Required?
As of 2026, the ADA currently does not specify scoping requirements for the amount of accessible EV chargers at a station. However the US Access Board has proposed standards and one recommended approach would be using the scoping requirements for accessible parking spaces. In that instance, the table below would apply. 1 in every 25 spaces would require 1 EV charger untill you reach higher numbers.
Parking space and access aisle dimensions
An accessible EV charging station designed to serve people with mobility devices must provide a space 11 feet wide by 20 feet long. The adjoining access aisle must be a minimum of 5 feet wide to service exiting and entering the vehicle. These standards allow enough space to maneuver around the vehicle and utilize the EV charger.
Charger Mounting Height
EV chargers must follow ADA reach range requirements. Chargers must allow for an unobstructed side reach spanning 15″ inches to 48″ inches to operable part of the EV charger.
Clear Floor Space for EV Charger
In addition to the position of the charger, the floor space itself matters. Clear floor space is required at the same level as the charging space, must be at least 30″ inches by 48″ inches, and have a slope ratio of less than or equal to 1:48 or around 2%.
Do EV Charging Stations Have to Be ADA Compliant?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessible elements such as EV charging stations are required to be ADA complaint. There are different standards such as the amount of accessible stations and what parts of the charger need to be considered. Consult with a professional ADA inspector for your installation to avoid all the stress and unknowns!
The ADA 2010 Standards
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design does not specifically address EV charger stations but they do mention standards around the associated code requirements. These include code requirements like clear floor space, reach range requirements for EV chargers, and the accessible route to chargers.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
There is a major cost not considered which is the cost of non-compliance. If you aren’t providing accessible charging stations, you are subject to lawsuits or fines being brought up because you aren’t providing necessary access. Make sure you do your construction right the first time to avoid all the headaches within accessible EV charging stations.
How to Install Accessible EV Charging Stations
Installing accessible EV charging stations requires the right planning and execution. Consult with the proper contractors or installation service, then draft the plans and get city approval.
Permitting and Plan Check
Permitting and plan checking is an important part of the building process. Here you have time to fine tune your plans and make sure your team is all on the same page.
Designing for accessibility upfront to avoid retrofits
Before installation we recommend consulting with an ADA inspector to ensure installation is correct. This will ensure your work is done right the first time and you won’t have to go back retrofitting.
Cost of Accessible EV Charging Installation
Installing accessible EV charging stations requires the right planning and execution. Consult with the proper contractors or installation service, then draft the plans and get city approval.
Typical Cost Ranges
The costs of an accessible EV charging station depends on location, size, and types of chargers. Consult with an EV specialist contractor and make sure to collect a few quotes before deciding on a company.
Common Compliance Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake we see is the floor space around the EV charger and parking spot. Make sure you have even stable ground that will prevent a person with a mobility device from rolling around. Additionally we commonly see the controls not in the proper reach ranges. Make sure the operable parts like the charger and payment area are at the proper height to ensure access.
ADA & EV Charging
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about accessibility considerations for EV charging stations.
Yes, EV charging stations must be ADA compliant. The exact number or percentage of accessible stations is not defined.
The height of EV chargers must comply with applicable ADA reach-range requirements.
EV charging stations can technically be used as parking spaces by other vehicles. Enforcement of tow-away rules is often up to the property owner.
Installation of an accessible EV charging station can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on scope, size, and location. Review your plans and construction with an ADA specialist to help avoid complaints and ensure your property is accessible.
