Drivers Assess New EV Charging Road Sign Proposals
The Department for Transport (DfT) recently unveiled findings from a major trial evaluating potential new road signs for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The research, which involved over 1,100 participants across England, assessed the effectiveness of various symbols. Motorists offered feedback on different designs, revealing both preferences and concerns.
The DfT’s initiative comes as EV adoption increases and the government aims to install 300,000 EV chargers by the end of the decade. As of the latest data, there are 75,675 public charging devices spread across the UK, with over 1,000 added within the last month.
The trial tested three primary sign concepts:
- A symbol derived from the existing petrol pump icon.
- A front-view of a car with a standard three-pin plug.
- A “lightning bolt” design.
Each symbol was also tested in two color variations: green on a white background and white with a black or blue background.
Mixed Reactions to Sign Designs
Driver feedback revealed varying levels of acceptance for each design. A common concern was the similarity of the petrol pump-derived sign to existing petrol station signage, particularly at a glance. The research found that sign could be misidentified, especially at higher speeds.
The “lightning bolt” design also received negative feedback. Some participants expressed concerns about its resemblance to imagery associated with fascism, making it unsuitable for road signage.
However, the ‘car’ symbol was met with greater approval. Some drivers suggested a side-on view of a car was more quickly and easily interpreted than a head-on perspective. The presence of a three-pin socket also appeared to provide clarity, helping drivers quickly understand the function of the station.
One non-EV driver liked the socket and plug, which helped make it clear “that the station was specifically for electric cars, rather than the ‘petrol pump’ image.”
Motorists used strong language to depict their concerns about the proposed new designs. One respondent, describing the plug’s design, said, “People would assume they’re not fast 7kw charging because it’s like the granny chargers.”
The report concluded that the “the green pump-and-flash symbol will be interpreted accurately by the smallest portion of the population but that the green, car-based symbols stand out better in crowded contexts and are most accurately recalled after repeated viewings.” The DfT recommended, “Improvements should be considered to whichever of the two car-based symbols is selected for use on motorway service stations signs and directional road signs.”
Motoring experts and drivers had previously called for more visible and easily understood signage to boost driver confidence in EV charging infrastructure.
