Ground Surface: The Foundation of Accessibility

📷

Image — Module 2 (A)

What a poorly designed charging site looks like

A real charging site with visible accessibility problems: gravel or uneven surface, a snowbank pushed into the access aisle, bollards close to the charger, no shelter, poor lighting. Should feel recognisable, not extreme — this is an ordinary bad site, not a worst-case example. Winter or early spring conditions ideal.

A good charging experience starts with what's under your feet. A good ground surface is:

Firm and stable — the surface shouldn't shift, sink, or flex when you walk on it
Slip-resistant — especially important in wet or icy conditions
Level — even a gentle slope feels significant when lifting a heavy cable or steadying yourself on ice
Paved or compacted — asphalt, concrete, or compacted gravel are the most reliable surfaces

Gravel and loose surfaces cause wheels and mobility aids to sink, make footing unpredictable, allow cables to drag through mud or snow, and make slopes harder to judge. Paving just the charging stall and the access aisle beside it — even if the rest of the lot stays gravel — is a practical, affordable solution.

Technical Reference — for planners and installers

Dimensions drawn from CSA/ASC B651:23, the National Building Code of Canada, and U.S. Access Board EV charging guidance. Always verify current requirements against the applicable standard in your jurisdiction.

Accessible Route to the Charger

Minimum clear route width: 915 mm (36″) — CSA B651:23 / NBC
Maximum cross-slope (side-to-side tilt): 2% (1:50) — CSA B651:23 / ADA
Maximum running slope along accessible route: 5% (1:20) — NBC / ADA
Surface: firm, stable, slip-resistant — CSA B651:23 §4.1

EV Charging Space

Minimum stall width: 3350 mm (11 ft) — U.S. Access Board EV Technical Assistance Document, 2022 (no Canadian EV-specific standard yet)
Minimum stall length: 6100 mm (20 ft) — U.S. Access Board EV Technical Assistance Document, 2022
Minimum overhead clearance: 2490 mm (98″) — U.S. Access Board EV Proposed Rule, 2024 (proposed, not yet finalized)
Maximum slope within stall and access aisle: 2% (1:48) — U.S. Access Board EV Proposed Rule, 2024

Access Aisle

Minimum width: 1525 mm (60″ / 5 ft) — U.S. Access Board EV Proposed Rule, 2024 (proposed; wider than standard parking access aisle)
Must extend the full length of the charging stall
Must be marked to discourage other parking

Signage

International Symbol of Accessibility required at accessible stalls
Sign mounting height: 1500 mm–2000 mm (59″–79″) — CSA B651:23

The U.S. Access Board's EV-specific proposed rule (September 2024) is not yet finalized and has no direct Canadian equivalent. It is referenced as the most current EV-specific accessibility guidance available. Check access-board.gov for current status.

← Overview Next →