According to Octopus Electric Vehicles and three other major industry groups, the UK’s electric vehicle charging network faces a visibility crisis that’s holding back EV adoption.
InstaVolt, char.gy, Electric Vehicles UK and Octopus Electric Vehicles issued a coordinated response to the Government’s call for evidence on EV signage. The groups argue that charging stations should receive the same clear roadside signage as petrol stations.
Industry research backs up their concerns.
More than half of drivers rely on roadside signs to find charging locations. Nearly 90% say clear physical signage matters to them when choosing where to charge.
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, highlighted the regulatory gap that’s creating confusion for drivers.
“Right now, EV charging locations are treated very differently to petrol stations in the rules that govern road signs. That means thousands of high-quality public chargers are installed, operating, but not obviously signposted from key routes.”
“If we want drivers to feel confident going electric, that has to change,” Lane added.
The industry coalition says the UK has developed a “visibility problem, not an infrastructure problem.” They’re pushing for consistent symbols across all charging networks and equal regulatory treatment with fuel stations.
Residential Areas Need Better Signage Too
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, emphasized that kerbside charging in residential areas also needs clearer signposting. Many potential EV drivers don’t realize charging options exist on ordinary streets.
“Clear, consistent signage can make home-adjacent charging visible to residents who don’t have off-street parking, helping them understand that switching to an EV is realistic for them,” Lewis explained.
He noted that better signage would maximize the impact of existing charging infrastructure investments. A charge point that isn’t clearly visible from the road “isn’t delivering its full potential.”
Last year, charging operators raised concerns that proposed road sign rules would actually block them from signposting major charging hubs.
Tayna Sinclair, CEO of Electric Vehicles UK, framed the issue as fundamental to EV adoption success.
“Drivers cannot use infrastructure they cannot see. If we are serious about confidence in the EV transition, charging must be signposted as clearly and consistently as petrol.”
Sinclair pointed out that many countries have already moved to standardize EV signage, while the UK has lagged behind.
“Other than the vehicles themselves, signage is one of the most visible ways drivers build confidence in going electric,” she said. “The UK has not. That lack of progress is frustrating, because this is one of the simplest and lowest-cost ways government could support driver confidence and accelerate adoption.”
The industry groups want local and national authorities to develop consistent charging symbols. They also want regulations updated so EV signage gets equal treatment with traditional fuel stations – both on major motorways and smaller residential routes.
Their response comes as the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles reviews current signage guidelines for public charging infrastructure.
