ARC AC Accessible Public Charger

Most public EV chargers are not designed for everyone. Type 2 AC cables weigh around 5.5 kg, and DC cables can easily exceed 10 kg – making them extremely difficult to lift or manoeuvre for people with disabilities, reduced mobility, or limited strength. An estimated 24% of the UK population, or more than 16 million people report a disability. The result is that many drivers simply can’t use public charging independently. Duku EV's ARC Public Chargers removes this barrier entirely with motorised cable handling, plug-mounted controls, and automatic retraction, enabling true one-handed operation for all users, making it accessible and effortless for everyone while complying with PAS 1899.

The ARC Public Charger is the world’s first motorised public charger, developed through an Innovate UK-funded project with input from the Research Institute of Disabled Customers (RiDC) and multiple user focus groups involving disabled people. Unlike conventional chargers, the ARC system automates cable handling, removing manual lifting, trip hazards, and accessibility challenges, offering an inclusive charging experience for every driver.

Yes. Both the ARC AC Public Charger and ARC DC Public Charger concepts are fully BSI PAS 1899–complaint – the UK’s official standard for accessible EV charging infrastructure. Our demo site is also certified under BPA Park Access guidance, showcasing best practice design for inclusive public charging.

The ARC system semi-automates the process of charging your car. • Motorised cable retraction removes the need for lifting heavy cables. • Plug-mounted controls enable one-handed extension and retraction, removing the carried weight of cables away from the user. • Automatic cable return ensures there are no loose cables left on the ground. Together, these features make public charging safe, simple, and independent for every user – including wheelchair users, elderly drivers, or anyone with limited physical strength.

By retracting cables automatically inside the charger body after use, the ARC system ensures there are no trip hazards, water-soaked cables or connectors, or trailing plugs across pavements and car parks. This improves health and safety compliance and provides a cleaner, safer environment for all users – especially those with limited strength, visibility, and/or mobility

The ARC system not only improves accessibility – it also solves operational and maintenance issues for site owners • No cables on the ground means no trip hazards or health and safety risks. • Automatic retraction prevents cable theft and vandalism. • Reduces wear and tear and extends the life of expensive charging cables and connectors.

The Duku EV ARC system eliminates charger vandalism and cable theft by retracting and storing the cable inside the body of the charger when not in use - completely out of visibility and reach. It extends the cable only when authenticated, ensuring that the cable can be only accessed by real EV drivers intending to charge their vehicle.

Our AC Public ARC systems have 7.5 metres of cable, whereas the DC Public ARC systems have 10 metres of cable - allowing drivers to charge easily from multiple parking positions, without stretching or bending, or repositioning their vehicle. This flexibility makes ARC chargers suitable for on-street parking, public and multi-storey car parks, and accessible parking bays.

The ARC system was developed under an Innovate UK–funded project by Duku EV to address real-world accessibility barriers in public charging. Through research with the Research Institute of Disabled Customers (RiDC) and multiple user focus groups, we gathered direct feedback from disabled and elderly EV drivers – shaping a system that truly meets their needs. Insights from these studies were then distilled into a concept, informing the creation and development of multiple charging products using the same underlying ARC technology.

AC charging suits longer dwell times – such as residential streets, retail parks, and workplace car parks where drivers typically leave vehicles for hours. The ARC AC Public Charger adds motorised accessibility features to this slower, more cost-effective form of charging, ensuring every driver can charge safely and independently in public spaces.