EV symbols to be standardised for NZ and Australia

A standardised set of symbols for low and zero emission vehicles (LZEVs) and associated charging or refuelling infrastructure to be used on road signs and for road marking in Australia and New Zealand is proposed.

The Austroads proposal forms a basis for future testing and standardisation of the symbols and their adoption in the Australian Road Rules (ARR) and signage manuals.

The uptake of LZEVs has accelerated globally in recent years with Australian and New Zealand road transport agencies responding to the global trend by developing, facilitating, and rolling out plans and strategies to support LZEV adoption.

The number of charging and refuelling facilities and dedicated parking areas increases, and so does the need for clear and consistent signage.

“While New Zealand has rolled out charging signage nationwide, in Australia we don’t have standardised low and zero emission vehicle symbols or signs,” Austroads future vehicles and technology acting program manager Vibeke Matthews says.

“States and territories have started using a range of different symbols without a clear national standard which has the potential to result in signage that confuses road users.

“There is an urgency to develop and adopt standardised signage across Australia, and, where possible, harmonise it with New Zealand symbols, to help road users identify and use LZEV related infrastructure, minimise confusion and ensure road safety.”

Five categories of symbols have been considered in the report.

These are to illustrate an electric-powered vehicle, an electric-powered vehicle being charged, a charging station, a hydrogen fuel-cell powered (FCEV) vehicle and associated refuelling infrastructure and a symbol for access to lanes and roadways designated for electric-powered vehicles and FCEVs.

The symbols have been designed based on those used in Australia and supported by evidence from literature and practices in leading countries around the world, as well as feedback from stakeholders and entities in Australia and New Zealand.

Key design principles included the preference of icons over text to minimise language barriers and the alignment of the symbol proposals with the existing signage and the relevant Australian Standards.

The report recommends testing the symbols to ensure they are well understood by road users prior to adoption in the Australian Standards and the ARR.

A free webinar with the report authors is scheduled for March 22 for an overview, with registration essential.