Daily EV news · Europe · 30 July 2026

The UK had 119,080 public EV chargers as of April 2026, with more than 3,000 added in the first quarter, according to Department for Transport statistics. Half of all public chargers are standard (slow charging), with less than a quarter rapid or ultra rapid. Standard charging costs 54p per kWh on average, while ultra rapid charging costs around 83.5p per kWh, according to RAC Fuel Watch and Zapmap Price Index figures.

Why it matters: The data provides a benchmark for UK charging infrastructure density and pricing as operators plan network expansion, with the cost differential between standard and ultra rapid charging highlighting the commercial considerations for CPOs deploying different charger types. The context of cross border travel underscores the need for interoperable payment systems and consistent service levels across European networks.

The International Energy Agency expects global electric car sales to rise around 10 percent in 2026 to 23 million vehicles, capturing a record 29 percent of worldwide car sales, despite a 5 percent decline in overall automotive sales during the first half of the year. Europe led growth with a 30 percent year on year increase in the first half of 2026, adding 140,000 EVs in Germany, 100,000 in the UK and 95,000 in France, while China saw electric car sales fall almost 20 percent. More than 9 million electric cars were sold globally in the first half of 2026, with second quarter sales jumping 35 percent from the first quarter and 4 percent year on year, as EVs represented 24 percent of global car sales.

Why it matters: The continued shift to electrification even as overall car purchases decline signals sustained demand for charging infrastructure across Europe, India and Latin America, where procurement pipelines and CPO investment are likely to accelerate. The 30 percent European sales surge and forecast 29 percent global EV penetration by year end will intensify pressure on networks to expand capacity and win new site contracts.