Daily EV news · Global · 20 March 2026
EV Charging
TotalEnergies and Holcim inaugurate Europe's largest cement plant charging hub in Belgium
TotalEnergies and Holcim have opened what they describe as Europe's largest EV charging site at a cement plant in Belgium. The installation is part of a partnership between the energy major and the building materials group, though the announcement does not specify charger counts or power capacity. The project was reported via TotalEnergies.com and positions the site as a flagship industrial charging deployment.
Why it matters
The partnership signals growing interest in electrifying heavy industrial fleets and logistics operations at manufacturing sites. For CPOs and infrastructure suppliers, cement plants and similar facilities represent a new procurement segment beyond traditional depot and highway corridor projects.
Watson Farley & Williams advises Eranovum on EV charging financing
Law firm Watson Farley & Williams has advised Eranovum on financing for EV charging infrastructure, according to Iberian Lawyer. No financial figures or deal structure were disclosed in the available excerpt. The advisory role suggests Eranovum is securing capital to expand its charging network, though specific deployment plans remain unreported.
Why it matters
Legal advisory on charging finance signals active deal flow in the sector, relevant for CPOs tracking competitive funding rounds and for procurement teams monitoring which operators are capitalising for expansion.
Watson Farley & Williams (global) · Eranovum (global) · Source
Octopus Energy cuts overnight EV tariff to 5.5p per kWh as petrol hits £1.50 per litre
Octopus Energy will reduce its Intelligent Go overnight charging tariff from 7p per kWh to 5.5p per kWh from 1 April, enabling EV running costs below 1.5p per mile. Analysis by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit shows this cut, combined with petrol rising to £1.50 per litre due to Middle East conflict, could increase annual EV savings from £850 to £1,040 compared to petrol vehicles. Electricity price caps in place until June will protect EV drivers from energy market volatility affecting petrol costs.
Why it matters
Widening cost differentials strengthen the business case for fleet electrification and workplace charging infrastructure, while tariff competition among suppliers may drive demand for smart charging hardware that unlocks off peak rates. The analysis provides procurement teams with updated total cost of ownership figures to justify capital investment in charging networks.
Electric Vehicles
Toyota C-HR+ electric crossover reviewed as more practical alternative to bZ4X
EV Powered has published a review of the 2026 Toyota C-HR+, positioning the electric crossover as a more user friendly option than the brand's bZ4X model. The review highlights the C-HR+ as a smaller sibling that improves on the bZ series' execution, though specific performance or pricing figures are not disclosed in the available excerpt. The article appears in the context of Toyota's broader electrification strategy and its expanding EV lineup.
Why it matters
Fleet operators and charging infrastructure planners evaluating Toyota's electric models now have comparative insight into the C-HR+ as a potential volume driver that may influence site planning and charger deployment for Toyota dealerships and destination charging locations.
Asian EV showrooms report surging demand as oil prices climb after Iran conflict
BYD and VinFast dealerships across Asia are seeing sharp upticks in customer traffic and sales since crude oil prices rose following the start of the Iran conflict. A BYD showroom in Manila logged a month's worth of orders in two weeks, while VinFast outlets in Hanoi sold 250 EVs in three weeks, double the 2025 average weekly rate, prompting the hire of additional sales staff. Buyers cite fuel cost savings as the primary driver for switching from petrol vehicles to electric models.
Why it matters
A sustained oil price shock could accelerate EV adoption in price sensitive Asian markets, increasing near term demand for charging infrastructure and creating urgency for CPOs and site hosts to expand networks ahead of fleet growth.
Policy & Market
Wood Mackenzie warns high oil prices may speed EV adoption globally
Wood Mackenzie has published analysis suggesting that elevated oil prices could accelerate the shift to electric vehicles on a global scale. The research highlights the economic pressure higher fuel costs place on consumers and fleet operators, potentially tipping purchasing decisions towards EVs. The findings come amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets.
Why it matters
Fleet operators and charge point operators may see faster demand growth if fuel price differentials widen, shortening payback periods for depot and destination charging infrastructure. Procurement teams should monitor oil market trends as a leading indicator for EV uptake and charging capacity planning.