Daily EV news · Global · 8 April 2026
EV Charging
Renault consolidates EV charging under new Plug Inn brand after Mobilize restructure
Renault Group has rebranded its electric vehicle charging operations as Plug Inn, integrating activities previously run under Mobilize Beyond Automotive directly into core business. The rebrand covers three product lines: Plug Inn Powerbox for bidirectional V2G charging, Plug Inn Charge Pass for public charging access, and Plug Inn Fast Charge for the company's rapid charging network. Name changes for the charging services will roll out by the end of 2025, following a December restructuring that discontinued the group's e-carsharing offer.
Why it matters
The consolidation signals Renault's commitment to charging infrastructure as a core revenue stream rather than a separate venture, potentially streamlining procurement processes and partnership terms for charge point operators working with the automaker. A unified brand may also simplify contract negotiations and hardware sourcing for fleets and site hosts already engaged with Renault's mobility ecosystem.
Energy Digital lists top 10 EV charging platforms globally
Energy Digital has published a ranking of the ten leading EV charging platforms worldwide. The list provides a competitive overview of major players in the charging infrastructure sector. No specific company names, market share figures or selection criteria were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Competitive intelligence on platform providers helps procurement teams benchmark technology choices and identify potential partners for charging network deployments. Understanding the leading platforms can inform tender specifications and due diligence processes for CPOs evaluating software and hardware integrations.
Electric Vehicles
Saint-Gobain and XPO Logistics deploy six electric HGVs with Gridserve charging at Nottinghamshire hub
Construction materials firm Saint-Gobain, in partnership with XPO Logistics, is adding six fully electric HGVs to its UK fleet, cutting CO₂e emissions by almost 800,000 kg per year. Gridserve has installed six charging points at the Saint-Gobain Logistics Hub in Gotham, Nottinghamshire, capable of charging the vehicles to 80% in 90 minutes. The deployment is part of the UK Government's Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator project, with trial deliveries starting in Q2 2026 and an anticipated 12,000 customer deliveries over five years.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates a commercial scale depot charging solution for heavy goods vehicles, with Gridserve securing a multi year infrastructure contract at a logistics hub. It also signals growing procurement demand for HGV charging as fleet operators pursue government backed decarbonisation programmes.
Geely EX5 Max tested as fleet vehicle in Lancashire, priced at £33,240 after launch grant
Fleetpoint journalist Ian Campbell conducted a week-long real-world test of the Geely EX5 Max electric SUV in Lancashire, evaluating its suitability as a fleet vehicle. The top-spec model lists at £36,990 but is available for £33,240 with a £3,750 launch grant, offering standard equipment including ventilated and heated front seats with massage and memory functions, a 13.8-inch head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof. The review notes the exterior design is inoffensive and anonymous, which Campbell suggests may suit fleet applications.
Why it matters
The competitive pricing and high specification level of the Geely EX5 Max positions it as a value option for fleet operators considering electric SUVs, with equipment previously associated with vehicles costing over £50,000. The real-world testing approach provides practical insight for procurement teams evaluating daily driver suitability beyond manufacturer press events.
Honda CEO says company has no chance against Chinese EV manufacturers after witnessing their pace firsthand
Honda's CEO has publicly acknowledged the threat posed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, stating the company has 'no chance against this' after experiencing 'China speed' in development and production firsthand. The remarks, reported by The Autopian, highlight the widening competitive gap between legacy Japanese automakers and rapidly scaling Chinese EV brands.
Why it matters
Chinese OEMs' accelerating pace in EV development has direct implications for charging infrastructure demand globally, as their vehicles increasingly dominate markets where CPOs and charge point suppliers are expanding. Procurement teams should monitor how shifting OEM competitiveness reshapes regional EV adoption curves and associated charging requirements.