Daily EV news · Global · 8 October 2026
EV Charging
Public EV charging now 16p per mile versus 19p for petrol as savings gap widens to 12 per cent
ChargeUK analysis shows public EV charging costs 16 pence per mile compared to 19 pence for petrol, creating a 12 per cent gap and annual savings of £152 for drivers covering 7,100 miles. Petrol and diesel prices swung 33 per cent and 42 per cent respectively in 2026, while public and home EV charging remained stable. The findings emerge as government reviews the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, with ChargeUK warning that extreme reductions in EV sales quotas could result in over three million fewer EVs by 2030.
Why it matters
The stable pricing of public charging infrastructure against volatile fuel costs strengthens the commercial case for charge point operators and may influence procurement decisions as fleet operators seek predictable energy budgets. Government policy changes to the ZEV mandate could directly affect the scale of charging infrastructure investment required over the next five years.
Electric Vehicles
Cupra adds £39,995 Origin trim with 58 kWh battery to Tavascan electric SUV range
Cupra has launched a new entry-level Origin trim for its Tavascan electric SUV, priced from £39,995 and featuring a new 58 kWh battery paired with a 187 bhp rear motor delivering 273 miles WLTP range. The smaller battery offers 105 kW maximum charging speed, enabling 10% to 80% top-ups in 26 minutes, and joins the existing 77 kWh option across a five-model line-up built on Volkswagen's MEB platform. All V1 and higher trims now include smartphone Digital Key and vehicle-to-load capability as standard.
Why it matters
A sub-£40,000 price point and 105 kW DC charging requirement broaden the addressable market for public and workplace charge-point operators targeting mid-range EV fleets. The vehicle-to-load rollout across the range signals growing bidirectional-charging demand that may influence future site design and grid-services procurement.
BMW unveils 612 HP iX3 M60 xDrive with 468 mile range, production starts spring 2027 in Hungary
BMW has announced the iX3 M60 xDrive, the flagship of its next generation iX3 electric SUV range, delivering 612 horsepower and 468 miles of WLTP range. The M Performance model features dual motor all wheel drive, 875 Nm of torque, and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds. Production will begin at BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary in spring 2027 as part of the brand's Neue Klasse electric vehicle strategy.
Why it matters
The high performance, long range iX3 M60 signals premium manufacturers are combining power with practicality to compete in the electric SUV segment, potentially influencing fleet and workplace charging infrastructure requirements. The 2027 production timeline gives CPOs and site hosts advance notice of a vehicle likely to appear in corporate fleets and require robust charging provision.
Arval names Annie Pin as first female CEO from April 2027
Arval has appointed Annie Pin as chief executive officer, effective 1 April 2027, making her the company's first female CEO. Pin, who brings over 20 years of experience in mobility and financial services, will join as senior advisor on 26 October 2026 before succeeding Alain van Groenendael, who has led Arval since January 2019. She most recently served as group chief commercial officer at Ayvens and is recognised for her expertise in corporate fleet electrification and future mobility solutions.
Why it matters
As Arval integrates its recent Athlon acquisition to become a European co-leader in long-term vehicle leasing, Pin's track record in fleet electrification could shape procurement strategies and charging infrastructure partnerships across the enlarged corporate customer base. Her appointment signals continued focus on EV transition within one of Europe's largest fleet operators.
Hyundai confirms IONIQ 4 and IONIQ 7 electric SUVs to plug range gaps
Hyundai has announced two new electric SUVs, the IONIQ 4 and IONIQ 7, to fill segments between its existing IONIQ 3, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 models. The IONIQ 4 will compete in the B segment SUV market against the Kia EV3 and Renault 4 E-Tech, with Chris McKinnon, vice president of product at Hyundai Europe, confirming the segment is important for the brand in an interview with Auto Express. The IONIQ 7 will sit between the IONIQ 5 and the seven seat IONIQ 9 in the range.
Why it matters
The expansion of Hyundai's IONIQ line into two additional SUV segments signals intensifying competition in the European electric vehicle market, which may drive demand for workplace and public charging infrastructure as fleet operators and consumers adopt these new models. The B segment focus suggests a push towards more affordable EVs, potentially broadening the charging network user base.
Policy & Market
India joins US-led 14-economy bloc to tackle excess capacity in EVs and batteries
India has signed a joint ministerial statement with the US and 13 other economies to address structural excess capacity in five manufacturing sectors, including electric vehicles and batteries, alongside chemicals, foundational semiconductors and solar panels. The initiative, formalised on Wednesday in Washington during an OECD Trade Committee meeting, commits signatories to establish dedicated sectoral platforms and meet at technical level before December 2026 to draft terms of reference and exchange non-confidential data on production imbalances. Other signatories include Argentina, Australia, Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Poland, Türkiye and the UK.
Why it matters
The bloc's focus on EV and battery overcapacity signals potential trade measures or policy shifts that could reshape global supply chains, affecting procurement costs and vendor availability for charging infrastructure operators. India's participation may influence domestic manufacturing incentives and import dynamics for EV charging equipment and battery storage systems.