Daily EV news · UK · 2 January 2026
EV Charging
Glasgow City Region tenders 3000 new and 600 existing charge points in 20 year CPO contract
Glasgow City Region, covering eight councils around Glasgow, has launched a tender for a charging point operator to install 3000 new charge points and take over 600 existing units under a 20 year concession. The contract, backed by more than £3.6 million from the Scottish government, is described as the largest of its kind in Scotland and covers street locations and council owned car parks. An Invitation to Participate was published in December 2025, with contract award expected in late 2026.
Why it matters
This 3600 unit, two decade concession represents a major long term revenue opportunity for CPOs and sets a benchmark for regional scale public charging procurement in Scotland. The turnkey model, including migration of existing assets, signals a shift towards consolidated municipal charging operations.
Electric Vehicles
Greater Manchester launches all-electric Bee Network bus service in new area
A new all-electric bus service is being introduced as part of Greater Manchester's Bee Network, according to Secret Manchester. The report does not specify the exact area, fleet size or operator details. The Bee Network is the region's integrated public transport system.
Why it matters
The expansion signals continued electrification of Greater Manchester's bus fleet and may create charging infrastructure opportunities for operators serving the Bee Network. Procurement teams should monitor which areas are being electrified and the charging requirements for new routes.
Policy & Market
London congestion charge now applies to electric vehicles from 2 January
Electric vehicle drivers entering central London now pay a congestion charge for the first time, set at £13.50 per day with a 25% Auto Pay discount, while the standard charge for non-electrified vehicles has risen from £15 to £18. The changes, announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan in November, apply to the central zone between 07:00 and 18:00 on weekdays and 12:00 to 18:00 on weekends and bank holidays. The congestion charge was introduced in 2003 and EVs had previously been exempt.
Why it matters
The removal of the EV exemption may affect total cost of ownership calculations for fleet operators and workplace charging demand patterns, particularly for commercial users making regular central London trips. The policy shift signals a potential trend as local authorities seek revenue from growing EV adoption.