Daily EV news · UK · 6 January 2026
Electric Vehicles
Nissan injects £900m into Sunderland plant after £850m operating loss and production decline
Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited received a £900m cash injection from its Japanese parent following an £850m operating loss for the year ending 30 March 2025. Turnover fell from £7.4bn to £6.6bn as car production dropped from 325,000 to 276,000 units, with employment reduced by approximately 300 staff due to a night shift closure. A £697m impairment charge accounted for much of the loss, reflecting asset write downs after reviewing future sales forecasts, though the Sunderland site recently began work on a new Leaf electric vehicle model.
Why it matters
The capital injection signals continued commitment to Sunderland as a key EV production hub despite sector wide electrification pressures, with the new Leaf model potentially driving future charging infrastructure demand. The production decline and workforce reduction reflect broader industry challenges that may affect the pace of fleet electrification and associated charging rollout in the UK market.
Peterborough approves electric bus depot on former auction site
Peterborough has granted approval for the development of an electric bus depot on a former auction site. The facility will support the deployment of electric buses in the city. The decision was reported by the Peterborough Telegraph.
Why it matters
The depot approval signals infrastructure readiness for electric bus fleet expansion in Peterborough, creating potential charging installation and maintenance contracts for CPOs and suppliers serving public transport operators.
Leicester targets full electric fleet transition
Leicester is working towards converting its entire vehicle fleet to electric, according to CBW Magazine. The city's plans reflect a broader UK local authority push to decarbonise transport operations, though the report does not specify a completion timeline or the current fleet size. The move will require expanded charging infrastructure to support municipal vehicles.
Why it matters
Local authority fleet electrification creates predictable depot charging demand and can anchor business cases for CPOs targeting public sector contracts. Leicester's commitment signals potential procurement opportunities for charge point operators and infrastructure suppliers serving municipal fleets.
BYD BD11 double decker buses enter service on London Superloop routes with 532 kWh battery
Since mid 2025, BYD BD11 electric double decker buses have been deployed on Transport for London's Superloop network, including route SL4 from Grove Park to Canary Wharf. The BD11 features a 532 kWh battery spanning the lower deck floor, 90 passenger capacity, and safety systems including Advanced Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Monitoring. BYD has supplied hundreds of double decker buses to London, though the article notes some public concerns about TfL's reliance on the Chinese manufacturer.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates BYD's growing footprint in the UK public transport market and highlights the charging infrastructure requirements for high capacity, long range electric buses on extended urban routes. The 532 kWh battery specification sets a benchmark for depot charging capacity planning as operators electrify double decker fleets.
Nearly one in four cars sold in the UK were BEVs in 2025
More than 477,000 battery electric vehicles were sold in the UK in 2025, representing a 23.4% market share and a 21.6% increase from 2024, according to New Automotive data. Hybrid cars held the highest market share at 31.99%, with over 652,000 units registered, while BEVs became the most sold vehicle type in December 2025 with 46,112 units. The car industry met its Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate targets for the second consecutive year, which is expected to strengthen the second hand EV market.
Why it matters
The sustained growth in BEV sales to nearly a quarter of the UK market signals expanding demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure. Meeting ZEV Mandate targets for two years running provides policy certainty for CPOs planning network investments and procurement timelines.
Go-Ahead completes 50-bus electric fleet rollout in Plymouth and Cornwall
Go-Ahead subsidiary Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus placed the final units of a 50-vehicle battery-electric double-decker fleet into service in late December. Managing Director Richard Stevens said the deployment supports cleaner air and quieter streets across Plymouth and surrounding communities. The rollout was completed across Plymouth and Cornwall in the United Kingdom.
Why it matters
A 50-bus electric deployment by a major operator demonstrates scaled procurement execution and signals growing confidence in battery-electric double-decker technology for regional transit networks. The completion timeline offers a benchmark for similar fleet transitions in UK cities.