Daily EV news · UK · 7 January 2026
EV Charging
Coventry leads UK cities in EV charging growth as infrastructure gap widens
New analysis from Stellantis & You reveals sharp differences in charging infrastructure expansion across UK cities over the past five years, with Coventry emerging as the fastest growing location. London maintains the largest absolute network with more than 24,000 public chargers installed. The findings come as battery electric vehicle sales rose 24 per cent and plug-in hybrid sales increased 35 per cent last year, with the UK EV market projected to exceed £121 billion by 2029.
Why it matters
The widening infrastructure gap between leading and lagging cities signals uneven procurement opportunities and highlights where CPOs may face less competition or benefit from government support to accelerate rollout. Understanding which local authorities are prioritising charging expansion helps suppliers target tenders and site acquisition in high growth areas.
VCHRGD chargers integrate with Octopus Energy Intelligent Octopus Go tariff
UK charge point manufacturer VCHRGD has integrated its chargers with Octopus Energy's Intelligent Octopus Go smart tariff, giving customers access to charging rates as low as £0.07 per kWh. The tariff automatically schedules charging during the cheapest and greenest periods to reduce costs and grid demand. VCHRGD says the integration will help fleet operators, resellers and installers reduce running costs and meet higher demand for tariff compatible chargers.
Why it matters
The integration gives installers and fleet buyers a cost argument for VCHRGD hardware, with sub 10p per kWh rates potentially lowering total cost of ownership in tenders. It also signals continued convergence between charge point OEMs and energy suppliers, a factor procurement teams increasingly weigh when shortlisting equipment.
Electric Vehicles
Bristol Airport adds 21 electric buses to Airport Flyer fleet in 2025
Bristol Airport will deploy 21 new electric buses this year on its A1 and A3 Airport Flyer services, operated by First Bus, making the entire Airport Flyer fleet fully electric. The switch from diesel is projected to cut emissions by approximately 74%, saving around 1,327 tonnes of CO₂e annually, equivalent to 4.83 million miles in a petrol car. The rollout supports the airport's target to reach net zero operations by 2030.
Why it matters
The 21 bus order signals a sizable public transport electrification contract and demonstrates how airports are procuring electric fleets to meet decarbonisation deadlines. Operators and charge point suppliers can track similar transit tenders tied to 2030 net zero commitments across UK regional airports.