Daily EV news · UK · 14 January 2026
EV Charging
Motability Operations calls for expanded low cost, slow charging infrastructure to support affordable EV uptake
Motability Operations has published research arguing that expanding low cost, slow charging infrastructure is essential to making electric vehicles affordable for a wider population in the United Kingdom. The organisation, which operates the UK's largest vehicle scheme for disabled people, emphasises that accessible, inexpensive charging options are critical to removing cost barriers to EV adoption. The findings were shared via the company's news platform and distributed through Google News.
Why it matters
For CPOs and local authorities planning charging networks, the research underscores demand for affordable, slower AC charging points rather than solely high power rapid infrastructure, particularly to serve cost sensitive user groups. Procurement strategies may need to balance premium fast charging with volume deployment of lower cost solutions to meet inclusive electrification goals.
Electric Vehicles
South Yorkshire bus franchising plan includes new electric and diesel vehicles
South Yorkshire's proposed bus franchising scheme will introduce new electric and diesel buses, according to route-one.net. The plan forms part of the region's transition to public control of bus services. Details on fleet size, procurement timelines and charging infrastructure have not been disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Public bus franchising in UK regions can trigger large fleet electrification tenders, creating opportunities for depot charging suppliers and vehicle manufacturers. South Yorkshire's mix of electric and diesel suggests a phased rollout that may require scalable charging infrastructure.
Grid & Energy
Cambridge councils begin 1 MW solar park to charge 18 electric refuse vehicles by 2027
Construction has started on a 1 MW solar installation at Waterbeach depot that will feed 36 EV charging points for bin lorries serving Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils. The £6 million project, jointly funded by the two councils and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, will supply around 60% of the depot's total energy and enable the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste service to expand from four electric refuse vehicles today to 18 by 2027. The councils said existing grid capacity was insufficient to support further fleet electrification without the on site solar generation.
Why it matters
The scheme demonstrates how local authorities are pairing depot charging infrastructure with renewable generation to overcome grid constraints and scale heavy duty EV fleets. It offers a procurement model for waste operators planning similar transitions, linking capital investment in solar with phased vehicle replacement timelines.
Policy & Market
UK benefit-in-kind tax data confirms policy's role in fleet EV uptake
New figures reported by Fleet News highlight the impact of Britain's benefit-in-kind tax regime on electric vehicle adoption among company car fleets. The data underscores how favourable BIK rates for EVs have driven uptake in the corporate sector. Fleet News published the analysis in the context of ongoing policy discussions around fiscal incentives for zero-emission vehicles.
Why it matters
Fleet operators and charge-point operators rely on predictable BIK policy to forecast demand for workplace and depot charging infrastructure. Any shift in tax treatment could alter the volume and location of charging tenders across the UK.