Daily EV news · UK · 20 January 2026
EV Charging
UK EV charging network forecast to match Norway's ratio by 2027
The UK's public charging to petrol station ratio is projected to rise from 10.5 to one today to 15 to one by 2027, matching Norway's infrastructure balance, according to forecasts from The Electric Car Scheme. The UK now has 87,796 public charging connectors across 45,033 locations, with the network growing at 23% annually and rapid or ultra rapid chargers expanding at around 30% per year, while petrol stations decline by 3.6% annually.
Why it matters
The 23% annual growth in UK public charging infrastructure, with rapid and ultra rapid segments expanding even faster at 30%, signals sustained procurement opportunities for charge point operators and equipment suppliers. Matching Norway's ratio by 2027 would reinforce the UK's position as a leading European market for charging deployment.
EG On The Move opens new forecourt in Tyne and Wear
EG On The Move has opened a new forecourt site in Tyne and Wear, according to Forecourt Trader. The announcement marks a further expansion of the operator's UK network, though the report does not specify charging infrastructure details or the exact location within the region.
Why it matters
New forecourt openings by major operators like EG Group often include or create future opportunities for rapid charging installations, relevant to CPOs targeting high footfall retail fuel sites.
North Northamptonshire Council to install 1,500 charge points over three years with Connected Kerb
North Northamptonshire Council will deploy 1,500 new EV charge points over the next three years in partnership with Connected Kerb, expanding the current network of around 525 public chargers. The rollout is backed by the Department for Transport's local electric vehicle infrastructure fund and private investment from Connected Kerb, targeting the estimated 30% of households without private driveways through on street charging and accessible car park bays.
Why it matters
The scheme represents one of the region's largest public charging expansions and demonstrates how local authorities are combining government funding with private sector partnerships to address off street charging gaps. CPOs and installers should note the focus on kerbside and accessible infrastructure as a template for similar council led programmes.
Electric Vehicles
What Car? publishes reader verdicts on Nissan Leaf in extended test programme
What Car? has released feedback from its reader test team on the Nissan Leaf electric car. The publication ran an extended evaluation programme in which readers assessed the vehicle in real world conditions. The article presents their conclusions on the model's performance, range and usability for typical UK drivers.
Why it matters
Reader test programmes offer procurement teams and charge point operators insight into how mainstream EVs perform in everyday use, helping to inform infrastructure planning and site selection for networks serving popular models like the Leaf.
Nottingham orders 13 electric double-deckers under £65m East Midlands bus investment
The East Midlands Combined County Authority will receive £65.5 million over three years (£21.8 million annually from 2026/27 to 2028/29) to support bus services across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Nottingham City Transport has ordered 13 electric double-deck buses with £4.5 million of EMCCA funding, due to enter service in late 2026 as the first step in electrifying the city's double-deck fleet. The revenue funding will support existing services, fare initiatives and fleet upgrades aimed at improving reliability and affordability for passengers.
Why it matters
The £4.5 million order signals a multi-year electrification pipeline for Nottingham's bus fleet, with further double-deck procurements likely as the authority deploys its three-year funding allocation. Operators and charging suppliers should note the late 2026 delivery timeline and the Combined Authority's focus on infrastructure improvements alongside vehicle purchases.
Policy & Market
DfT launches national EV awareness campaign promoting £3,750 grants and £1,400 annual savings
The Department for Transport launched its 'Get that electric feeling' campaign on 19 January across TV, radio and digital channels to encourage EV adoption. The campaign highlights purchase discounts of up to £3,750 through the electric car grant, already used by more than 50,000 drivers, and annual running cost savings of up to £1,400 on fuel and maintenance. It also promotes access to over 87,000 public charge points across the UK.
Why it matters
A government backed awareness push emphasising cost savings and charging infrastructure availability is likely to accelerate consumer EV adoption, driving increased demand for public charging network expansion and workplace or destination charging installations. CPOs and contractors should anticipate heightened procurement activity as local authorities and private operators respond to rising EV driver numbers.