Daily EV news · UK · 21 January 2026
EV Charging
EZO begins multi-million pound roll-out of 570 EV chargers across Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland by 2028
EZO has started migrating 177 existing ChargePlace Scotland chargers to its platform across Aberdeenshire, Moray, Aberdeen City and Highland council areas, marking the first phase of a 20 year contract. The company will install 570 new charging points across the region by 2028, more than doubling the existing EV infrastructure. EZO, which operates Ireland's largest privately owned EV charging network, is expanding into the UK market with drivers now required to use its app, already used by more than 110,000 drivers.
Why it matters
The 20 year contract represents a significant procurement commitment for Scottish councils and demonstrates how local authorities are partnering with private operators to scale public charging networks. The migration of existing assets and doubling of infrastructure by 2028 signals sustained capital deployment and installation work across northern Scotland for CPOs and contractors.
Electric Vehicles
East Midlands commits £65.5m to bus upgrades and fleet electrification
The East Midlands has allocated £65.5 million for bus service improvements and fleet electrification, according to East Midlands Business Link. The funding will support the transition to zero emission buses and associated infrastructure upgrades across the region.
Why it matters
A £65.5 million commitment signals substantial upcoming procurement for electric bus charging infrastructure and depot upgrades, creating opportunities for CPOs and equipment suppliers serving public transport operators in the East Midlands.
Go North East deploys 29 UK-built electric buses on three high-frequency routes serving five million passengers annually
Go North East has launched a £17 million fleet of 29 zero-emission electric buses on the Angel 21, X66 and service 58 routes in the North East, which together carry more than five million passengers each year. The UK-manufactured vehicles offer 275-mile range on a single charge and can fully recharge in under four hours. Transport Minister Simon Lightwood and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness attended the launch event at Newcastle's Utilita Arena.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates the operational viability of electric buses on high-frequency urban routes, with the 275-mile range and sub-four-hour charging window addressing key concerns around service reliability and depot turnaround times for operators considering fleet electrification.
Marshalls Coaches adds two Yutong GT14 coaches to fleet
Marshalls Coaches has taken delivery of two new Yutong GT14 coaches, according to Route One. The vehicles join the operator's fleet in the United Kingdom. No further technical specifications or deployment details were provided in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The purchase signals continued interest in Chinese OEM Yutong among UK coach operators, relevant to fleet electrification watchers as Yutong also manufactures battery electric coaches that may feature in future UK procurement.
Policy & Market
UK to introduce 3p per mile road charge for EVs from April 2028
The UK Government confirmed in its November Budget that electric vehicle drivers will face a 3p per mile road charge from April 2028, with plug-in hybrids paying 1.5p per mile, both rising annually with inflation. The announcement comes as the Government promotes its Electric Car Grant, which has supported over 50,000 drivers with up to £3,750 off new EVs, and highlights potential annual running cost savings of £1,400. Average prices for the top 20 most searched used EVs and hybrids fell 1.5% to £16,826 in Q4 2025, down from £17,085.
Why it matters
The 2028 mileage tax will materially affect total cost of ownership calculations that underpin fleet electrification business cases and may dampen demand growth just as the UK's 87,000 strong charging network seeks utilisation. CPOs and site hosts planning long term revenue models now face a policy shift that could alter driver behaviour and charging frequency within three years.
Ashford Borough Council trials free parking for EVs at 185-space car park amid fairness concerns
Ashford Borough Council will pilot free parking for electric vehicle owners at its 185-space Vicarage Lane car park for up to six months, while other drivers continue to pay 65p for 30 minutes and £1.30 per hour, rising to £13.20 for stays over four hours. The council says the trial aims to encourage greener driving and assess whether it increases EV charging in a high-turnover car park. The joint transportation board acknowledges the scheme may be perceived as unfair by other drivers.
Why it matters
The trial highlights a policy tension between incentivising EV adoption through free parking and maintaining equitable access to public infrastructure, a debate likely to surface in other UK councils considering similar schemes. For charge point operators, such policies can drive utilisation in council-owned sites but may face public and political pushback if perceived as subsidising wealthier motorists.