Daily EV news · UK · 22 January 2026
EV Charging
Off-peak ultra-rapid EV charging costs fall by 10% in December
Off-peak ultra-rapid charging prices dropped by 10% or 5p per kWh to 45p per kWh in December, according to the AA's EV Recharge report, making them cheaper than all other charging speeds at off-peak times. Drivers charging during off-peak hours can now add 80% battery for less than £20, while peak ultra-rapid rates fell by 1p per kWh. Other charging speeds saw price increases, with off-peak rapid costs rising by 3p to 58p per kWh and flat rate costs across fast, rapid and ultra-rapid speeds increasing by 1p.
Why it matters
The widening price gap between peak and off-peak ultra-rapid charging creates a stronger commercial case for CPOs to implement time-of-use tariffs and for site hosts to encourage off-peak utilisation. Procurement teams can use these figures to benchmark supplier pricing and negotiate tariff structures that reflect falling off-peak costs while managing grid demand.
IONITY reaches 700 ultra-rapid chargers in UK, doubling network for third consecutive year
IONITY has opened its 700th ultra-rapid 350kW+ charger in the UK at a site in Strathclyde, more than doubling its charging points for the third year running after starting 2025 with around 300 units. The network now operates 33% of all public 350kW+ chargers in the UK and targets over 1,000 charging points by the end of 2026, with key sites at Fort William, Inverness and Aston near Birmingham due in Q1. Since 2022, the UK network has expanded sixfold, with a new IONITY site going live every 3 to 4 days across Europe and nearly four new charge points opening daily throughout 2025.
Why it matters
IONITY's rapid expansion establishes it as the dominant ultra-rapid charging operator in the UK, controlling a third of the 350kW+ public market and setting a high bar for rollout velocity that competitors and site hosts must match. The aggressive deployment schedule and strategic site selection along travel routes and retail destinations signals strong demand for high-power infrastructure and creates procurement opportunities for landowners and construction partners ahead of the 2026 target.
Croydon Council suspends parking on seven streets to install EV charging bays
Croydon Council has temporarily suspended parking on seven roads across Croydon, Thornton Heath, and Purley from 19 January 2026 to 6 February 2026 to install electric vehicle charging bays. The affected streets are Ashburton Avenue, Elgin Road, Goston Gardens, Reedham Park Avenue, Sherwood Road, Stroud Green Way, and Wydehurst Road, with typical suspension zones measuring 12 metres. The notice was published via the Public Notice Portal, which carries statutory public notices from local newspapers.
Why it matters
The three week installation window signals active on street charging deployment by a London borough, creating short term disruption but expanding the public charging network. Contractors and CPOs working with local authorities should note the standard 12 metre bay dimensions and the use of statutory notices for resident communication during rollout.
Electric Vehicles
Go North East puts 29 electric Wrightbus double deckers into service
Go North East has launched 29 electric double decker buses manufactured by Wrightbus. The deployment expands the operator's zero emission fleet in the North East of England. Bus & Coach Buyer reported the rollout, though specific route assignments and delivery timescales were not detailed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The order signals continued UK bus operator investment in electric double decker platforms and confirms Wrightbus as a volume supplier in the regional procurement pipeline. Fleet operators and charging infrastructure providers can track Go North East's depot electrification requirements as the 29 vehicles enter revenue service.
Alexander Dennis unveils next generation Enviro200EV electric bus
Alexander Dennis has launched the next generation of its Enviro200EV single-deck electric bus, marking an evolution of its existing battery-electric platform. The debut was reported by Route One, a UK transport industry publication, though specific technical specifications or delivery timelines were not disclosed in the available excerpt. The Enviro200EV range serves the UK bus market with zero-emission vehicles for urban and suburban routes.
Why it matters
Bus operators evaluating electric fleet procurement now have visibility of Alexander Dennis's updated platform, potentially influencing tender specifications and supplier shortlists. The product refresh may also affect charging infrastructure requirements if battery or charging specifications have changed from the previous generation.
Uber drops 2030 all electric fleet target as drivers union warns members left paying heavy price
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi acknowledged at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the company's goal of a fully electric fleet by 2030 is 'just not going to happen'. The App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU) called the reversal a 'hammer blow' for drivers who entered expensive Personal Contract Purchase agreements after Uber encouraged them to go electric. Uber's own electrification update shows EV uptake in Europe remains below a majority share of mileage, and Transport for London ended the 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount on 25 December 2025.
Why it matters
The retreat signals that platform led EV adoption targets without binding procurement commitments or sustained incentives can unravel, leaving individual drivers and the charging networks built around anticipated demand exposed to stranded investment risk.
The Sun reports first 500 mile range EV capable of London to Berlin single charge journey
The Sun has revealed details of an electric vehicle claiming a 500 mile range, sufficient to complete a London to Berlin journey on a single charge. The publication positions this as the first EV to achieve this milestone distance capability. No manufacturer, model name, pricing or charging specifications were provided in the excerpt.
Why it matters
Extended range claims influence fleet procurement decisions and charging infrastructure planning, particularly for operators evaluating depot versus en route charging strategies. A verified 500 mile capability would reduce the density of rapid chargers needed on major European freight and passenger corridors.
Policy & Market
Council offers free parking to EV drivers while charging others, sparking fairness debate
A UK council has introduced free parking for electric vehicle drivers while continuing to charge fees for petrol and diesel motorists, according to The Sun. The policy has drawn criticism from some residents who view the differential treatment as unfair, though councils increasingly use parking incentives to encourage EV adoption.
Why it matters
Local authority parking policies that favour EVs can influence charging infrastructure planning and site selection, as free parking zones may reduce demand for paid rapid charging hubs while boosting destination charging at council car parks.