Daily EV news · UK · 26 January 2026
EV Charging
Leeds council approves 14 electric vehicle chargers for Cardigan Fields retail park
Leeds City Council has granted planning permission for 14 new electric vehicle charging points at Cardigan Fields, a retail and leisure destination in West Leeds. The approval, reported by West Leeds Dispatch, will expand public charging infrastructure at the site. No details on the operator, installation timeline or charger specifications were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The decision adds to the pipeline of retail park charging installations in the UK, a key segment for destination charging as councils and landlords respond to growing EV adoption. For charge point operators and installers, retail sites like Cardigan Fields offer high dwell time and footfall, making them commercially attractive locations.
Ionity doubles UK ultra-rapid network to 700 chargers, now operates one third of 350kW-plus public infrastructure
Ionity has grown its UK charging network from 300 to 700 chargers in the past year, marking the third consecutive year it has more than doubled its charging points. The company now operates one third of all public ultra-rapid, 350kW-plus chargers in the UK and expects to reach more than 1,000 charging points by year end, with new sites planned at Fort William, Inverness and Aston in south Birmingham in Q1. Across Europe, a new Ionity site goes live every three to four days, with 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, setting a benchmark for rollout velocity that competitors and site hosts must consider when planning network strategies. The company's 350kW infrastructure and sub-15-minute charging times from 10% to 80% position it to capture high-value motorway and trunk-road concessions as EV adoption accelerates.
UK government consults on removing EV charger barriers for renters and leaseholders
Labour MP Keir Mather confirmed in a written parliamentary answer that the government will consult on removing obstacles for renters and leaseholders installing EV charge points, following reforms announced in October 2025. The measures include mandating charge points in new covered car parks and reviewing planning permission requirements for properties without driveways. Landlords can already access two domestic charge point grants, and new build residential properties have been required to install a charge point since June 2022.
Why it matters
The consultation signals potential regulatory changes that could unlock a large segment of the UK residential charging market, particularly in multi occupancy and rental properties where installation has been legally or practically difficult. CPOs and installers should monitor the outcome for new procurement opportunities in the private rented sector.
Electric Vehicles
Hyundai Motor UK opens orders for Ioniq 6 N from £65,800
Hyundai Motor UK has opened orders for the Ioniq 6 N high-performance EV at £65,800, available in a single specification. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive model delivers 478 kW and 770 Nm with N Grin Boost, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and offers a WLTP range of up to 302 miles. The 84 kWh battery supports 800-volt DC charging, reaching 80 per cent charge in 18 minutes on a 350 kW charger.
Why it matters
The 800-volt architecture and 350 kW charging capability set infrastructure requirements for high-performance EV segments, signalling demand for ultra-rapid chargers at premium retail and destination sites. The single-specification UK rollout simplifies procurement planning for fleet operators and charging networks targeting performance EV drivers.
UK gigafactory roadmap proposes measures to attract battery manufacturing investment
Engineering and Technology Magazine reports that a new roadmap for UK gigafactories has been published, setting out major recommendations aimed at boosting investment in battery manufacturing. The roadmap addresses policy and regulatory frameworks needed to support the development of domestic battery production capacity. The publication comes as the UK seeks to secure its automotive supply chain and meet electric vehicle demand.
Why it matters
Gigafactory development directly affects the cost, availability and resilience of EV supply chains, which in turn influences fleet electrification timelines and charging infrastructure deployment plans for CPOs serving commercial customers.
North Lanarkshire Council becomes first Scottish fleet department to launch electrification project
North Lanarkshire Council has become the first fleet department in Scotland to embark on an electrification project, according to the Daily Record. The initiative marks a milestone for local authority fleet transition in Scotland, though specific vehicle numbers and timelines were not disclosed in the report.
Why it matters
The project signals growing momentum for public sector EV procurement in Scotland and may set a precedent for other Scottish councils planning fleet electrification and associated charging infrastructure tenders.
Stagecoach drops two Torquay streets from bus routes as 55 new electric buses prove too large for narrow roads
Stagecoach will withdraw service from Park Road and Hartop Road in Torquay from 1 February because its incoming electric buses are larger than the diesel vehicles they replace, creating safety and reliability concerns when passing parked cars. The operator is deploying 55 zero emission buses across Torbay and is working with Torbay Council to review the 35 route for possible alternative stops. Managing director Peter Knight described the fleet investment as a significant step forward for public transport in Devon.
Why it matters
The case illustrates an infrastructure mismatch that can arise when procuring electric buses, where vehicle dimensions may exceed those of legacy diesel fleets and force route changes. Operators and local authorities planning zero emission bus rollouts must audit street widths and turning circles to avoid service gaps or costly road modifications.
Policy & Market
Greater Manchester confirms investment led Clean Air Zone without charging drivers
Clean Air Greater Manchester will submit to the Air Quality Administration Committee that the city region is delivering all measures agreed with Government to reduce nitrogen dioxide to legal levels without a charging Clean Air Zone. The organisation will ask the committee to transfer Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras originally installed for the Clean Air Zone to Greater Manchester Police, a move backed by almost 90 per cent of local residents in consultation. Greater Manchester aims to have its bus network fully electric by the end of the decade, supported by £51.1 million of Government funding.
Why it matters
The decision to pursue an investment led strategy rather than charging drivers removes a potential revenue stream for clean transport infrastructure, placing greater reliance on Government funding and alternative financing models. The £51.1 million Government commitment for electric bus fleet conversion represents a significant procurement opportunity for bus manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers across the region through to 2030.
Reading introduces emission-based parking charges from 2 February with diesel surcharge
Reading Borough Council will launch emission-based on-street parking charges on 2 February, applying a 20% tariff for petrol and 25% for diesel vehicles emitting 151g/km CO2 or above. The council estimates around 50% of cars will remain in the lowest price band with no increase, while a further 25% will see a small rise. Charges will apply to pay-and-display bays and residents' permits, with vehicle emissions data drawn from DVLA records.
Why it matters
The policy creates a financial incentive for lower emission vehicles, potentially accelerating EV adoption among Reading residents and commuters who rely on on-street parking. Charge-point operators may see increased demand as drivers seek to avoid higher parking costs tied to internal combustion engine vehicles.