Daily EV news · UK · 29 January 2026
EV Charging
Ludlow resident criticises poor signage for public EV charging points
A Ludlow man has highlighted inadequate signage directing drivers to public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the town, according to BBC reporting. The complaint underscores ongoing challenges in making charging facilities visible and accessible to EV users in smaller UK communities. No specific figures on charging point numbers or signage investment were provided in the coverage.
Why it matters
Poor wayfinding to installed charge points reduces utilisation rates and undermines the business case for CPOs investing in market towns. The issue signals a gap in local authority planning guidance that procurement teams and site hosts must address to maximise asset performance.
Electric Vehicles
Chery Commercial Vehicle picks Liverpool for first European headquarters
Chinese vehicle manufacturer Chery Commercial Vehicle (CCV) has selected Liverpool as the location for its first European headquarters, which will oversee research, engineering, innovation and commercial operations across the continent. The facility is expected to create high value jobs in engineering, software development, R&D and operations, and CCV plans to collaborate with Liverpool's research institutions and innovation hubs. The company aims for deep localisation in the UK, working closely with the existing automotive sector in areas including Speke and Halewood where Jaguar Land Rover and Ford already operate.
Why it matters
The move signals growing Chinese OEM investment in UK electric vehicle infrastructure and could drive demand for charging solutions at commercial vehicle depots and fleet operations in the North West. CCV's focus on next generation commercial EVs and local partnerships may create procurement opportunities for charging hardware and energy management systems as the company establishes its European supply chain.
Jet2.com completes full electric ground service equipment rollout at Newcastle Airport
Jet2.com has converted 100% of its ground service equipment to electric at Newcastle Airport, marking the completion of a fleet electrification programme at the site. The airline operates ground handling equipment including baggage tugs, belt loaders and pushback tractors. The milestone reflects growing adoption of electric GSE across UK airports to cut emissions from airside operations.
Why it matters
Airport GSE electrification creates charging infrastructure demand in constrained airside environments, requiring depot charging solutions and grid upgrades that specialist contractors and charge point operators can supply. Full fleet conversions by major carriers signal repeatable procurement models for electric ground equipment across the UK aviation sector.
XPeng X9 seven-seat MPV to launch in UK this summer with 330 kW charging capability
Chinese EV maker XPeng will bring its flagship X9 people carrier to the UK this summer, targeting the premium seven-seat segment alongside the Volkswagen ID Buzz and Hyundai Staria EV. The MPV features an 800 V architecture supporting DC charging at up to 330 kW, capable of adding 205 miles of range, and offers 2,554 litres of boot space with a 2+2+3 seating layout. XPeng plans to introduce additional models to the UK before the end of 2026, including a refreshed G6 SUV.
Why it matters
The X9's 330 kW charging capability will drive demand for ultra-rapid charging infrastructure in the UK, particularly at fleet depots and motorway hubs serving family and business users. XPeng's expansion signals growing competition in the premium EV segment, potentially accelerating charge point deployment requirements across multiple vehicle categories.