Daily EV news · UK · 2 February 2026
EV Charging
North East England's Green Super Port initiative marks 18 months with continued expansion potential
North East Bylines reports that the region's Green Super Port project has reached its 18 month milestone, with significant opportunities still available for development. The initiative, focused on green infrastructure and energy transition in the North East of England, continues to present expansion possibilities for low carbon transport and logistics. The publication highlights the ongoing potential for growth in the region's green economy sector.
Why it matters
The Green Super Port's sustained momentum signals continued infrastructure investment opportunities in North East England, potentially including EV charging deployment for port logistics and freight operations. For CPOs and contractors, the 18 month progress review may indicate upcoming procurement activity as the initiative scales its green transport infrastructure.
EG On The Move to expand EV charging and in-store retail at forecourt sites
EG On The Move, a UK forecourt operator, plans to integrate EV charging infrastructure with enhanced in-store retail offerings at its sites. The move aims to capitalise on longer dwell times as drivers charge their vehicles, driving footfall and sales in convenience stores. Details on the number of sites or investment figures were not disclosed in the Forecourt Trader report.
Why it matters
The strategy highlights how forecourt operators are repositioning sites as retail destinations around EV charging, creating new revenue streams that may influence site selection and amenity requirements in future charge point tenders.
EV charging hub and restaurant planned for disused car park in Fife
A new EV charging hub combined with a restaurant facility is proposed for a disused car park in a Fife town, according to Fife Today. The development would repurpose vacant land to provide charging infrastructure alongside hospitality services. No specific site location, number of chargers or investment figures were disclosed in the report.
Why it matters
Mixed use charging destinations that combine hospitality with infrastructure can improve dwell time economics and site utilisation for charge point operators. The project signals growing interest in repurposing underused urban land for EV charging hubs in Scottish local authority areas.
SmartWater and GPS trackers deployed to combat EV charging cable theft in UK
BBC reports that SmartWater forensic marking and GPS tracking technology are being used to target thieves stealing copper cables from electric vehicle charging points across the United Kingdom. The measures aim to deter cable theft, which disrupts charging infrastructure and imposes replacement costs on charge point operators. Police and industry partners are deploying the technology to identify stolen materials and prosecute offenders.
Why it matters
Cable theft forces unplanned maintenance spend and downtime for CPOs, while forensic tagging may reduce insurance premiums and improve asset protection business cases. Procurement teams can now specify anti theft technology as a standard requirement in new charging tenders.
Development Bank of Wales invests £2.18m in new EV charging joint venture
The Development Bank of Wales has committed £2.18 million to back a newly formed joint venture focused on electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The investment supports the establishment of the partnership, which aims to expand EV charging capacity in the region. Details of the joint venture partners and deployment plans were not disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
The £2.18 million injection signals growing institutional finance for UK charging infrastructure and creates a new funded entity that may issue tenders or partnerships for site development and equipment supply. Procurement teams should monitor this JV for upcoming project opportunities as the capital is deployed.
Electric Vehicles
Oxfordshire awards £1.4 million in grants to fund 13 electric buses and vehicle upgrades
Oxfordshire County Council has approved seven vehicle improvement grant applications totalling £1.405 million, supporting 13 new electric buses, two diesel to electric minibus conversions, and passenger enhancements across local bus operators and community transport groups. The grants, funded through government Bus Grant allocations and open to all local bus service operators in Oxfordshire, have leveraged an additional £4.056 million in operator investment, bringing total vehicle improvements to £5.461 million. Successful applicants include Go-Ahead, parent company of Oxford Bus Company.
Why it matters
The scheme demonstrates how local authority grant programmes can multiply public investment by a factor of nearly three, creating a pipeline of electric bus procurements that may require depot charging infrastructure. Oxfordshire's Enhanced Partnership model offers a replicable framework for councils seeking to coordinate fleet electrification with operators while securing matched funding.