Daily EV news · UK · 3 February 2026
EV Charging
Arnold Clark Charge opens 60 ultra-fast sites to Gireve roaming platform
UK motor dealer Arnold Clark has integrated its national network of 60 ultra-fast charging stations with the Gireve roaming platform, making its 150 kW chargers accessible to a global community of EV drivers. The rollout is part of a £30 million infrastructure investment; each site hosts up to 12 ultra-fast chargers and offers public charging at 55 pence per kWh, below the UK market average of 76 pence per kWh recorded in June. The announcement was made on 3 February 2026 in a joint Paris and Glasgow release.
Why it matters
The Gireve integration expands interoperability for a major dealer-led network, lowering barriers for roaming users and signalling competitive pricing pressure in the UK ultra-fast segment. Procurement teams and roaming aggregators will note the scale of Arnold Clark's rollout and its below-market tariff as a benchmark for future tenders.
Ionity opens 12-bay urban charging hub in Birmingham with Hubber
Ionity has launched a 12-charger site in Birmingham Aston South offering speeds up to 400 kW, enabling compatible EVs to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in around 15 minutes using renewable energy. Developed with Hubber, who converted a derelict car park into the hub, the site marks Ionity's first major shift from motorway locations into urban environments and expands its West Midlands network alongside existing sites in Dudley, Walsall, West Bromwich and Coventry.
Why it matters
The partnership signals a strategic pivot for Ionity toward city-centre deployment, opening procurement opportunities for urban landowners and developers targeting drivers without home charging. Hubber's brownfield redevelopment model offers a replicable template for CPOs seeking high-power urban sites.
Electric Vehicles
UK electric motorcycle maker secures $14 million funding round
A UK based electric motorcycle company has raised $14 million in new capital, according to RideApart.com. The funding round represents a significant cash injection for the firm, though the report does not specify the investor identities or the intended use of proceeds. The announcement was published via Google News aggregation.
Why it matters
Large capital raises in the electric two wheeler segment can signal growing investor confidence in alternative EV platforms beyond cars, potentially expanding the addressable market for charging infrastructure providers. Motorcycle and scooter fleets may require different charging solutions, creating procurement opportunities for CPOs able to serve lighter vehicle categories.
Nio unveils right-hand-drive Firefly model ahead of UK market entry
Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio has introduced a right-hand-drive version of its Firefly model, signalling preparations for a UK launch. The move marks a step towards the brand's expansion into the British market, where it will compete with established EV manufacturers. AM-online reports the development as Nio positions itself to enter one of Europe's key automotive markets.
Why it matters
A new OEM entering the UK means potential partnerships with charge point operators for destination and fleet charging infrastructure. Nio's arrival could also influence public charging network planning as operators assess demand patterns from Chinese brand customers.
Bristol City Council reports electric vehicles central to decarbonisation strategy
Bristol City Council has identified electric vehicles as a key component of its decarbonisation efforts, according to a report in Bristol24/7. The council's statement underscores the role of fleet electrification in meeting local climate targets. No specific vehicle numbers or timelines were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Local authority fleet commitments signal upcoming procurement opportunities for charge point operators and infrastructure suppliers serving public sector clients in the Bristol area.