Daily EV news · UK · 4 February 2026
EV Charging
Funding biggest barrier to EV charge point rollout, 75% of UK councils say
Three quarters of 101 local authorities surveyed by Believ cite constrained council budgets as the main obstacle to expanding public EV charging, while 63% point to slow access to central Government funding. The research, published in 'Accelerating the UK's EV future', found 71% of councils want more direct and targeted access to Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funds, with 78% of rural and semi-rural authorities expressing that preference. The findings come as the UK network reaches almost 88,000 charge points across more than 45,000 locations.
Why it matters
The survey reveals systemic funding and administrative friction slowing public charging deployment, with rural councils particularly seeking streamlined LEVI access. For CPOs and contractors, the data signals that procurement timelines may remain stretched until central funding processes are simplified and local budgets stabilise.
UK councils cite lack of funding as barrier to EV charger rollout
Local authorities in the United Kingdom report that insufficient funding is preventing them from installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, according to This is Money. The article highlights financial constraints facing councils as they attempt to expand public charging networks. No specific funding figures or number of affected councils were disclosed in the excerpt.
Why it matters
Budget shortfalls at council level threaten the pace of public charging deployment, potentially delaying procurement opportunities and creating gaps in coverage that commercial charge point operators may need to fill through alternative funding models or public private partnerships.
Electric Vehicles
Loughborough University launches electric bus service on campus
Loughborough University has introduced new electric-powered buses for campus operations. The rollout marks the institution's shift to zero-emission transport for students and staff. Details on fleet size, charging infrastructure and operator were not disclosed in the available announcement.
Why it matters
University campuses represent a growing segment for depot-based EV charging, with predictable routes and dwell times that suit managed charging strategies. Campus electrification projects often serve as reference sites for local authority and private bus operators evaluating similar transitions.
West Coast Today reports on electric bus charging interest
West Coast Today has published a piece on growing interest in electric bus charging infrastructure, according to a Google News listing. No specific figures, project details or stakeholder names are provided in the available excerpt. The article appears in a regional UK publication.
Why it matters
Regional media coverage can signal emerging procurement activity or public sector interest in bus electrification, though the lack of concrete details limits immediate commercial insight for CPOs and suppliers.
Autonomous electric shuttles begin 7 km public route trial in Solihull
Autonomous electric shuttles supplied by Ohmio are now operating on a 7 km public route in Solihull, connecting Resorts World, the NEC, Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Business Park. The service runs Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am to 3 pm, until 26 March as part of the SCALE project, a multi-partner initiative led by Solihull Council. The deployment follows an earlier trial of three autonomous shuttles within the NEC campus from March 2024 to July 2025.
Why it matters
The trial demonstrates the operational readiness of autonomous electric vehicles in mixed traffic and may inform future procurement of zero-emission mobility solutions for business parks and transport hubs. Real-time coordination by Liftango offers insights into fleet management systems that CPOs and site operators could integrate with charging infrastructure.
Harrogate Bus Company claims Yorkshire's most sustainable bus fleet
Harrogate Bus Company has stated it operates the most sustainable bus fleet in Yorkshire, according to a report in the Harrogate Advertiser. The operator highlighted its environmental credentials in the regional public transport sector. No specific fleet size, vehicle numbers or electrification figures were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Regional bus operators' sustainability claims can signal upcoming procurement cycles for electric or low emission vehicles, relevant to charging infrastructure planners targeting depot and route charging contracts in Yorkshire.
Wakefield bus depot environmental screening finds no significant effect likely
A new bus depot in Wakefield has been assessed as not likely to have a significant environmental effect, according to a screening reported by Wakefield Express. The finding relates to planning processes for the depot development. No details on fleet size, charging infrastructure specifications or timeline were provided in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Environmental clearance removes a key planning hurdle for depot projects that typically include EV charging infrastructure. For operators and charge point suppliers, such approvals can accelerate procurement timelines and site preparation for electrified bus fleets.