Daily EV news · UK · 11 February 2026
EV Charging
Shell's Ubitricity acquires FM Conway's 2,400 lamppost chargers, pushing UK network past 14,000 points
Ubitricity UK, a Shell subsidiary, is acquiring FM Conway's SureCharge network of 2,400 residential lamppost charge points operating at 4.8kW across London. The transition began in early February 2026, with all units expected to carry Shell Recharge branding within two months. The deal expands Ubitricity's footprint to over 14,000 charge points across 30 local authorities in the UK, reinforcing its position as the country's largest charging operator.
Why it matters
The acquisition consolidates slow AC charging infrastructure under a single major operator, giving Shell greater control of on street residential charging contracts with London boroughs. Procurement teams working with FM Conway's SureCharge sites will need to transition supplier relationships and potentially renegotiate terms under the Shell Recharge brand.
Ubitricity UK (uk) · FM Conway (uk) · SureCharge (uk) · Source
Essex Police to charge 50 EVs at First Bus Basildon depot under fleet partnership
Essex Police has partnered with First Charge to use high power charging infrastructure at First Bus's Basildon depot, capable of charging vehicles in as little as 20 minutes. The force currently operates 41 electric vehicles within its 800 strong fleet and plans to add 50 EVs this year, having begun its transition in 2022 using public charging networks. Essex Police aims to fully decarbonise its fleet by 2035 in line with government targets, with First Charge operating 15 charging locations across the UK.
Why it matters
The deal illustrates how public sector fleets are securing dedicated charging access through partnerships with transport operators to support rapid electrification schedules. It also highlights the commercial opportunity for bus depot operators to monetise existing charging infrastructure by serving third party fleet customers.
Southend announces first on-street EV charger locations
Southend-on-Sea has revealed the initial areas that will receive on-street electric vehicle chargers as part of its public charging rollout. The Yellow Advertiser reports the council's announcement, though specific street names and the number of charge points planned were not disclosed in the available excerpt. The move forms part of the local authority's effort to expand EV infrastructure for residents without off-street parking.
Why it matters
Local authority on-street programmes represent a growing procurement segment for charge point operators and installers, particularly in urban areas where home charging is not feasible. Knowing which councils are moving from planning to deployment helps suppliers target upcoming tender opportunities.
Somerset Council opens public consultation on £3.78m LEVI rollout for 1,606 charge ports
Somerset Council is consulting residents on where to deploy £3.78 million in government LEVI funding to install at least 1,606 low-powered public charge port sockets across the county. The scheme targets on-street and car park locations to support overnight and long-stay charging for residents without off-street parking, with installations limited to council-owned land.
Why it matters
The consultation signals an imminent procurement for a substantial on-street charging rollout in Somerset, offering CPOs and contractors a clear pipeline opportunity. Public input may shape site selection criteria and help bidders tailor proposals to community-identified demand hotspots.
Electric Vehicles
Ember launches hourly electric bus service between Aberdeen and Edinburgh Airport
Scottish operator Ember has started its E1 route, running hourly electric buses between Aberdeen city centre and Edinburgh Airport seven days a week. The three and a half hour service stops at Dundee, Brechin, Forfar, Bridge of Earn and Kinross, with single fares at £17.65 and returns at £35.30. The launch follows Ember's October expansion of electric bus routes in Scotland, including a Glasgow to Inverness service.
Why it matters
The rollout demonstrates growing commercial viability of long distance electric bus operations in Scotland, creating charging infrastructure demand along intercity corridors. Operators planning depot or en route charging for similar services can benchmark Ember's route economics and technical deployment model.
BYD replaces Nissan as Manchester City automotive partner, to supply vehicles and install charging infrastructure at training facility
BYD has signed a sponsorship deal with Manchester City, becoming the Premier League club's official automotive partner in place of Nissan. The Chinese manufacturer, which overtook Tesla in 2025 to become the world's largest EV maker by sales, will supply vehicles from its BYD and Denza brands to the club and install charging infrastructure and energy storage batteries at the training facility. Vehicle numbers, contract duration and financial terms were not disclosed, though the deal follows a similar 2024 agreement between Arsenal and Chinese automaker MG.
Why it matters
The partnership signals BYD's push into high profile UK sponsorships and includes a commitment to deploy charging infrastructure at a major sporting venue, offering visibility for procurement teams tracking commercial site electrification. It also highlights competition among Chinese EV brands for brand presence in the UK market through football club partnerships.
Stagecoach begins depot construction for Hull electric bus fleet
Stagecoach has started work on a new depot in Hull to support its electric bus fleet, according to BBC News. The facility will enable the operator to charge and maintain battery electric buses as part of its transition away from diesel vehicles in the city. Construction marks a physical infrastructure step in the rollout of zero emission public transport across the Hull network.
Why it matters
Depot builds signal committed capital expenditure and create demand for high power charging infrastructure, often requiring grid upgrades and multi megawatt installations. For charge point operators and electrical contractors, bus depot electrification represents large scale, long term projects with predictable energy demand profiles.
Central Contracts finds women and retirees drive hybrid demand while EV uptake stays uneven in UK
Central Contracts, a UK fleet and leasing broker, reports that hybrid vehicle demand is led by women and retirees, while electric vehicle adoption remains uneven across demographics. The findings highlight persistent gaps in EV uptake despite broader electrification trends in the UK market. Motor Trade News published the analysis, which draws on Central Contracts' customer data.
Why it matters
Uneven EV adoption signals that charging infrastructure and vehicle offerings may not yet meet the needs of all customer segments, particularly those favouring hybrids. Procurement teams and charge point operators should consider targeted strategies to address barriers for demographics slower to adopt full battery electric vehicles.
National Grid switches 1,000 company cars to EV contract hire in major fleet transition
National Grid has converted 1,000 company vehicles to electric models under a contract hire arrangement, marking a significant fleet electrification move by the UK energy infrastructure operator. The shift forms part of the company's broader decarbonisation strategy and represents one of the larger corporate EV fleet deployments in the British energy sector. Energy Live News reported the transition, though specific timelines and charging infrastructure plans were not detailed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
A 1,000 vehicle corporate fleet conversion signals sustained demand for workplace and depot charging infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities for charge point operators and installers serving large enterprise clients. The move by a major utility also demonstrates the scale at which energy sector employers are now committing to EV adoption, potentially influencing supply chain and service contract standards.
Grid & Energy
London energy grid under strain as EV and net zero demand outpaces infrastructure build
London's electricity network is already stretched at peak times and faces intensifying pressure through 2026 and beyond, according to analysis in the Evening Standard. The capital's ambition to deliver net zero and accommodate rising electric vehicle charging demand is colliding with inadequate grid capacity, with no credible decarbonisation path that avoids large scale infrastructure expansion. The piece warns that waiting to upgrade the network is no longer an option if the UK is serious about growth, resilience and electrification.
Why it matters
Strained grid capacity in London directly threatens the pace and viability of public and workplace EV charging rollout, as charge point operators depend on timely network reinforcement to connect new sites. Delays or constraints in electricity infrastructure will bottleneck procurement pipelines and slow the capital's transition to electric transport.