Daily EV news · UK · 12 February 2026
EV Charging
BeEv acquires Mer's UK public charging network, adding over 1,600 bays across 450 sites
BeEv has bought Mer's UK electric vehicle public charging network for an undisclosed sum, expanding its footprint by more than 1,600 charging bays across over 450 sites. The deal excludes Mer's fleet operations and strengthens BeEv's presence in southern England, adding to its existing network of around 900 chargers. BeEv plans targeted upgrades and selective charger replacements to improve reliability, with no site closures expected, and anticipates scale efficiencies will accelerate its path to profitability.
Why it matters
The consolidation creates a combined network of roughly 2,500 charging points, signalling continued market rationalisation as operators seek scale to reach profitability. Procurement teams and site hosts should note BeEv's commitment to selective hardware upgrades and operational streamlining, which may influence future tender specifications and partnership models.
Half of female EV drivers avoid certain public charging locations over safety concerns
New research from Europcar shows that 70% of female EV drivers in the UK consider personal safety when choosing where to charge, with 54% avoiding certain charging locations altogether. The study reveals an age divide, with 75% of women aged 35 to 44 citing safety as a factor compared to 65% of those aged 55 to 65. Two-thirds of women who drive EVs typically charge at home, highlighting the need for improved security at public charging sites.
Why it matters
The findings point to a significant barrier to mainstream EV adoption and public charging network utilisation, suggesting that site selection, lighting, visibility and security features must be prioritised in infrastructure planning. Charge point operators and local authorities may need to rethink location strategies to ensure public charging infrastructure serves all users equally.
Northern Ireland pavement cable trench for EV charging costs £2,500, Belfast Telegraph reports
Digging a large hole in a footpath to run an electric car charging cable in Northern Ireland carries a £2,500 cost, according to the Belfast Telegraph. The report highlights the expense of installing home charging infrastructure where on street trenching is required. The article also references the use of illegal traffic cones during such works.
Why it matters
The £2,500 trench cost underscores a significant barrier to residential charge point deployment in Northern Ireland, particularly for homes without driveways. Procurement teams and charge point operators planning kerbside or pavement installations must factor these civil works expenses into project budgets and business cases.
UK taxi drivers gain 40 per cent charging discount under new partnership
A new partnership in the United Kingdom offers electric taxi drivers a 40 per cent discount on public charging. The scheme, reported by dmnews.co.uk, aims to reduce operating costs for EV taxi fleets. No details on participating charge point operators or geographic scope were disclosed in the excerpt.
Why it matters
Fleet discounts can shift demand patterns at public charge points and influence site utilisation forecasts. Procurement teams may see increased interest in depot or dedicated taxi charging infrastructure if public network incentives prove insufficient for high mileage operators.
Octopus Electroverse and Freenow by Lyft partnership cuts UK taxi charging costs by 40 per cent
Octopus Electroverse, Europe's largest EV charging network, has partnered with taxi booking platform Freenow by Lyft to offer discounted public charging across 180 cities in seven countries. UK taxi drivers linking their Freenow account to Electroverse will save 40 per cent on public charging bills, equivalent to around £1,100 annually, while fleet operators receive two months of free subscription and access to discounted tariffs from CPOs including Ionity, Osprey and Powerdot. The Electroverse app aggregates around 80 per cent of public EV chargers across Europe, serving over one million motorists with single tap payment and route planning tools.
Why it matters
The deal demonstrates how aggregator platforms can drive commercial volume for CPOs by embedding discounted access into high usage verticals like taxi fleets. For charge point operators, partnerships with roaming networks such as Electroverse remain critical to securing utilisation from professional drivers who prioritise cost and convenience over brand loyalty.
Electric Vehicles
Isle of Wight receives first of 31 electric buses in fleet rollout
The Isle of Wight has welcomed the first vehicle in a planned deployment of 31 new electric buses, according to OnTheWight. The rollout marks a shift to zero-emission public transport on the island. No delivery timeline or operator details were provided in the excerpt.
Why it matters
A 31-bus order signals medium-scale depot charging infrastructure demand and potential grid upgrade work for island operators. The phased arrival may create opportunities for charge-point suppliers and installation contractors serving isolated or rural networks.
Agrii orders five Iveco eDaily electric vans with rooftop solar panels
Agricultural supplier Agrii has taken delivery of five Iveco eDaily 7.2 tonne curtainside electric vans, each equipped with 148 kWh batteries offering up to 248 miles of range. The vehicles feature rooftop Trailar solar panels that generate up to 500 kWh annually, equivalent to more than three full charges. Supplied by South West Truck and Van on a seven year repair and maintenance contract, the fleet is expected to cut 83 tonnes of CO2 per year, representing 10 per cent of Agrii's 36.7 per cent emissions reduction target by 2032.
Why it matters
The deal demonstrates growing commercial fleet electrification in the agricultural sector and highlights the integration of solar technology to extend electric vehicle range. The seven year service contract and eight year battery warranty covering 155,000 km with 80 per cent capacity retention provides a procurement model for operators evaluating total cost of ownership.