Daily EV news · UK · 18 February 2026
EV Charging
Morrisons Taunton seeks approval for EV canopy signage
Morrisons has applied to Taunton town council for permission to display signage on electric vehicle charging canopies at its Taunton store. The Somerset County Gazette reports the application covers branding for the covered charging infrastructure. No details on charger count or installation timeline were disclosed.
Why it matters
Signage applications often signal imminent or completed charging installations at major retail sites. For CPOs and contractors, supermarket forecourt projects represent high footfall, repeat use locations that can anchor local charging networks.
Wolverhampton approves 205 space solar car park with 82 EV charge points near Molineux Stadium
Wolverhampton council has approved plans for a solar powered car park with 205 spaces and 82 electric vehicle charging points on Stafford Road, next to the Wickes store and half a mile from Molineux Stadium. The site will feature up to 1,400 solar panels on carports, with surplus energy stored to help power the surrounding community. Originally submitted by Tomato Energy in July before the firm collapsed into administration in November, the application was taken over by Kenny Virdi from Senapt Limited.
Why it matters
The approval adds 82 charge points to Wolverhampton's public infrastructure in a high footfall location serving both mosque worshippers and matchday crowds, demonstrating how solar canopy projects can combine parking revenue with grid services. The project's change of hands from a collapsed supplier to a new applicant highlights procurement risks in the evolving charge point operator market.
Amplify EV wins Edinburgh chargepoint operations contract
Amplify EV has secured a contract to operate chargepoints in Edinburgh, according to TransportXtra. The award covers operations and maintenance of the city's public charging infrastructure, though the contract value and site count were not disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The win positions Amplify EV as the operational partner for Scotland's capital, a key reference site for CPOs bidding on other Scottish local authority contracts. Edinburgh's network will serve as a testbed for service delivery standards that may influence future municipal procurement specifications.
Plug Charging acquires 350 UK and Ireland chargepoints from WattIf
Cardiff based Plug Charging has acquired WattIf's entire UK and Ireland chargepoint estate, adding 350 chargepoints to its network. The acquired sites include destination chargers at train stations, NHS and health board facilities, holiday parks, retail parks, hospitality venues and hotels. Plug Charging will integrate all sites into its operational platform with 24/7 driver support, proactive fault monitoring and remote diagnostics.
Why it matters
The acquisition consolidates 350 strategic destination charging sites under single operational management, creating procurement opportunities for maintenance, software integration and network expansion services. The deal strengthens Plug Charging's position in the UK and Irish markets, potentially influencing future tender specifications for destination charging at public sector and commercial locations.
Wandsworth Borough Council launches grants to make EV charging more affordable
Wandsworth Borough Council has announced new grants aimed at reducing the cost of electric vehicle charging for residents. The initiative is designed to make EV charging infrastructure more accessible and affordable across the borough.
Why it matters
Local authority grant schemes signal growing public sector commitment to removing cost barriers for EV charging, potentially creating opportunities for charge point operators and installers to partner with councils on subsidised deployment programmes.
Electric Vehicles
Regit publishes UK EV adoption data broken down by postcode
Regit has released postcode level data on electric vehicle adoption across the United Kingdom. The dataset provides geographic granularity on EV uptake, allowing analysis of regional variations in electric vehicle ownership. The data was discovered via Google News and published by Regit.
Why it matters
Postcode level EV adoption data helps charge point operators and local authorities identify underserved areas and prioritise infrastructure investment where demand is growing or likely to emerge.
Grid & Energy
National Express partners SQE and Zenobē to secure grid connections for bus depots
National Express is working with grid connection specialist SQE and battery storage firm Zenobē to source power for its UK bus depots as it electrifies its fleet. The collaboration aims to navigate grid capacity constraints and accelerate depot infrastructure readiness. No specific site numbers or timelines were disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
Grid connection delays remain a critical bottleneck for fleet electrification, and this partnership signals how major operators are turning to specialist advisers and energy storage to unlock depot charging capacity. The approach may offer a template for other bus and fleet operators facing similar infrastructure challenges.
Policy & Market
Octopus Energy launches Fleet service with access to 1.3 million charge points across Europe
Octopus Energy has introduced Octopus Fleet, a service designed to help UK businesses transition to electric vehicles by bundling tariffs, chargers and battery installations. The offering includes access to Octopus Electroverse, which connects fleets to more than 1.3 million charge points worldwide through partnerships with Ubitricity, Shell Recharge, MFG, InstaVolt, Osprey and Gridserve. A Fleet Charging Card and Visa powered Business Payments Card are also part of the package.
Why it matters
The service addresses a key barrier for fleet electrification by consolidating charging infrastructure access and payment systems, potentially accelerating commercial EV adoption in the UK. For charge point operators, the Electroverse integration offers a route to higher utilisation through Octopus's corporate customer base.