Daily EV news · UK · 19 February 2026
EV Charging
Hubber partners with Uber to deploy high-powered charging in London
Hubber has announced a partnership with Uber to deliver high-powered EV charging infrastructure in London. The collaboration aims to support Uber's driver network in the capital with faster charging solutions. No specific site numbers or capacity figures were disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
The deal signals growing demand for dedicated ride-hailing charging hubs in major UK cities and may open procurement opportunities for hardware suppliers and installation contractors serving fleet-focused networks.
Car park reopens after vehicle fire at EV chargers prompts fire crew response in Buckinghamshire
A car park in Buckinghamshire was temporarily closed following a vehicle fire near EV charging points, requiring attendance by fire crews. The facility has since reopened, according to Bucks Free Press. No further details on damage to charging infrastructure or the cause of the blaze were provided in the report.
Why it matters
Incidents at charging sites can trigger safety reviews and insurance claims, potentially affecting site operator liability and future infrastructure design standards. Rapid reopening suggests limited damage, but such events often prompt closer scrutiny of fire safety protocols at public charging locations.
Barnsley to install on-street EV chargers under £1.7 million scheme
Barnsley Council has announced plans to deploy new on-street electric vehicle chargers across the borough under a £1.7 million programme. The scheme, reported by The Star, aims to expand public charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking. Details on the number of charge points and installation timeline were not disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The £1.7 million investment signals growing local authority procurement activity for residential on-street charging, creating opportunities for charge point operators and installers targeting kerbside deployments in South Yorkshire.
Essex Police uses First Bus depot chargers for 50 electric vehicles at Basildon
Essex Police has partnered with First Charge, the third party electric vehicle charging arm of First Bus, to access high power charging infrastructure at the operator's Basildon depot. The force will expand its electric fleet to 50 vehicles this year as part of a longer term plan to decarbonise a fleet of just under 800 vehicles. Essex Police began electrifying vehicles in 2022 using the public charging network but now requires secure, high capacity infrastructure to support operational delivery.
Why it matters
The arrangement illustrates how fleet operators facing grid capacity and capital constraints are turning to shared depot charging rather than building dedicated infrastructure. It signals a procurement model for emergency services working towards the 2035 phase out of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
Essex Police (uk) · First Charge (uk) · First Bus UK (uk) · Source
Stagecoach South West to deploy 110 electric buses with 7.2 MW depot charging network across Devon
Stagecoach has committed £29.3 million to introduce 110 battery electric buses across its Torquay, Exeter and Barnstaple depots by early 2026, supported by the UK Government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme and delivered with Devon County Council and Torbay Council. The programme includes installation of 48 high powered chargers totalling 7.2 MW of capacity, with Torquay receiving 27 chargers and becoming a fully electric depot, while Exeter and Barnstaple will share 21 units. Barnstaple will host 21 of the new vehicles, which will replace existing diesel buses on routes across the county.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates the scale of depot charging infrastructure required to support large fleet electrification, with 7.2 MW across three sites representing a significant grid connection and installation opportunity. The ZEBRA funded rollout offers a procurement model for regional bus operators transitioning to zero emission fleets with public sector partnership.
Surrey County Council consults public on 100 plus charging points in 2026 phase of 10,000 socket programme
Surrey County Council has opened public consultation on the location of over 100 EV charging points to be installed in 2026, part of a March 2023 contract with Connected Kerb to deploy 10,000 public chargers across the county by 2030. The deal, worth up to £60 million in investment from Connected Kerb, was the UK's largest at signing and had delivered over 200 sockets by October 2024. The current phase targets villages and high demand areas, with 12 stations planned for Guildford borough, 18 for Elmbridge, nine for Epsom and Ewell, and ten for Spelthorne.
Why it matters
The consultation shows how large scale concession contracts are moving from initial rollout to sustained deployment phases, with public engagement becoming a standard step in site selection. For CPOs and suppliers, the 10,000 socket pipeline through 2030 signals ongoing procurement opportunities in Surrey's boroughs as the programme scales.
Dentons advises Connected Kerb on acquisition of Trojan Energy's Flat and Flush on-street charging technology
Law firm Dentons has advised Connected Kerb on its acquisition of Trojan Energy's Flat and Flush on-street charging technology in the United Kingdom. The deal brings Trojan's pavement-level charging solution into Connected Kerb's portfolio. No financial terms were disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
The acquisition consolidates on-street charging IP under Connected Kerb, a major CPO, potentially streamlining procurement for councils seeking flush-mounted kerb solutions. It also signals continued M&A activity as the sector matures and operators seek differentiated hardware.
Dentons (global) · Connected Kerb (uk) · Trojan Energy (uk) · Source
Energy Saving Trust responds to draft UK public EV charging network implementation plan
The Energy Saving Trust has submitted a response to the UK government's draft public EV charging network implementation plan. The document addresses rollout strategy and infrastructure deployment, though specific recommendations or figures from the submission are not detailed in the available excerpt. The response forms part of the consultation process shaping national charging policy.
Why it matters
Feedback from established advisory bodies like the Energy Saving Trust can influence procurement frameworks, site selection criteria and funding priorities that determine where and how CPOs deploy public charging infrastructure across the UK.
Electric Vehicles
Manchester City and BYD announce electric mobility partnership
Manchester City Football Club has formed a partnership with Chinese EV manufacturer BYD to support electric mobility initiatives, according to Sustainability Magazine. The collaboration aims to advance sustainable transport solutions, though specific details of fleet size, charging infrastructure commitments or investment figures were not disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
High profile sports partnerships can accelerate workplace charging deployment and signal corporate fleet electrification trends that may create procurement opportunities for charging operators serving commercial clients in the UK.
Welsh Sports Association partners with FleetEV to offer EV salary sacrifice and fleet electrification to 140-plus members
The Welsh Sports Association has partnered with FleetEV to provide electric vehicle adoption services to its more than 140 members across sport and recreation organisations in Wales. FleetEV will offer salary sacrifice schemes, flexible leasing, and end to end fleet electrification services, including charging infrastructure through PLUG Charging. The partnership targets both WSA members and their non-profit clubs, with services covering consultancy, vehicle procurement, and fleet management tailored for large fleets and public sector organisations.
Why it matters
The deal opens a structured procurement route for Welsh sports bodies and public sector fleets to access EV leasing and charging infrastructure, potentially creating multiple site opportunities across the association's membership base. FleetEV's inclusion of PLUG Charging signals bundled vehicle and infrastructure contracts that could streamline tender processes for non-profit and public sector buyers.