Daily EV news · UK · 20 February 2026
EV Charging
Leasing Options and Ohme challenge misconceptions on EV charging costs
Manchester based Leasing Options, which placed third in the BN25 league table with 14,666 orders in 2025, has partnered with Ohme to highlight misconceptions about EV charging costs. AA research shows 80% of drivers believe EVs are too expensive to purchase and only 21% think they are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel. Ohme data reveals that at the UK's standard variable tariff of 27.69p per kWh, an EV can travel around 90 miles for the cost of a gallon of unleaded petrol, which powers a typical petrol car for 40 miles, while smart off peak tariffs at 7p per kWh can extend that range to over 350 miles.
Why it matters
Persistent cost misconceptions may slow EV adoption and reduce demand for charging infrastructure, despite data showing EVs cost significantly less per mile than petrol vehicles. Correcting these perceptions is critical for CPOs and fleet operators to justify investment in home and workplace charging solutions.
Pod Point launches cashback rewards programme for flexible home charging
Pod Point has introduced Pod Rewards, a cashback scheme for customers using its flexible home charging tariffs. The programme aims to incentivise off-peak charging by offering financial rewards to users who charge during lower-demand periods. The announcement was reported by EV Powered and targets the UK residential charging market.
Why it matters
The move signals growing competition in the home charging sector, where tariff innovation and customer retention tools are becoming key differentiators. Procurement teams and CPOs monitoring residential charging trends should note how loyalty schemes may influence hardware and service bundling strategies.
InstaVolt to install 32 rapid chargers at Orbital Shopping Centre, replacing Pod Point slow units
InstaVolt will deploy 32 rapid chargers at Orbital Shopping Centre in Wiltshire, replacing existing slow Pod Point units between the McDonald's and Lidl locations. The rapid chargers, rated at 50 kW or more, will reduce charging times from several hours to around 20 to 40 minutes depending on the vehicle. The upgrade aims to cut waiting times and increase bay turnover as local EV ownership rises.
Why it matters
The switch from slow to rapid infrastructure at a retail park signals growing demand for faster turnover charging in destination settings, not just motorway corridors. For CPOs and site owners, it highlights the commercial case for upgrading legacy hardware to meet driver expectations and maximise utilisation.
Reading councillor ordered to remove unauthorised on street EV charger outside his home
Councillor Daya Pal Singh (Labour, Emmer Green) has been told to remove an on street electric vehicle charging point he installed outside his home in Tuxford Mews, West Reading. The Labour councillor, elected to Reading Borough Council in 2024, commissioned the charger without proper authorisation. The case was reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the regulatory and planning hurdles facing even elected officials when deploying on street charging infrastructure, underscoring the importance of formal approval processes for public highway installations that CPOs and local authorities must navigate.
Electric Vehicles
Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive offers 332 mile range as UK's most affordable Tesla
Tesla has positioned its Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive as the most affordable Tesla available in the UK, targeting mainstream EV adoption with a 332 mile range. The Independent's review highlights the entry level variant's efficiency, competitive pricing and Tesla's technology package, noting adjustments to top speed and acceleration to reduce total cost of ownership. The model, originally launched as the Model 3 Standard before being renamed, aims to expand the electric vehicle market by offering core Model 3 attributes at a lower price point.
Why it matters
The UK's most affordable Tesla variant could influence fleet procurement decisions and workplace charging demand as businesses evaluate cost effective EV options. Tesla's focus on reducing total cost of ownership through efficiency gains may shift competitive benchmarks for charging infrastructure planning around range and charging speed requirements.
Stagecoach appoints new engineering chief to lead South West electric bus rollout
Stagecoach has named a new engineering director for its South West operations to oversee the transition to electric buses in the region. The appointment comes as the operator accelerates fleet electrification across Devon and Cornwall. Torbay Weekly reported the move as part of Stagecoach's broader decarbonisation strategy.
Why it matters
The hire signals increased infrastructure investment in South West England, creating potential charging and depot upgrade opportunities for contractors and equipment suppliers. Bus depot electrification typically requires multi megawatt charging installations and grid connection work.
Oxford researchers discover method to speed lithium-ion battery charging and extend lifespan
Scientists at the University of Oxford have identified a breakthrough that could enable lithium-ion batteries to charge faster and last significantly longer, according to ScienceDaily. The research, conducted in the United Kingdom, addresses key performance limitations in current battery technology. No commercial timeline or specific performance metrics were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Faster charging and longer battery life directly reduce total cost of ownership for EV charging operators, potentially shortening dwell times at chargers and improving asset utilisation across depot and public networks.
Policy & Market
West Midlands launches £50 million fund to boost electric vehicle sector
The West Midlands has launched a £50 million fund aimed at supporting the electric vehicle sector in the region. The initiative is designed to accelerate EV adoption and infrastructure development across the West Midlands. Details on specific allocation to charging infrastructure versus other EV sector investments were not disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
A £50 million regional fund could unlock significant procurement opportunities for charging point operators and infrastructure suppliers working in the West Midlands. The scale of investment signals strong public sector commitment to EV infrastructure, potentially de-risking private sector projects and creating partnership opportunities for CPOs.