Daily EV news · UK · 26 February 2026
EV Charging
Vandals cut cables at Tap Zap Go site in Strood, causing £2,000 damage and week-long outage
Two balaclava-clad men used a power tool to sever charging cables at a Tap Zap Go station on the Medway City Estate in Strood around 10pm on 20 February, rendering two units inoperable. The operator faces £2,500 in replacement and labour costs plus an estimated £2,500 per week in lost revenue while sourcing cables and restoring service. The site, which opened in June last year, has received multiple customer enquiries about when charging will resume.
Why it matters
Cable theft and vandalism impose direct repair costs and extended downtime on charge-point operators, eroding site economics and customer confidence. The incident underscores the need for robust physical security and rapid supply-chain access to critical spares in CPO operations.
Department for Transport launches Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support Service for England by April 2026
The Department for Transport has announced a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support Service, to be operated by Energy Saving Trust, Cenex and PA Consulting, launching by April 2026. The service will expand support beyond local authorities to include other public sector organisations involved in delivering England's EV charging network over the next three years, covering schemes such as the £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and the Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant. Since March 2022, LEVI funding has enabled local authorities to recruit over 350 specialist EV infrastructure officers in England, with most LEVI local authorities expected to complete their chargepoint operator procurement by March 2026.
Why it matters
The service broadens the pool of public sector bodies able to access technical and procurement support for chargepoint rollout, potentially accelerating tender pipelines and creating new opportunities for CPOs as more organisations beyond traditional local authorities enter the market. With most LEVI authorities nearing procurement completion by March 2026, the expanded service signals a next phase of public sector commissioning activity across England.
Charge-point operator challenges £150,000 council demand for two road signs
An EV charging provider has criticised a local authority's £150,000 quote to install two road signs, calling the cost excessive. The Telegraph reports the dispute highlights friction between operators and councils over street furniture and signage requirements tied to on-street charging infrastructure. No further breakdown of the quoted cost was disclosed.
Why it matters
Unexpected ancillary costs such as signage can materially affect project economics for CPOs deploying kerbside chargers, particularly where councils lack standardised fee schedules. The case underscores the need for transparent, proportionate charging by highway authorities to avoid deterring rollout.
UK Government publishes electric vehicle public charging infrastructure statistics for January 2026
GOV.UK has released its latest public charging infrastructure statistics covering January 2026, providing an updated snapshot of the UK's EV charging network. The publication forms part of the government's regular series tracking the rollout of public chargepoints across the country.
Why it matters
This official dataset is a key benchmark for CPOs, local authorities and investors assessing network coverage gaps and tracking whether rollout velocity aligns with government targets and funding commitments.
Electric Vehicles
Fleet World reviews Polestar 2 for corporate EV adoption
Fleet World has published a review of the Polestar 2 electric vehicle, examining its suitability for fleet operations in the United Kingdom. The article appears in the publication's fleet-focused coverage, targeting corporate buyers and fleet managers evaluating electric vehicle options. No specific performance figures or pricing details were provided in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Fleet reviews influence corporate procurement decisions and charging infrastructure planning, as fleet operators assess which EV models to deploy and what charging capacity their depots will require to support them.
What Car? publishes UK ranking of fastest charging electric vehicles
What Car? has released a list identifying the fastest charging electric cars available in the United Kingdom. The publication provides comparative data on charging speeds across current EV models in the UK market. The article serves as a consumer guide for buyers evaluating charging performance.
Why it matters
Charging speed rankings influence fleet procurement decisions and help CPOs anticipate dwell time requirements at public charging sites. Understanding which models dominate fast charging usage can inform infrastructure planning and capacity allocation.
Deepal S05 offers 303 mile range and 15 minute fast charge for UK market
The Deepal S05 electric vehicle, designed for UK roads, delivers a 303 mile range and supports 15 minute fast charging. Regit reports the model is being positioned for the British market, though pricing and availability details were not disclosed in the coverage.
Why it matters
A new EV with sub 20 minute charging capability entering the UK adds to the competitive pressure on charging networks to deliver high power infrastructure that meets driver expectations for rapid turnaround times.