Daily EV news · UK · 1 March 2026
EV Charging
One in three UK public charge points bills drivers incorrectly, Telegraph reports
The Telegraph has found that approximately 33% of electric vehicle charge points in the UK are applying incorrect fees to drivers. The investigation highlights billing errors across the public charging network, though the article does not specify the scale of overcharging or undercharging involved. The findings come amid ongoing scrutiny of the UK's public charging infrastructure and pricing transparency.
Why it matters
Billing accuracy is a compliance and reputational risk for charge point operators, potentially triggering regulatory intervention or consumer protection enforcement. Procurement teams and site hosts should verify that their charging partners have robust metering and billing systems to avoid liability and maintain user trust.
Plymouth to install more than 750 on-street EV charging points with £2.4 million government grant
Plymouth City Council will deploy over 750 dual on-street EV charging points using £2.4 million in government funding awarded in 2024, targeting areas with limited off-street parking. The rollout, part of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project, will begin in spring through partnerships with charge point operators Connected Kerb and Believ, who will provide additional private investment. Councillor John Stephens described the initiative as a major milestone to remove barriers to EV ownership for residents without driveways.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates how LEVI funding is accelerating large scale municipal procurements, with Plymouth's dual operator model offering a template for councils balancing public grants and private capital. For CPOs, the spring start date and partnership structure signal immediate deployment opportunities in high density residential zones across UK cities.
Electric Vehicles
Southern Vectis deploys 31 electric buses on Isle of Wight
Southern Vectis has launched 31 electric buses into service on the Isle of Wight, marking a significant fleet electrification for the island's public transport operator. The rollout is expected to improve local air quality across the routes served by the new battery electric vehicles. The deployment was reported by OnTheWight, a regional news outlet covering Isle of Wight developments.
Why it matters
A 31 bus electric fleet represents substantial charging infrastructure demand, likely requiring depot based charging solutions and grid upgrades that create opportunities for charge point operators and electrical contractors. The project demonstrates how island and rural transport operators are moving to zero emission fleets, opening similar procurement pipelines across isolated or environmentally sensitive UK regions.
Policy & Market
59 car models to face £5,690 annual tax from April 2026 under UK VED changes
The Liverpool Echo reports that 59 car models will be subject to a £5,690 annual Vehicle Excise Duty charge starting in April 2026 under revised UK tax rules. The policy targets higher value and higher emission vehicles as part of the government's fiscal measures. The list includes a range of premium and performance models that exceed new VED thresholds.
Why it matters
Higher running costs for premium vehicles may accelerate fleet electrification decisions and boost demand for EV charging infrastructure as businesses and drivers seek to avoid the surcharge. The tax differential strengthens the total cost of ownership case for electric vehicles in the UK market.