Daily EV news · UK · 6 March 2026
EV Charging
One in three public EV chargers in UK deliver inaccurate energy readings, industry study finds
Independent inspection specialist EVCI Global tested hundreds of public EV chargers in real world use and found that 31.5% delivered energy readings that did not match the actual amount supplied. While UK regulations permit EV chargers a tolerance of up to +2% (compared to -0.5% to +1% for fuel pumps), nearly one third of chargers tested fell outside these standards. The findings raise concerns that drivers may be paying for electricity they do not receive.
Why it matters
Metering inaccuracy at scale undermines trust in public charging infrastructure and may expose charge point operators to regulatory scrutiny or commercial disputes. Procurement teams and site hosts should verify that equipment meets statutory tolerances and consider independent testing protocols before deployment.
E.ON Next reprices EV tariffs with off-peak rates from 8.5p per kWh
E.ON Next has updated its electric vehicle tariffs, maintaining long off-peak windows for home charging. The Next Drive Smart v5.9 tariff offers 8.5p per kWh from midnight to 6am and 30.87p per kWh during the day, delivering annual savings of £117 versus the energy price cap. The Next Drive Fixed v17 tariff charges 9.5p per kWh off-peak and 32.37p per kWh during the day, saving customers £59 per year. Both tariffs include no exit fees, a free one-year Zoom EV subscription for public charging discounts, and a donation to the Woodland Trust.
Why it matters
Competitive overnight rates below 10p per kWh strengthen the business case for domestic charge-point installations and may influence procurement decisions for home charger programmes. The tariff structure underscores the importance of smart charging capabilities in residential CPO offerings to maximise customer savings.
County to receive 550 new electric vehicle chargers
A county in the United Kingdom is set to gain 550 new EV chargers, according to BBC reporting. The rollout represents a significant expansion of local charging infrastructure, though the report does not specify the timeline, funding source or operator responsible for the deployment.
Why it matters
The 550-unit commitment signals substantial procurement activity at county level, creating opportunities for charge point operators and installation contractors. The scale suggests either a major public tender or a coordinated private rollout that will reshape local EV infrastructure capacity.
Electric Vehicles
Charles Hurst to sell Geely and Changan EVs in Northern Ireland as Chinese brands expand UK presence
Charles Hurst has signed deals with Chinese automakers Geely and Changan to open new Belfast showrooms on Boucher Road. The Changan dealership will feature the fully electric Deepal S07 and S05 compact SUVs, while the Geely showroom will sell the electric EX5 SUV and hybrid Starray EM-I. Geely, which owns Volvo and Lotus and ranks as the world's seventh largest automotive maker, entered the UK market last year and plans to launch 10 new models over the next three years as part of a strategy to sell 100,000 cars annually.
Why it matters
The expansion of Chinese EV brands into Northern Ireland signals growing competition in the UK market and potential demand for charging infrastructure to support new electric models. With BYD already operating dealerships in Derry and Belfast, and Geely targeting 100,000 annual UK sales, charge point operators may see increased installation opportunities at dealership sites and across the region.
UK electric van registrations reach 11.8% in first two months, less than half the 24% Government mandate
Battery electric vehicle market share for new vans in the UK stood at 11.8% after the first two months of the year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, falling short of the 24% target set by the zero emission vehicle mandate. The SMMT is calling for a wholesale review of the transition framework, noting that uptake remains far below required levels despite more than half of all van models being available as BEVs and significant sales discounts. Recent Government measures include extended plug-in van grant funding, a depot charging scheme and proposed planning rule changes for private charger installations.
Why it matters
The gap between actual electric van adoption and regulatory targets signals potential supply chain and infrastructure planning challenges for charge point operators targeting commercial fleet depots. Continued policy uncertainty and calls for mandate reviews may affect the timing and scale of depot charging investments across the UK.
Policy & Market
UK electric vehicles now pay Vehicle Excise Duty from 2026, with new mileage-based eVED charge
Electric cars in the United Kingdom no longer qualify for free road tax, requiring all EV drivers to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) from 2026. The amount depends on the vehicle's first registration year and original list price, with pre-April 2017 EVs paying £20 annually. A new mileage-based charge called eVED will apply to EVs and plug-in hybrids, affecting electric vehicle running costs across the UK market.
Why it matters
The end of VED exemptions and introduction of per-mile charges will increase total cost of ownership for fleet operators and workplace charging hosts, potentially slowing EV adoption rates and altering business cases for charge point operators targeting cost-sensitive drivers.