Daily EV news · UK · 11 March 2026
EV Charging
Believ to install 96 ultra-rapid EV bays across 12 9Yards retail parks in £10 million rollout
Charge point operator Believ has partnered with retail park owner 9Yards to deploy 96 fully accessible ultra-rapid charging bays across 12 UK sites, backed by more than £10 million in Believ investment. Six parks will feature co-branded solar canopies, with installation scheduled to begin in late 2026. Believ will fund and deliver the end to end service, from site assessment and grid connection through to long term operation and maintenance.
Why it matters
The deal adds nearly 100 high power bays to the UK's retail charging network and demonstrates a fully funded CPO model that removes upfront cost barriers for landlords. Solar canopy integration at half the sites signals growing interest in on site renewable pairing within the charging procurement pipeline.
Essex launches programme to install 5,000 EV chargers across the county
Essex County Council has launched Electrifying Essex, an initiative to deploy 5,000 electric vehicle chargers throughout the county. The programme aims to accelerate charging infrastructure rollout to support the transition to electric vehicles. Details on timelines and procurement frameworks were not disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
A 5,000 unit deployment represents significant procurement opportunity for charge point operators and installers targeting local authority contracts in the South East. The scale suggests Essex may tender multiple frameworks or lots, creating entry points for suppliers across residential, on street and destination charging segments.
Shropshire Council approves 500 plus charge points backed by £2 million LEVI funding
Shropshire Council's Cabinet has approved plans to more than double public EV charge points across the county, installing 500 or more units in towns, villages and rural areas. The programme is supported by over £2 million from the Department for Transport's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund and private investment, with a concession model under which the Charge Point Operator will install, operate and maintain infrastructure while the council receives an annual fee and revenue share. Additionally, Shropshire has secured £133,780 from the EV Pavement Channels Grant to install approved cable channels for residents without driveways, particularly in terraced housing areas.
Why it matters
The concession structure offers a revenue neutral deployment model for local authorities seeking to scale on street charging without upfront capital risk, while the pavement channel grant addresses a key barrier for terraced street residents. Operators bidding for the Shropshire contract will need to demonstrate rural coverage capability alongside urban rollout experience.
Electric Vehicles
Stagecoach deploys 25 electric buses in Torbay with 55 vehicle rollout underway
Stagecoach Group and Torbay Council have launched the first 25 of 55 fully electric buses in Torbay, making it only the second UK location with a fully electric local bus network. Stagecoach committed 29.3 million GBP (around 75 percent of total investment), including 26.1 million GBP for vehicles and 3.2 million GBP for depot charging infrastructure, with the remaining 25 percent funded through 7.1 million GBP from the government's ZEBRA 2 scheme and 361,000 GBP from Torbay Council, secured in March 2024.
Why it matters
The 55 bus deployment represents significant depot charging infrastructure demand (3.2 million GBP) and demonstrates how ZEBRA 2 funding is accelerating fleet electrification at scale. Stagecoach's phased rollout model and 75 percent private investment share may inform future public transport electrification tenders across UK regions.
Stagecoach launches first electric buses in Torbay as part of 55 vehicle fleet rollout
Stagecoach South West has begun operating the first electric buses in Torbay as part of a phased transition to a 55 vehicle all electric fleet. The operator invested more than £23 million in the buses and depot infrastructure, with additional funding from the UK government and Torbay Council. The council estimates the fleet will deliver carbon dioxide savings equivalent to removing approximately 2,000 diesel cars from the road over the vehicles' operational lifespan.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates the scale of depot electrification investment required for large bus fleet conversions, with Stagecoach committing over £23 million alongside public funding. The project highlights infrastructure planning challenges, as the larger electric vehicles cannot serve two streets previously covered by diesel buses.
Stellantis battery electric vans reach price parity with diesel in Europe, invests in UK manufacturing
Stellantis has announced that its battery electric vans are now available at price parity with diesel equivalents across Europe. The automaker is also investing in its UK manufacturing site to support production. The move marks a significant milestone in commercial vehicle electrification, making zero emission vans financially competitive with traditional diesel models for fleet operators.
Why it matters
Price parity removes a major barrier to fleet electrification, likely accelerating demand for charging infrastructure at depots and commercial sites. The UK manufacturing investment signals sustained production volumes that will require expanded charging networks to support growing numbers of electric commercial vehicles on the road.
Policy & Market
£20 of electricity powers EVs 200 miles versus 120 miles for petrol as fuel prices rise
New research from char.gy and YouGov shows that £20 of electricity can power an electric vehicle for up to 200 miles, compared to around 120 miles for the same amount of petrol at the current UK price of 138.96p per litre. Almost two-thirds of drivers said lower charging costs would persuade them to switch to an EV, rising to 78 per cent among those considering a near term purchase. The UK now has more than 1.5 million EV chargers installed at homes and workplaces.
Why it matters
The widening cost gap between electric and petrol refuelling strengthens the business case for workplace and residential charging infrastructure, particularly as fuel price volatility drives consumer interest in EVs. For CPOs and site hosts, the data underscores growing demand for affordable home and workplace charging solutions that can deliver the cost savings drivers expect.
Climate Change Committee says net zero will shield UK from fossil fuel price volatility
The UK Climate Change Committee has stated that achieving net zero emissions will protect the country from fossil fuel price shocks, according to a report covered by Carbon Brief. The analysis highlights energy security benefits alongside climate goals for the UK's decarbonisation pathway. The committee's position reinforces the economic case for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Why it matters
For charge point operators and fleet electrification buyers, the CCC's framing strengthens the long term business case for EV infrastructure investment by linking decarbonisation to price stability and reduced exposure to volatile oil and gas markets.