Daily EV news · UK · 13 March 2026
EV Charging
Falkirk retail park in Scotland seeks approval for additional EV charging bays
A retail park in Falkirk, Scotland, has submitted plans to install more electric vehicle charging bays, according to the Falkirk Herald. The proposal aims to expand charging infrastructure at the retail site, though the exact number of new bays and the project timeline have not been disclosed in the available report.
Why it matters
Retail park charging expansions signal growing demand for destination charging in the UK and may create procurement opportunities for charge point operators and installers serving commercial property portfolios. The move reflects broader efforts to meet Scotland's net zero transport targets and improve public charging access in regional locations.
Bradford Council expands cross-pavement EV charging trial using Kerbo Charge system
Bradford Council is rolling out cross-pavement EV charging channels outside homes without off-street parking, using the Kerbo Charge system to let residents charge from their domestic electricity supply. The pilot, approved by the council's Executive in August 2025, is initially targeting properties with reserved parking bays, including disabled persons' spaces. The scheme may be expanded further based on user feedback.
Why it matters
The trial demonstrates a scalable model for on-street residential charging in areas without driveways, a key barrier to EV adoption. Councils and charge point operators evaluating kerb-side solutions will watch Bradford's rollout for procurement and deployment lessons.
Electric Vehicles
Arriva commits £340 million to add over 750 zero emission buses across UK fleet
Arriva Group has announced a £340 million UK investment programme covering 809 new buses, depot electrification at eight sites and refurbishment of over 150 vehicles. More than 50% of the new buses will be fully electric, with the remainder low emission, taking Arriva's total zero emission fleet beyond 750 vehicles. The programme allocates £310 million for vehicles and refurbishments and £30 million for property upgrades, with eight depots set for electrification including Thornton Heath, Palmers Green, Dartford, Thurmaston, Blyth, Durham, Darlington and Tamworth.
Why it matters
The eight depot electrification projects represent a substantial charging infrastructure pipeline for contractors and equipment suppliers, particularly at sites transitioning to fully electric operations. The phased rollout, already under way with 50 Alexander Dennis buses in West Yorkshire, signals near term procurement opportunities across multiple regional locations.
Liverpool City Region awarded over £7 million for 36 zero emission buses under ZEBRA scheme
The UK Department for Transport has confirmed more than £7 million in funding to Liverpool City Region Combined Authority for 36 zero emission buses, part of a £73 million national investment through the existing Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) project. The award follows delivery of the region's first 100 publicly owned fleet vehicles and will replace older diesel buses across the six boroughs, with the first two operators of the new publicly operated network set to launch in St Helens and Wirral later this year. The majority of a new £10.5 million pot is being allocated to the Liverpool City Region.
Why it matters
The award signals continued central government support for regional zero emission bus procurement, creating near term opportunities for vehicle suppliers and charging infrastructure contractors as the Liverpool City Region expands its publicly owned electric fleet. Operators and CPOs should note the phased rollout model, with initial deployment in St Helens and Wirral offering a template for depot charging and route electrification across the combined authority's six boroughs.
UK awards £73 million to fund 484 electric buses
The UK government has allocated £73 million in funding to support the deployment of 484 electric buses, according to Route One. The funding is part of ongoing efforts to electrify public transport fleets across the country. Details on specific recipients and timelines were not provided in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
This substantial government commitment signals continued procurement opportunities for bus operators and charging infrastructure providers. The scale of the award suggests multiple tenders and installation projects will follow, creating work for CPOs and equipment suppliers across UK regions.
Blackpool electric bus rollout stalls with fleet cut to 85 and £4m returned to DfT
Blackpool Council and Blackpool Transport Services secured £20m from the DfT's ZEBRA fund in 2022 to buy 115 electric buses, but a complex procurement process has reduced the order to 85 vehicles and forced the return of £4m to the Department for Transport. The project, originally scheduled for completion within five years, remains in limbo as funding discussions with the DfT continue, with residents questioning whether the remaining £16m can be retained. The ZEBRA fund was launched in 2020 to support zero emission buses and charging infrastructure across local transport authorities.
Why it matters
The case highlights procurement and delivery risks in publicly funded electric bus programmes, where specification challenges can shrink fleet sizes and jeopardise capital retention. Operators and infrastructure suppliers bidding into similar ZEBRA or successor schemes need clarity on contract timelines and scope flexibility to avoid partial fund clawbacks.
Policy & Market
London Mayor considers new charges for SUVs
The Mayor of London is exploring additional charges for sport utility vehicles in the capital, according to Fleet News. No specific fee levels or implementation timeline have been announced. The proposal would add to existing road pricing measures in London, including the Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Why it matters
Higher operating costs for larger vehicles could accelerate fleet electrification and boost demand for electric SUVs and vans, influencing charging infrastructure requirements at depots and public sites across London.