Daily EV news · UK · 15 March 2026
EV Charging
Lichfield garden centre wins approval for electric vehicle charging bays
A garden centre in Lichfield has secured planning permission to install electric vehicle charging bays on site, according to Lichfield Live. The approval will enable the retail location to offer charging infrastructure to customers. No details on the number of bays or installation timeline were provided in the report.
Why it matters
The decision reflects growing demand for destination charging at retail sites, creating opportunities for charge point operators to partner with garden centres and similar venues. Planning approvals at non-traditional locations signal expanding site pipelines for the UK charging sector.
Electric Vehicles
Highland Council-owned D&E Coaches adds four electric buses under ScotZEB programme
D&E Coaches, a Highland Council-owned operator running more than 60 vehicles and employing around 88 staff, has introduced four new electric buses supplied by Wrightbus as part of the Scottish Government's ScotZEB programme. The Inverness-based firm, which began in 1996 with a £1000 loan and a single minibus, now operates school transport, tourism and public services across the Highlands. The investment marks the company's 30th anniversary and its next phase of service in one of the UK's most geographically demanding regions.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates how regional operators in remote, challenging terrain are accessing government funding to electrify fleets, offering a model for similar rural transport contracts. It also highlights Wrightbus as a supplier winning ScotZEB awards in Scotland's public and council-linked bus sector.