Daily EV news · UK · 24 March 2026
EV Charging
Chesterfield retail park gains EV charging hub under £24.5 million national programme
A new EV charging hub has opened at a Chesterfield retail park, forming part of a £24.5 million programme to expand charging infrastructure across retail and leisure destinations nationwide in the United Kingdom. The rollout targets high footfall locations to support the transition to electric vehicles.
Why it matters
The £24.5 million investment signals sustained capital deployment in retail and leisure charging, creating procurement opportunities for CPOs and contractors specialising in destination charging installations at scale.
Former power station site near Amazon warehouse earmarked for major electric lorry charging hub
A disused power station site adjacent to an Amazon facility is being proposed for development as a large scale electric lorry charging hub. The Kent Online report indicates the site could serve heavy goods vehicles operating in the logistics sector. No specific capacity figures or timeline were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The project signals growing infrastructure investment to support fleet electrification in the freight and logistics sector, particularly near major distribution centres. Proximity to Amazon suggests potential anchor tenant demand for HGV charging as operators transition to zero emission vehicles.
RAW Charging and Landsec open 16 bay ultra rapid hub at Chesterfield retail park
RAW Charging and Landsec have launched a 16 bay ultra rapid EV charging hub at Ravenside Retail Park in Chesterfield, offering speeds up to 150kW. The site is the first under a £24.5 million national rollout partnership that will deliver 1,000 new charging bays across Landsec's portfolio before 2027. The retail park hosts brands including Asda Living, Currys and Hobbycraft and sits within walking distance of Chesterfield town centre.
Why it matters
The £24.5 million programme signals a major retail landlord commitment to destination charging infrastructure, with 1,000 bays planned by 2027. For CPOs and contractors, Landsec's estate offers a pipeline of high footfall sites where dwell time aligns with rapid charging economics.
UK EV charging rollout accelerates as ECIU finds drivers could save £200 annually versus petrol
Analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit shows UK EV drivers could save the equivalent of £200 per year compared to petrol vehicle owners, driven by falling charging costs and rising fuel prices linked to Middle East conflict. Octopus Energy will cut its overnight EV charger tariff to 5.5 pence per kWh from 1 April. The findings come amid significant charging deployment announcements from Voltempo, TotalEnergies, ESB Energy, Evolt Charging, Ionity and others across the UK.
Why it matters
Lower charging costs and widening price gaps with petrol strengthen the commercial case for workplace and destination charging investments. The tariff cuts and deployment activity signal growing confidence in UK EV infrastructure demand, relevant for CPOs planning site rollouts and procurement teams evaluating long term operating economics.
Electric Vehicles
Hull unveils electric bus fleet ahead of route launch
Hull has unveiled its new electric bus fleet, which is set to begin service on local routes. The BBC reports the buses will operate in the city, marking a step in Hull's public transport electrification. No specific figures on fleet size or charging infrastructure were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The rollout signals growing UK municipal demand for electric buses and associated depot charging infrastructure. Operators and charge point suppliers should monitor Hull's deployment for procurement patterns and operational lessons as more councils electrify fleets.
Grid & Energy
SSE Renewables brings 150MW/300MWh Ferrybridge battery online in West Yorkshire
SSE Renewables has commissioned the 150MW/300MWh Ferrybridge Battery Energy Storage System on the site of a former 2GW coal plant decommissioned in 2016. Construction began in August 2023 with OCU Energy as contractor and Sungrow supplying 136 battery units; SSE now operates 200MW/400MWh of BESS with a further 470MW/940MWh in the pipeline. Sungrow will also provide 320MW/640MWh of liquid cooled units for the nearby Monk Fryston project.
Why it matters
The delivery confirms OCU Energy and Sungrow as proven partners for utility scale BESS in the UK, while SSE's 670MW total pipeline signals sustained procurement opportunities in grid balancing infrastructure. Repurposing coal sites for storage may streamline planning and grid connection for future tenders.
Policy & Market
UCS College Somerset launches rapid battery manufacturing unit for Agratas gigafactory workforce
UCS College Group will deliver a new battery manufacturing apprenticeship unit for workers at Agratas' Bridgwater gigafactory, which is expected to create 4,000 jobs. Skills England developed the 30 to 140 hour course in three months after industry feedback that existing programmes were too long for immediate needs at the site. The unit can be completed in one to 16 weeks and focuses on practical skills aligned to daily battery production.
Why it matters
Rapid skills development directly tied to gigafactory timelines signals how procurement teams and site operators can accelerate workforce readiness for large scale EV infrastructure projects. The compressed training model may inform similar approaches for CPO technician programmes as the sector scales.