Daily EV news · UK · 27 March 2026
EV Charging
British start-up targets 5-minute EV recharge to tackle range anxiety
A UK based start-up is developing technology aimed at enabling electric vehicle recharges in approximately five minutes, addressing driver concerns over range anxiety. The Times reports on the company's efforts to accelerate charging speeds significantly beyond current standards. The development is positioned as a potential breakthrough for EV adoption in Britain.
Why it matters
Ultra-fast charging infrastructure that matches petrol refuelling times could reshape site selection and network planning for charge point operators. Procurement teams may need to evaluate emerging rapid charge technologies as they compete for contracts requiring minimal dwell time at charging locations.
Amey launches pilot EV charging scheme to expand network
Amey, the infrastructure services company, has begun a pilot scheme to expand its electric vehicle charging network in the United Kingdom. The initiative forms part of the firm's broader strategy to grow EV charging infrastructure, though specific site numbers and deployment timelines were not disclosed in the announcement covered by Insider Media Ltd.
Why it matters
The pilot signals Amey's intent to compete for public and private EV charging contracts, potentially opening procurement opportunities for equipment suppliers and installation partners as the scheme scales beyond its trial phase.
Manchester installs 38 lamppost EV chargers in residential pilot with AMEY
Manchester City Council and AMEY have deployed 38 EV charging points integrated into existing lampposts across residential streets in the city. The pilot aims to provide convenient, affordable charging for residents without off street parking, with clear instructions attached to each unit. The council will consider wider expansion if the trial proves successful.
Why it matters
Lamppost charging offers a lower cost, lower clutter deployment model for local authorities targeting on street residential demand. A successful Manchester pilot could accelerate similar procurement frameworks across UK cities seeking to meet statutory charge point targets.
Councils call for clearer EV charging rules as accessibility lags
Local authorities in the United Kingdom are urging the government to provide clearer regulatory guidance on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, citing concerns over accessibility standards that are falling behind deployment targets. The call, reported by Air Quality News, highlights gaps in policy frameworks as councils struggle to balance rapid rollout with inclusive access requirements.
Why it matters
Ambiguous regulations risk delaying procurement decisions and creating inconsistent accessibility standards across public charging networks, potentially exposing CPOs and local authorities to compliance challenges as the sector scales.
Energy Saving Trust launches Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support Service for England
The Energy Saving Trust has introduced a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support Service covering England. The programme aims to help local authorities, businesses and other organisations accelerate the rollout of EV charging infrastructure. Details on funding levels, site targets or delivery timelines were not disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
A dedicated support service can streamline procurement processes and reduce technical barriers for councils and fleet operators planning charge point installations. Faster project pipelines mean more tender opportunities for CPOs and contractors across England.
Electric Vehicles
Nottingham City Council launches Tusker salary sacrifice scheme for employee EV access
Nottingham City Council has introduced a salary sacrifice scheme with Tusker to enable employees to lease electric vehicles. The programme is part of the council's broader employee benefits package. Fleet World reported the initiative, which aligns with public sector efforts to support EV adoption among staff.
Why it matters
Salary sacrifice schemes drive demand for workplace charging infrastructure and can signal future procurement needs as councils expand EV fleets. The move reflects growing public sector commitment to electrification, creating opportunities for charge point operators to partner with local authorities.
Electric buses enter service on Gloucester and Tewkesbury routes
Electric buses have launched on routes serving Gloucester and Tewkesbury, according to Gloucester News Centre. The deployment marks the introduction of battery electric vehicles to local public transport services in these Gloucestershire towns. No fleet size or operator details were provided in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The rollout signals growing demand for depot charging infrastructure to support municipal bus electrification in the UK, creating opportunities for charge point operators and electrical contractors serving public transport depots.
AX orders 1,354 Nissan vehicles for UK accident management fleet
Accident management specialist AX has placed an order for 1,354 Nissan vehicles to expand its replacement fleet, comprising 950 Juke, 364 Qashqai and 40 X-Trail models. The Juke and Qashqai are manufactured at Nissan's Sunderland facility in the UK. Fleet and logistics director Dan Cripps said the investment ensures the right vehicles are available nationwide to support customers, with UK built models reflecting the modern car parc.
Why it matters
The deal signals continued demand for replacement vehicle fleets in the accident management sector, with a focus on popular crossover and SUV body styles. Procurement teams supplying mobility services may note the emphasis on UK manufacturing and fleet diversity to match customer expectations.
Bradford brings forward full electric bus fleet by 18 months with £14.2 million funding package
Bradford has accelerated its zero emission bus transition by 18 months after securing £8 million from the Joint Air Quality Unit, matched by £6.2 million from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The £14.2 million programme will fund depot upgrades at the First Bus site, including a new substation, high capacity cabling and smart chargers, with the first electric buses on key routes expected in spring 2027. Fifteen electric buses already operate between Keighley and Bradford, representing 12% of the current 125 vehicle fleet, ahead of a full transition to 116 Weaver branded electric buses under the franchising scheme from October 2028.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates how combined central and regional funding can accelerate fleet electrification timelines, creating near term depot infrastructure work including substation construction and smart charging installations. The phased rollout offers a model for other UK local authorities planning franchised electric bus networks, with procurement opportunities emerging 12 to 18 months earlier than originally scheduled.
Policy & Market
Iran war drives UK fossil fuel exit as Octopus Energy logs record solar, heat pump and charger sales
Octopus Energy reported March 2026 as its biggest month for enquiries and sales, with solar installations up 54% month on month, heat pumps up 51% (1 to 22 March) and EV charger sales rising 20%, as gas prices hit 12 month highs amid the US and Israel war with Iran. East Anglia leads UK installations, and Octopus has launched a fast track programme replacing oil boilers with heat pumps in as little as 10 days from quote to install. Energy independence has become the top driver for households switching away from fossil fuels, according to the supplier.
Why it matters
A 20% jump in home charger sales signals that geopolitical volatility is accelerating domestic electrification procurement, creating immediate pipeline growth for installers and charge point suppliers. The 10 day oil to heat pump turnaround also shows how streamlined delivery models can unlock rapid retrofit demand, a template relevant to bundled EV charger offerings.