Daily EV news · UK · 29 March 2026
EV Charging
UK electric car charging points face 38,000 per cent surge in energy bills
Electric vehicle charging points in the United Kingdom have experienced a 38,000 per cent increase in energy bills, according to The Telegraph. The report highlights the dramatic rise in operational costs for charging infrastructure operators. The surge reflects broader energy market pressures affecting the economics of public charging networks.
Why it matters
The cost spike directly impacts the financial viability of charge point operators and may influence pricing strategies for end users, potentially affecting EV adoption rates. Procurement teams and CPOs must factor these escalating energy costs into business models and site selection decisions.
Electric Vehicles
Aberdeen scraps 25 hydrogen buses after £8.3 million spend, no cost comparison with electric alternatives
Aberdeen City Council has abandoned its fleet of 25 hydrogen double-decker buses after they sat unused for over a year due to fuel shortages, following a £8.3 million investment from Scottish Government, council and European funds over five years. The council admitted it held no data comparing costs between the hydrogen fleet and battery-electric buses, despite studies showing electric buses are up to three times cheaper to run. A freedom of information request revealed the council could not provide the original justification for choosing hydrogen over electric or any cost comparisons since the decision.
Why it matters
The case highlights procurement risks when authorities invest in alternative fuel infrastructure without baseline cost analysis against proven electric options. Councils and operators planning fleet transitions can use this as a cautionary example of the importance of total cost of ownership modelling and fuel supply security before committing capital.
£15,000 electric van targets UK city fleet operators
Commercial Motor reports that a new electric van priced at £15,000 is being marketed to urban fleet operators in the United Kingdom. The vehicle is positioned as an affordable option for city delivery and commercial operations. No further technical specifications or manufacturer details were provided in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
A sub-£20,000 electric van could lower the barrier to fleet electrification for small and medium operators, potentially accelerating demand for workplace and depot charging infrastructure across UK urban areas.
Grid & Energy
UK charge point operators report energy cost rises to £33,651 per site as oil crisis pushes wholesale prices higher
Osprey reported that annual energy costs at one Wolverhampton site jumped from £87 to £33,651, while Fastned said it pays £41,000 yearly to maintain a Hamilton site in South Lanarkshire. The increases, linked to Middle East oil market volatility, have prompted warnings that operators may pass costs on to drivers. The UK aims to install 300,000 public chargers by 2030.
Why it matters
Soaring site energy bills threaten the commercial viability of public charging networks and could force tariff increases that undermine EV adoption. Procurement teams and CPOs must factor volatile wholesale energy exposure into site selection and contract negotiations.