Daily EV news · UK · 5 April 2026
EV Charging
Isle of Wight partners with Char.gy to install 1,500 EV chargers across the island
Isle of Wight Council has partnered with Char.gy to deploy approximately 1,500 EV chargers across the island, targeting residents without off street parking. Char.gy CEO John Lewis described the partnership as an important step in delivering fair, accessible charging infrastructure at scale.
Why it matters
The 1,500 unit rollout represents a significant procurement opportunity for on street charging solutions in a geographically contained area. The focus on residents without driveways signals growing local authority commitment to equitable charging access, a key criterion in UK public tenders.
Instavolt wins approval for four rapid chargers at Costa Coffee Downham Market
Instavolt has secured planning permission to install four rapid charging stations at a Costa Coffee site on Bexwell Road, near the A10 on the outskirts of Downham Market. The operator stated the chargers will be powered by certified renewable sources. The approval follows a planning statement citing the climate emergency as justification for the rollout.
Why it matters
The decision adds four rapid charge points to the A10 corridor and signals continued local authority support for roadside charging at hospitality venues. For CPOs and site hosts, it underscores the planning weight given to renewable energy sourcing in securing consent for rapid charging infrastructure.
Policy & Market
UK raises expensive car supplement threshold, exempting 23 electric models from additional VED
The UK government has increased the Vehicle Excise Duty threshold for the expensive car supplement, removing 23 electric vehicle models from the additional tax. Essex Live reports that EVs previously caught by the supplement, which applied to vehicles over a certain list price, now avoid the extra charge following the threshold adjustment. The change affects procurement decisions for fleet operators evaluating total cost of ownership across multiple EV models.
Why it matters
Fleet buyers and charge point operators serving commercial customers can now recommend a wider range of EVs without the VED penalty, potentially accelerating adoption among cost sensitive business users. The policy shift may increase demand for charging infrastructure at depots and workplaces as more premium EV models become financially viable for company fleets.
UK on track for 170,000 public chargers by 2030, falling short of earlier 300,000 target
New projections indicate the UK will deploy 170,000 public electric vehicle chargers by the end of the decade, well below the 300,000 minimum target set by the previous Conservative government in its 2022 infrastructure strategy. As of January 2026, the UK network comprised 116,729 chargers across 88,513 devices at 45,242 locations, with 677 units added in the month. Industry observers cite slower than expected EV adoption and concerns over charging reliability and vehicle affordability as factors behind the shortfall.
Why it matters
The revised forecast signals a slower public charging rollout than CPOs and site hosts anticipated under earlier policy guidance, potentially affecting investment timelines and site acquisition strategies. Procurement teams may face less competitive pressure in the near term, though persistent infrastructure gaps could still drive targeted tenders in underserved regions.