Daily EV news · UK · 6 April 2026
EV Charging
TDB backs Scharge and UK partner on automated cable system for Indian depot charging
India's Technology Development Board has signed an agreement with Scharge Pvt Limited to develop a next generation EV charging solution for commercial fleet and depot operations, under the India to UK Collaborative R and D Programme for Industrial Sustainability. The project integrates Scharge's charge controller with a patented motorised overhead cable management system from UK partner Albright Product Design Limited, compatible with existing AC Type 2 chargers, to reduce manual handling, cable wear and improve charging turnaround times.
Why it matters
Depot operators and fleet procurement teams gain a potential solution to operational pain points around cable damage, vandalism and workflow efficiency in high throughput charging environments. The bilateral R and D backing signals government support for scalable commercial charging infrastructure in India.
EDF extends off-peak EV charging window to seven hours across all tariffs
EDF has added two hours to its off-peak charging period, now running from 11pm to 6am for new and existing customers on its electric vehicle tariffs. The seven-hour window is the longest among UK suppliers and allows drivers using a standard 7kW home charger to add between 140 and 210 miles of range, which EDF says could cover 12 days of commuting. Previously, off-peak hours ran from midnight to 5am.
Why it matters
Longer off-peak windows improve the business case for home charging infrastructure by lowering operating costs for fleets and private users. The move may influence tariff design across the UK market and affect demand patterns for workplace and public charging networks.
England launches £500 grants for households without driveways to install EV chargers
Birmingham Live reports that a new rule in England offers £500 payouts to households without driveways to support EV charger installation. The scheme targets residents who lack off street parking, addressing a key barrier to home charging access. Details on eligibility criteria and the total funding envelope were not specified in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
This grant programme could unlock demand for on street and community charging infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities for CPOs and installers serving residential areas with limited private parking. It signals policy support for equitable charging access, potentially expanding the addressable market beyond driveway equipped homes.
UK raises home EV charger grant to £500 from April 2026 for residents without driveways
The UK Government will increase its electric vehicle charger grant from £350 to £500 starting 1 April 2026, targeting renters, flat owners, landlords, homeowners without driveways and businesses. The grant typically covers around 42 per cent of installation costs, including cross pavement chargers, with home charging costing approximately 2p per mile. The Federation of Small Businesses reports that 51 per cent of small businesses cite more charging infrastructure as key to switching to electric vehicles, while the National Residential Landlords Association says nearly nine in 10 landlords would install charge points if tenants requested them.
Why it matters
The expanded grant addresses a major barrier to EV adoption among the estimated millions of UK residents without off street parking, potentially unlocking significant demand for residential charge point installations. For installers and charge point operators, the policy creates clearer commercial opportunities in the underserved rented and flatted property sectors from April 2026.
Electric Vehicles
Geely opens dedicated electric vehicle dealership in Scorrier, Cornwall
Chinese automotive group Geely has launched a dedicated electric vehicle dealership in Scorrier, Cornwall, marking a physical retail presence in the UK's southwest. Cornwall Live reports the arrival of Geely electric cars at the new site, though specific model details and opening dates were not disclosed. The move represents Geely's expansion into regional UK markets with a standalone EV sales point.
Why it matters
A new OEM dealership in Cornwall signals growing manufacturer confidence in regional EV adoption and may drive demand for workplace and public charging infrastructure in an area historically underserved by dedicated EV retail. Charge point operators should monitor whether Geely's physical presence accelerates local fleet electrification and destination charging requirements.