Daily EV news · UK · 8 April 2026
EV Charging
Sheffield M1 charging hub for HGVs wins planning permission despite local objections
A heavy goods vehicle charging hub near the M1 in Sheffield has secured planning approval from local authorities, overcoming objections from nearby residents and community groups. The facility, reported by The Star, will serve freight operators using the motorway corridor. The decision reflects growing infrastructure support for electric HGV fleets in the UK.
Why it matters
The approval signals that local planning authorities are prioritising freight electrification infrastructure even where community opposition exists, offering a precedent for CPOs and developers navigating contested HGV charging sites. It also highlights the M1 corridor as a focus area for heavy duty charging investment.
Voltempo and Corpay launch depot charging service for electric trucks and vans
Voltempo and Corpay have partnered to offer a commercial model for electric truck and van charging that eliminates upfront capital investment for depot infrastructure. Voltempo, which leads the UK Government backed eFreight 2030 consortium, installs and manages high power charging hubs at logistics depots through its Depot Charging as a Service model. Corpay's global fleet payment platform will connect qualifying operators to the Voltempo network, allowing fleets to locate, book and pay for charging at participating depots using existing EV charge cards including Allstar Chargepass within a single billing relationship.
Why it matters
The partnership addresses a major barrier to electric freight adoption by removing the need for fleet operators to fund depot charging infrastructure upfront, potentially accelerating commercial vehicle electrification. For depot owners and charge point operators, the model offers a route to monetise sites through a managed service that connects into a wider secure charging network.
West London council to buy 32 diesel trucks while funding 1,600 street EV chargers
A West London council is proceeding with plans to purchase 32 diesel trucks alongside a programme to fund 1,600 street level electric vehicle chargers. The decision, reported by My London, highlights the council's dual approach to fleet management and public charging infrastructure expansion.
Why it matters
The 1,600 charger rollout represents a significant street level deployment opportunity for charge point operators, though the simultaneous diesel truck purchase may signal budget constraints or operational requirements affecting the pace of fleet electrification in local government.
Electric Vehicles
Aberdeen to gain electric bus route connecting to another Scottish city
Aberdeen will receive a new electric bus service linking it to another Scottish city, according to Aberdeen Live. The report does not specify the destination city, fleet size, operator or launch date.
Why it matters
New intercity electric bus routes signal growing confidence in battery range for longer Scottish journeys and may trigger charging infrastructure tenders at depots and layover points between cities.
Brighton Kemptown MP visits depot as government backs electric bus rollout
Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, visited Lewes Road bus depot to observe government investment supporting electric bus deployment in Brighton and Hove. The visit highlights new government funding for greener public transport in the area, though specific investment figures were not disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
Government capital backing for electric bus fleets signals continued procurement opportunities for depot charging infrastructure and vehicle supply contracts in the Brighton and Hove region. The visit underscores political support that may accelerate tender timelines for operators seeking to electrify local bus services.
Alexander Dennis proposes converting Larbert into chassis facility while closing Falkirk under revised Scottish manufacturing plan
Alexander Dennis launched a consultation on 31 March on a revised manufacturing strategy that would convert its Larbert facility into a chassis manufacturing site for low and zero emission buses while closing the Falkirk site. The proposal would safeguard approximately 200 jobs previously at risk, retaining around 350 roles in Scotland, though up to 115 positions remain subject to potential redundancy. The plan follows earlier 2025 announcements that had placed up to 400 jobs at risk across both Scottish sites.
Why it matters
The retention of chassis manufacturing capacity at Larbert secures a domestic supply line for zero emission bus platforms, relevant to operators and local authorities procuring electric buses under decarbonisation mandates. The facility's stated capability to reintroduce body manufacturing offers future flexibility for UK bus procurement programmes.
Policy & Market
UK to introduce pay-per-mile tax for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from April 2028
The UK Government will implement a distance-based tax for electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid owners starting April 2028, charging 3p or 1.5p per mile. An EV driver covering 10,000 miles annually will pay an additional £300 per year on top of existing vehicle tax. The levy aims to create parity with petrol and diesel drivers who pay distance-related charges through fuel duty, though industry observers warn it may dampen EV sales ahead of the 2030 ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles.
Why it matters
The new tax structure could affect total cost of ownership calculations for fleet operators and workplace charging schemes, potentially slowing EV adoption rates among commercial users who typically cover higher annual mileages. Charging point operators may need to adjust business models if demand growth softens as financial incentives for switching to electric vehicles continue to erode.