Daily EV news · UK · 15 April 2026
EV Charging
Suffolk targets 6,000 on-street chargers under Plug in Suffolk programme
Suffolk County Council's Plug in Suffolk programme aims to install around 6,000 on-street chargers over the next few years, a scale described by former Institute of the Motor Industry chief executive Steve Nash as leading the nation. The rollout coincides with a new government scheme launched this month offering up to £500 in savings for renters and homeowners without driveways installing EV charge points.
Why it matters
The 6,000 unit target represents one of the UK's largest local authority on-street charging commitments, signalling substantial procurement opportunities for charge point operators and installers. The parallel government grant scheme may accelerate residential demand and inform tender specifications for public infrastructure.
Warwickshire County Council consults residents on cross pavement EV charging
Warwickshire County Council is seeking public views on cross pavement EV charging solutions, which would allow cables or channels to run across pavements to reach vehicles parked on street. The consultation aims to understand resident attitudes towards infrastructure that could support EV owners without off street parking.
Why it matters
Local authority approaches to cross pavement charging directly affect the viability of on street residential charging deployments, shaping where charge point operators can install infrastructure and how councils will permit kerbside solutions.
Cumberland Council to award two 15 year EV charging concessions worth £57 million
Cumberland Council will procure two 15 year concession contracts for public EV charging infrastructure across north and west Cumbria, running from 2026 to 2041. The first contract is valued at £25.791 million and the second at £31.180 million, with the total £57 million including £3.465 million in grant funding secured by the council, concessionaire investment and potential revenue over the contract period. Councillors are due to receive a progress update on 23 April 2025.
Why it matters
The dual concession structure offers two separate procurement opportunities for CPOs targeting long term public charging contracts in northern England. The 15 year terms, recommended by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, provide revenue certainty for operators willing to invest in installation and maintenance across Cumberland.
Electric Vehicles
Brighton & Hove Buses launches 16 Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliners on route 7
Brighton & Hove Buses has introduced 16 new StreetDeck Electroliner double-deckers built by Wrightbus in Northern Ireland, unveiled at a public event in Royal Pavilion Gardens. The vehicles will initially serve route 7, connecting education, work, healthcare and leisure sites as well as Brighton and Hove train stations. Each bus is expected to save up to 164 tonnes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to planting 7,450 trees, and features dementia-friendly seating co-designed with the Alzheimer's Society Horsham Rusty Brains Dementia Voice Group.
Why it matters
The rollout demonstrates how UK operators are deploying electric double-deckers on core urban routes and embedding accessibility co-design, setting a benchmark for inclusive fleet procurement. For charging planners, 16 buses on a single route signal concentrated depot infrastructure demand and potential lessons in operational scheduling.
Transport for London to deploy hundreds of zero-emission buses across the capital
Transport for London has announced plans to introduce hundreds of new zero-emission buses to the capital's streets, according to News Shopper. The rollout forms part of London's ongoing transition to a cleaner bus fleet. Specific numbers and timelines were not detailed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Large-scale bus electrification in London will drive demand for depot charging infrastructure and grid upgrades, creating procurement opportunities for charge-point operators and electrical contractors serving public transport fleets.