Daily EV news · UK · 17 April 2026
EV Charging
Construction begins on EV canopy at Morrisons Taunton car park
Work has started to install a large metal canopy structure at the Morrisons Deller's Wharf car park in Taunton to shelter and charge electric vehicles. MBH Design Studio Ltd is delivering the project on behalf of Motor Fuel Group Limited, with documentation submitted via the Somerset planning portal.
Why it matters
The installation signals Motor Fuel Group's continued rollout of covered charging infrastructure at grocery retail sites, offering CPOs and contractors insight into canopy deployment timelines and supermarket partnerships in the South West.
Electric Vehicles
Oxford PV joins SUITE consortium to develop perovskite solar panels for electric vehicles
Oxford PV has joined the SUITE (Smart Use of Integrated Technology for EV) project, a consortium backed by the Advanced Propulsion Centre and the Department for Business and Trade's DRIVE35 Collaborate programme, to design solar panels that improve EV efficiency and range. The consortium includes Nissan's Technical Centre UK, engineering firms and universities. Oxford PV will contribute its perovskite-based solar cell technology, which the company says offers high power density with low weight for vehicle integration.
Why it matters
The project signals a potential new supply chain for integrated solar components in EVs, which could reduce charging frequency and extend operational range. For CPOs and fleet operators, commercially viable solar-assisted vehicles may lower energy demand at charging infrastructure, though the technology's real-world impact on charging patterns remains to be proven.
Nissan in talks with Chery to sublease part of Sunderland plant
Nissan is negotiating with Chinese carmaker Chery to sublease a portion of its Sunderland manufacturing facility, according to electrive.com. The discussions come as Nissan seeks to optimise capacity at the UK plant. No production volumes or timeline have been disclosed.
Why it matters
A Chery manufacturing presence at Sunderland could reshape the UK's EV supply chain and create new procurement opportunities for charging infrastructure to support expanded operations. The deal may also signal broader shifts in how legacy automakers manage plant capacity amid the transition to electric vehicles.
Golden Tours converts 1967 Routemaster to electric with Magtec repower in London
Sheffield-based Magtec has repowered a 1967 AEC Routemaster for Golden Tours' London fleet, creating what the operator calls the world's first electric Routemaster. The conversion extends the heritage bus's operational life by ten years and follows Golden Tours' earlier adoption of Equipmake-repowered Volvo B8Ls. Magtec, which has specialised in heavy-vehicle electric conversions for over 20 years, carried out the work with minimal structural changes to preserve the iconic design.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates a commercial pathway for extending asset life through electric repowering, relevant to operators managing heritage or older fleets. It also highlights Magtec's track record in heavy-vehicle conversions, a capability that may interest procurement teams evaluating repower versus replacement for existing diesel stock.
Transport UK deploys Wrightbus electric buses on London Route 493
Transport UK has introduced Wrightbus electric buses on London's Route 493, according to Bus News. The deployment marks a fleet expansion for the operator on the capital's network. No vehicle count or charging infrastructure details were disclosed in the report.
Why it matters
The rollout signals continued electrification of London bus routes and potential follow on orders for Wrightbus, while highlighting the need for depot charging capacity to support new electric services.
Policy & Market
UK Department for Transport cuts 2030 EV forecasts to 29.6 per cent of car kilometres and 21 per cent for vans
The Department for Transport has revised downward its electric vehicle forecasts for 2030, now expecting EVs to account for 29.6 per cent of total car kilometres and around 21 per cent for Light Goods Vehicles, roughly four percentage points lower than previous projections for both categories. The revisions are based on new historic data and updated modelling for the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, with the department noting that plug in hybrid electric vehicles complete a smaller proportion of journeys in electric mode than previously assumed. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP has emphasised continued partnership with industry to support the transition to zero emission vehicles.
Why it matters
Lower EV uptake forecasts may prompt charge point operators and local authorities to recalibrate infrastructure rollout plans and investment timelines for 2030. The revised figures also signal potential adjustments to public procurement targets and ZEV mandate compliance strategies across the fleet sector.
Average new EV price in UK falls below petrol for first time, Autotrader data shows
The average new electric car listed on Autotrader now costs £42,620, making it £785 cheaper than the £43,405 average for new petrol models, marking the first time EVs have undercut combustion vehicles on upfront price in the UK. Autotrader attributes the shift to manufacturer discounting driven by ZEV mandate pressures, while Octopus Electric Vehicles and Charge UK describe the development as a milestone that removes a major barrier to EV adoption. The figures reflect advertised prices after dealer discounts.
Why it matters
Lower upfront EV costs are likely to accelerate fleet electrification and consumer demand, increasing the urgency for charge point operators to expand public and workplace infrastructure. Procurement teams may see faster project pipelines as the total cost of ownership argument strengthens across both private and commercial vehicle segments.
The Times examines challenges facing UK electric vehicle adoption
The Times has published an analysis examining difficulties in the UK electric vehicle transition. The article, categorised under policy and regulation, explores obstacles to EV uptake in the British market. No specific figures or policy details are provided in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Understanding barriers to EV adoption informs infrastructure planning and procurement strategies for charge point operators and local authorities deploying networks. Policy challenges highlighted in national media can signal shifts in regulatory or funding environments affecting project pipelines.