Daily EV news · UK · 24 April 2026
EV Charging
Public EV charging in UK now cheaper than petrol per mile, analysis shows
Public electric vehicle charging in the United Kingdom has become cheaper than petrol on a per mile basis, according to analysis reported by The Times. The shift marks a cost milestone for drivers using public charging infrastructure rather than home charging. The finding comes amid ongoing debate over the total cost of EV ownership and the role of public charging tariffs.
Why it matters
The cost crossover strengthens the business case for expanding public charging networks and may accelerate fleet electrification decisions. Procurement teams and charge point operators can use the data to justify investment in rapid and ultra rapid infrastructure where cost parity with fossil fuels now favours electricity.
UK grid standing charges jump 500% since 2020, threatening public EV charging prices
Osprey Charging, which operates more than 1,500 UK rapid chargers, reported that annual fixed grid costs at one Wolverhampton site rose from £87 to £33,651 over five years. ChargeUK said standing charges have climbed nearly 500% since the start of the 2020s and now account for around 30p per kWh of the average 76p rapid charging price, while public charging costs overall have risen 38% this decade. Osprey's commercial director warned the industry cannot absorb these costs indefinitely and will pass some on to drivers.
Why it matters
Surging distribution network standing charges threaten the business case for new rapid charging sites and may force CPOs to raise tariffs, potentially slowing EV adoption. Procurement teams evaluating charging tenders must now factor in volatile grid connection costs that can multiply thirtyfold in five years, reshaping site selection and contract pricing.
InstaVolt installs 10 ultra-rapid chargers at Hindpool Retail Park in Barrow
Charging network InstaVolt has deployed 10 new 160kW ultra-rapid EV chargers at Hindpool Retail Park in Barrow, Cumbria. The site, located off the A590, serves around three million visitors annually and hosts major retailers including Next, The Range, Costa, and Burger King. InstaVolt said the renewable-powered chargers will allow South Cumbrian drivers to charge while shopping or dining.
Why it matters
The installation demonstrates continued destination charging investment at high footfall retail sites, offering procurement teams a model for integrating ultra-rapid infrastructure into everyday consumer journeys. The 160kW specification and renewable energy sourcing align with emerging tender requirements for speed and sustainability in public charging networks.
Electric Vehicles
Councils can cut grid upgrade costs by up to 70% with data-led EV fleet planning, VEV analysis finds
EV charging management firm VEV has analysed operational data from more than 100,000 commercial vehicles and found that early-stage analytics can reduce grid upgrade costs by up to 70% and deliver energy savings of up to 20% through optimised charging strategies. The company warned that many local authority electrification programmes stall due to poor planning around infrastructure, energy demand and grid capacity rather than vehicle technology failures. VEV cited its work with Derby City Council's municipal waste fleet as a practical example of the data-led approach.
Why it matters
The findings offer councils and fleet operators a clear cost reduction pathway at a time when public sector budgets are under pressure, while the 70% potential saving on grid upgrades could make depot electrification projects significantly more viable for procurement teams evaluating business cases.
UK zero-emission vehicles reach one in 22 as total fleet hits 42.5 million
Britain's vehicle fleet grew 1.4% to 42,549,649 units in 2025, with cars rising by over half a million to 36,676,185, according to SMMT Motorparc data. Zero-emission vehicles now represent one in 22 vehicles on UK roads, marking the fourth consecutive year of fleet growth and the second-largest volume increase since 2016. The expansion reflects a recovering market and accelerating electrification across the national vehicle parc.
Why it matters
The one in 22 zero-emission ratio signals sustained demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure as the electrified fleet expands. CPOs and site hosts can use the 42.5 million fleet baseline and ZEV penetration rate to model utilisation forecasts and justify new installations in 2025.