Daily EV news · UK · 6 May 2026
EV Charging
RAW Charging and B&Q announce £11 million rollout of rapid chargers at 28 stores
RAW Charging will deploy DC rapid and ultra-rapid chargers at 28 B&Q branches across England and Wales over the next year under an £11 million programme. The first installations are already underway at sites in Cheltenham, Sidcup, Boston, Stanmore and Galashiels, with contactless payment and app compatibility planned. RAW previously signed a deal with Landsec in March to install over 1,000 chargepoints.
Why it matters
The partnership targets tradespeople and commercial fleets with longer dwell time charging at retail locations, adding to RAW's portfolio of property partnerships. The £11 million commitment signals continued private investment in destination charging infrastructure across the UK.
RAW Charging · B&Q · Source
Bartrums Haulage installs depot charger for electric HGV fleet with UK Government funding
Voltempo has delivered a Rolec UltraCharge 400 dual CCS2 charging installation at Bartrums Haulage's Eye, Suffolk depot, supported by the UK Government's Depot Charging Scheme. The operator, which runs close to 200 vehicles from 3.5 tonnes to 44 tonne artics, already operates one Volvo FH Electric and will add two Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 tractor units to its fleet. Voltempo managed the project from design to grid connection and secured the DCS funding application.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates how public depot charging grants unlock fleet electrification for hauliers, with Bartrums citing on site charging as essential to its transition. It also highlights the role of turnkey providers in navigating funding applications and grid connections for commercial operators scaling electric HGV deployments.
InstaVolt seeks permission for six more rapid chargers at Chirk McDonald's, bringing site total to eight
InstaVolt has applied to Wrexham Council to install six additional rapid EV chargers at the McDonald's car park in Chirk, which would increase the site from two to eight rapid charging bays. The scheme includes two PAS 1899 compliant accessible bays, replacement of the two existing chargers with BYD 160kW units, a Schneider 1250A 8-way feeder pillar, and a SP Energy Networks substation. The works would convert nine standard parking bays and result in the loss of 83 square metres of mixed scrub and grassland.
Why it matters
The application signals InstaVolt's strategy to densify existing forecourt sites with higher bay counts and accessible provision, a model that could inform similar McDonald's partnerships. The inclusion of grid infrastructure details and ecological impact data reflects the planning complexity CPOs now navigate when scaling rapid charging hubs.
Electric Vehicles
Somerset Council launches 16 seat electric bus on Frome route 30
Somerset Council has introduced its first public service electric bus, a 16 seat low floor vehicle, on the 30 service in Frome. The wheelchair accessible, zero emission bus joins existing electric First buses operating across the county. Councillor Richard Wilkins said the vehicle will help cut the council's carbon footprint while providing a comfortable ride for passengers.
Why it matters
The deployment signals growing local authority investment in small format electric buses for town centre routes, creating potential procurement opportunities for accessible EV bus models. The addition to Somerset's existing electric fleet indicates sustained demand for charging infrastructure to support expanding municipal electric bus operations.
UK passes two million EVs as market share hits 26 per cent
The United Kingdom has surpassed two million electric vehicles on its roads, with EVs now accounting for 26 per cent of the market, according to electrive.com. The milestone reflects accelerating adoption rates in the UK's transition to electric mobility. The figures underscore growing demand for charging infrastructure to support the expanding EV fleet.
Why it matters
A 26 per cent market share and two million EVs signal sustained pressure on charge point operators to expand networks and on procurers to accelerate site deployment. The rollout velocity creates immediate opportunities for contractors and suppliers serving the UK charging sector.
Nissan unveils 2026 Ariya with 11 kW bi-directional charger and vehicle-to-load capability
Nissan has announced updates to its Ariya electric crossover for model year 2026, featuring an 11 kW bi-directional on-board charger that supports vehicle-to-load functionality. The refreshed model, launched in London, includes redesigned exterior styling with new 19-inch wheels, updated suspension tuning, and the latest NissanConnect system with Google built-in. The Ariya has been in production since 2021 as Nissan's flagship electric crossover.
Why it matters
The addition of an 11 kW bi-directional charger positions the Ariya as a mobile energy resource for site operations and emergency backup, whilst the vehicle-to-load capability may influence workplace charging infrastructure planning. Fleet operators and charge point operators should note the growing prevalence of V2X technology in mainstream EVs when specifying future charging installations.
Welsh councils spent nearly £12 million on electric refuse trucks and charging kit since 2021
Freedom of Information data obtained by the TaxPayers' Alliance show that Welsh local authorities invested at least £11.9 million in electric bin lorries, charging infrastructure, warranties and maintenance between 2021 and 2026. Cardiff council led spending with over £5 million on 12 vehicles plus £740,000 on charging technology, while Denbighshire spent more than £1 million on two lorries and associated kit. The figures, reported by the Daily Express, emerge as Wakefield council scrapped its electric refuse fleet trial after a year of charging faults and concerns the vehicles were unsuitable for stop and start urban collection routes.
Why it matters
The spending highlights both the scale of depot charging investment required for heavy commercial fleets and growing operational questions around electric refuse vehicles in demanding duty cycles. Wales already has the UK's sparsest public charging network at one charger per 3.69 miles of road, raising broader infrastructure and cost concerns for fleet electrification across the region.
Grid & Energy
Cambridge battery firm Nyobolt reaches unicorn valuation with $60 million Series C from Symbotic
Nyobolt, a Cambridge based battery startup, has achieved unicorn status following a $60 million Series C funding round led by Symbotic. The company develops fast charging battery technology. The funding was reported by Tech Funding News via Google News.
Why it matters
Advances in fast charging battery technology directly impact the viability and user experience of electric vehicle infrastructure, potentially reducing dwell times at charging sites and improving asset utilisation for charge point operators.