Daily EV news · UK · 8 May 2026
EV Charging
EG On The Move plans Blackburn shopping centre forecourt development
EG On The Move has submitted plans to develop a forecourt at a shopping centre in Blackburn, Lancashire, according to Lancashire Business View. The proposal is part of the petrol retailer's ongoing expansion programme across the UK. No details on EV charging provision or site specifications were disclosed in the report.
Why it matters
The application signals continued forecourt investment by a major fuel retailer in the North West, potentially creating procurement opportunities for charging infrastructure if EV facilities are included in the final scheme.
InstaVolt submits plans for 16 chargers at Telford Forge Retail Park
InstaVolt Ltd has applied to Telford and Wrekin Council for permission to install 16 electric vehicle chargers at Telford Forge Retail Park on Colliers Way. The Hampshire based operator's application includes a feeder pillar, CCTV post and one substation, with designs intended to minimise visual or environmental impact. The council will decide after public and specialist consultation.
Why it matters
The application signals continued retail park expansion by InstaVolt, a key rapid charging network operator, and offers procurement teams insight into typical ancillary infrastructure requirements for multi charger installations. Approval timelines at local authority level remain a critical path item for CPOs planning similar rollouts.
UK public EV charging network surpasses 120,000 chargers
The United Kingdom's public electric vehicle charging infrastructure has exceeded 120,000 chargers, according to Energy Live News. This milestone reflects continued expansion of the country's charging network to support growing EV adoption. The figure represents the total number of publicly accessible charge points now installed across the UK.
Why it matters
The 120,000 charger threshold signals sustained procurement activity and network densification, creating ongoing opportunities for charge point operators, installers and equipment suppliers. For CPOs and local authorities planning rollouts, the expanding network indicates both competitive pressure and proof of viable business models at scale.
Electric Vehicles
UK electric vehicle fleet passes 2 million as SMMT flags slower sales growth
The UK has surpassed 2 million electric vehicles on the road, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), though the industry body has warned that sales growth is decelerating. The milestone comes amid concerns about the pace of EV adoption needed to meet government targets. SMMT's alert highlights challenges in sustaining momentum as the market matures beyond early adopters.
Why it matters
Slower EV uptake could delay infrastructure investment decisions and affect charge point utilisation forecasts that underpin business cases. Procurement teams and CPOs must monitor whether cooling demand shifts the timeline for network expansion or creates opportunities in underserved segments.
Everything Electric North event in Yorkshire to offer test drives of BMW, Toyota, Lexus and Omoda EVs
The Everything Electric North showcase will take place at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre on 8 and 9 May, with test drives sponsored by Big Motoring World, England's largest used EV retailer. Models from BMW, Toyota, Lexus and Omoda will be available, with many vehicles sourced from Big Motoring World's Leeds store. The event aims to address consumer concerns and demonstrate the benefits of EV ownership.
Why it matters
Public engagement events with hands on test drives help accelerate EV adoption, which in turn drives demand for charging infrastructure deployment. Retailers and event organisers increasingly partner to demystify EV ownership, creating a larger addressable market for CPOs and site hosts.
Vauxhall to launch Skoda Elroq rival co-developed and built by Leapmotor
Vauxhall will introduce a new electric SUV to compete with the Skoda Elroq, co-developed and manufactured by Chinese EV maker Leapmotor. The model will be part of the Stellantis and Leapmotor joint venture, bringing additional electric vehicle options to the UK market. No specific launch date or production volumes were disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
The partnership signals Stellantis leveraging Leapmotor's manufacturing capabilities to expand its UK electric SUV lineup, potentially creating new charging infrastructure demand as the model rolls out. Procurement teams should monitor this launch for fleet adoption trends that may drive site development requirements.
Grid & Energy
Instavolt opens five battery storage sites, plans 20 more by end of 2026 to cut grid costs
Instavolt has commissioned five new battery energy storage system (BESS) sites, each costing approximately £500,000, bringing its total battery-equipped locations to eight. The charge point operator plans at least 20 additional BESS sites before the end of 2026, with confirmed locations including Wisbech, Knutsford, Cheltenham, Blyth, Stockton-on-Tees, Penrith, York, and Thirsk. CEO Delvin Lane said the batteries charge overnight when energy is cheaper and cleaner, with stored power used during expensive daytime hours to pass savings to drivers.
Why it matters
Battery storage allows CPOs to bypass grid connection delays and reduce exposure to peak electricity costs, making rapid charging hub deployment faster and more economically viable. The £500,000 per site investment signals a strategic shift toward on-site energy management as a competitive differentiator in the UK charging market.
Policy & Market
Doncaster named one of the UK's most electric vehicle friendly cities
Doncaster has been recognised as one of the UK's most electric vehicle friendly cities, according to the Doncaster Free Press. The designation reflects the city's charging infrastructure and EV accessibility, though specific metrics or ranking criteria were not detailed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The recognition may signal procurement opportunities for charge point operators and installers seeking to expand or maintain networks in Doncaster. It also highlights local authority commitment to EV infrastructure, potentially influencing future tender activity in the region.