Daily EV news · UK · 13 May 2026
EV Charging
Close Brothers Motor Finance partners with Pod Point on EV charging rollout
Close Brothers Motor Finance has partnered with Pod Point to offer EV charging infrastructure to its customers in the United Kingdom. The collaboration aims to support the transition to electric vehicles by providing charging solutions through the motor finance provider's network. Motor Trade News reported the partnership, which expands Pod Point's reach into the automotive finance sector.
Why it matters
The deal signals growing integration between vehicle finance and charging infrastructure, potentially creating new procurement routes for workplace and fleet charging as finance providers bundle hardware with EV loans or leases.
Lancashire petrol station EV upgrade faces environmental objections over river and wildlife concerns
EG On The Move Ltd has submitted plans to redevelop Skippool Petrol Station near Poulton-le-Fylde, proposing to demolish the existing garage and replace it with a new petrol filling station, retail unit, food to go outlet, and electric vehicle charging points. The scheme includes a larger forecourt layout and upgraded parking facilities. Planners have warned the project faces major environmental hurdles related to river and wildlife impact before it can proceed.
Why it matters
The case illustrates how EV charging infrastructure rollout at existing fuel retail sites can encounter environmental planning barriers, potentially delaying or reshaping procurement timelines for charge point operators seeking forecourt locations.
RAW Charging opens EV charging hub at Bagshot Retail Park
RAW Charging has launched a new EV charging hub at Bagshot Retail Park in the United Kingdom. The site adds to the company's growing network of retail location charging facilities. TransportXtra reported the opening, though specific charger counts and power ratings were not disclosed in the available information.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates continued expansion of destination charging at retail sites, a key segment for CPOs targeting dwell time locations. RAW Charging's site selection strategy focuses on retail parks where charging sessions align with shopping visits.
Electric Vehicles
UK rental firm Premier Plant adds 100 JCB electric machines to Leicestershire fleet
Premier Plant and Tool Hire in Leicestershire has expanded its rental fleet to more than 100 electric machines from JCB, including 19C-1E and 8008E CTS mini excavators, HTD-5E tracked dumpsters and scissor lifts. The investment targets rising demand for zero emission equipment in urban UK areas where tightening regulations increasingly restrict diesel machinery. The JCB 8008E electric micro digger delivers 9.3 kN bucket tearout and 4.6 kN dipper force, matching diesel equivalents without the noise.
Why it matters
Construction contractors bidding on urban projects now have access to a large electric plant fleet that meets stricter emissions and noise rules, potentially unlocking work they could not previously win with diesel kit. The scale of Premier's rollout signals that rental availability is catching up with regulatory pressure, lowering the barrier for firms testing electric alternatives before capital purchase.