Daily EV news · UK · 18 May 2026
EV Charging
GRIDSERVE opens charging hub at Moto Lymm Services
GRIDSERVE has launched a new charging hub at Moto Lymm Services in the United Kingdom. The site forms part of the company's ongoing rollout of high power charging infrastructure at motorway service areas. No specific charger count or power ratings were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The opening adds another motorway location to GRIDSERVE's network, reinforcing its position in the UK's strategic charging corridor market. For procurement teams and site hosts, it signals continued investment in service area partnerships as a key deployment model.
Luton and Dunstable Hospital operates with zero EV charging points for staff, patients or visitors
Luton and Dunstable Hospital currently has no electric vehicle charging infrastructure on site for any users, according to a report by Luton Today. The absence of charging facilities at the NHS hospital site affects staff, patients and visitors seeking to charge electric vehicles. The report highlights the gap in charging provision at a major public facility in Luton.
Why it matters
The lack of charging at a large hospital site signals a procurement gap for NHS trusts and potential opportunities for CPOs to deploy workplace and destination charging at healthcare facilities, where long dwell times suit AC charging business models.
Bedford Hospital operates four EV charging points for staff, patients and visitors
Bedford Hospital in the United Kingdom currently provides only four electric vehicle charging points across its site for use by staff, patients and visitors, according to a Bedford Today report. The limited provision highlights infrastructure gaps at NHS facilities as EV adoption grows among the public and healthcare workforce.
Why it matters
The shortfall signals potential procurement opportunities for charge point operators targeting healthcare estates, where demand from employees and visitors is rising but existing infrastructure remains minimal.
Blue badge holders to receive pavement EV charging points in UK
The UK government has announced that disabled blue badge holders will be given access to dedicated pavement EV charging points. The initiative aims to address accessibility concerns for disabled drivers who may struggle to use standard charging infrastructure. The scheme forms part of broader efforts to ensure equitable access to EV charging as the country moves towards its 2030 petrol and diesel car sales ban.
Why it matters
This policy creates a new procurement category for accessible kerbside charging infrastructure and may require CPOs to adapt installation specifications and site selection criteria to meet disability access standards.
Reading to install 2,600 on-street charge points in 15 year char.gy partnership
Reading Borough Council and char.gy will deploy around 2,600 residential on-street charging points over 15 years, targeting areas where half of households lack driveways. The council aims to place nine out of 10 driveway-free homes within 100 metres of a charge point, prioritising high-density residential streets. The scheme complements £9m government funding for 49 new electric buses as part of efforts to cut transport emissions, which account for a quarter of Reading's carbon output.
Why it matters
The 15 year contract signals sustained rollout work for installers in a town where off-street parking constraints affect half of all households. Procurement teams and charge point operators will watch how the council phases 2,600 units across dense residential zones with no driveways.
InstaVolt secures £250 million debt facility to expand UK rapid charging network
InstaVolt has arranged a £250 million debt facility to accelerate the rollout of its rapid EV charging infrastructure across the United Kingdom. The funding will support the company's expansion plans as it scales its network of public charging sites. Motor Trade News reported the deal, which marks a significant capital injection for one of the UK's leading rapid charging operators.
Why it matters
The £250 million facility gives InstaVolt substantial firepower to compete for high traffic sites and deploy more rapid chargers, potentially reshaping the UK procurement landscape. CPOs and site hosts should expect increased competition for prime locations as InstaVolt accelerates its build out schedule.