Daily EV news · UK · 28 May 2026
EV Charging
Nottingham launches EV2 charging network for local drivers
Marketing Nottingham has announced the official launch of EV2, a new electric vehicle charging network in Nottingham, UK. The initiative aims to accelerate EV adoption by expanding charging infrastructure across the city. Details on the number of charge points or deployment timeline were not disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
A municipal charging rollout in Nottingham signals fresh procurement opportunities for CPOs and installers targeting local authority contracts. The EV2 branding suggests a coordinated network strategy that may involve framework agreements or partnership models for infrastructure delivery.
Zest and Cafe Fortune open six 120kW chargers at Wirral retail park
Charging provider Zest has installed six 120kW electric vehicle charging spaces at Croft Retail Park on Wirral, outside Starbucks and Wendy's stores operated by franchise partner Cafe Fortune. The Bromborough site follows an earlier joint deployment at a Somercotes retail park near Alfreton, forming part of an ongoing rollout between the two companies. Both firms emphasised the strategy of placing rapid chargers at roadside food and drink destinations where drivers already stop.
Why it matters
The partnership model between a charging operator and a hospitality franchisee shows how retail and food service landlords are becoming active infrastructure hosts, offering CPOs predictable footfall and dwell time. Repeat deployments at branded franchise sites may signal a scalable template for rapid charging rollouts across similar retail estates.
Electric Vehicles
Alexander Dennis E400EV double-decker completes heritage Round Robin route trial in UK
An Alexander Dennis E400EV electric double-decker bus has operated on the Round Robin heritage route, which typically features vintage steam and classic vehicles. The trial demonstrates the deployment of modern electric buses on traditional tourist and heritage transport circuits in the United Kingdom. Bus & Coach Buyer reported the event as part of ongoing electric bus rollout activity.
Why it matters
Heritage and tourist routes represent a niche but visible segment for electric bus adoption, offering operators a chance to showcase zero-emission technology in high-profile public settings. The trial may inform procurement decisions for councils and transport authorities seeking to electrify seasonal or ceremonial services.
Highland Council calls all-electric Ember buses benchmark for public transport
Highland Council has described the all-electric buses operated by Ember as the benchmark it aspires to for public transport. The council's statement highlights Ember's electric fleet as a model for future service standards in the region. Press and Journal reported the remarks in the context of ongoing transport planning in the Scottish Highlands.
Why it matters
The endorsement signals potential procurement opportunities for electric bus operators and charging infrastructure providers in Highland Council's territory. It also indicates growing public sector appetite for zero-emission fleets as a service standard, which may influence tender specifications and funding allocations.
Stagecoach electric bus joins South Devon multi-modal excursion
Stagecoach has deployed an electric bus as part of a multi-modal excursion route in South Devon, United Kingdom. The service integrates the electric bus with other transport modes to support local tourism and sustainable travel. No fleet size or charging infrastructure details were disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
The deployment signals operator willingness to trial electric buses on tourist routes, potentially opening procurement opportunities for charging infrastructure at heritage or leisure transport hubs. Multi-modal integration may require flexible charging solutions to accommodate varied schedules and layover patterns.
West Yorkshire orders 193 electric buses from Wrightbus in deal worth up to £100 million
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has signed a contract with Wrightbus to supply 193 single and double-decker electric buses for its publicly controlled Weaver Network, in a deal valued at up to £100 million. The Northern Ireland-based manufacturer will deliver vehicles featuring the latest battery technology, two wheelchair spaces per bus, and USB charging points, with deployment expected within a year. The order follows confirmation that West Yorkshire textiles firm Camira Fabrics will supply seat covers for the fleet.
Why it matters
This major fleet procurement demonstrates continued public sector investment in electric bus infrastructure and signals strong demand for UK-based manufacturers in the transition to zero-emission public transport. The scale of the order and emphasis on domestic supply chains may influence future regional transport authority procurement strategies.
New Power converts Wrightbus double deckers for First Bus in Bath
New Power is converting Wrightbus double decker buses for First Bus operations in Bath, according to Bus & Coach Buyer. The work involves retrofitting existing diesel vehicles to electric or alternative powertrains, though the article excerpt does not specify the number of vehicles or contract value. The project forms part of First Bus's fleet electrification efforts in the Bath area.
Why it matters
The conversion contract signals ongoing demand for retrofit solutions as operators electrify existing fleets, creating opportunities for charging infrastructure providers to support newly converted electric buses. First Bus's Bath operations may require depot charging installations to support the converted double deckers.
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica qualifies for £1,500 UK Electric Car Grant
The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica range is now eligible for the UK Government Electric Car Grant, providing £1,500 off Elettrica, TI and Sport Speciale variants, which start from £30,900 on the road with the grant applied. Alfa Romeo is also offering a separate £1,500 EV grant across all Junior Elettrica models, including the Veloce variant, meaning combined savings reach £3,000 on three variants and £1,500 on the Veloce. The Elettrica, TI and Sport Speciale models feature a 156hp electric motor with up to 250 miles of WLTP range.
Why it matters
The dual grant structure demonstrates how OEM incentives can stack with government schemes to lower upfront costs, potentially accelerating fleet adoption in the compact SUV segment. The sub £31,000 entry price after grants may bring the Junior Elettrica within reach of public sector and SME fleet budgets that rely on grant eligibility.