Daily EV news · UK · 8 June 2026
EV Charging
DHS Properties submits plans for 12 space EV charging hub on former Hull nightclub site
DHS Properties Ltd has applied to Hull City Council to develop a 12 space electric vehicle charging hub on the corner of Osborne Street and Anne Street, the site of the demolished Heaven & Hell nightclub. The scheme includes six charging points, each serving two vehicles, plus a car wash and vacuuming station. The application describes the project as bringing a vacant brownfield site back into use.
Why it matters
The proposal adds to the pipeline of urban charging infrastructure in Hull, targeting a brownfield redevelopment opportunity. For site developers and charge point operators, it illustrates how former commercial sites can be repurposed for EV charging hubs with ancillary services.
Be.EV nears completion of 1,600 Mer UK charge points across 450 sites
Be.EV is finalising its takeover of Mer UK's public charging network, rebranding 1,600 charge points across 450 sites since the deal was announced in February. Mer UK has notified customers that RFID cards will stop working and its Connect app will be switched off as the transition completes. The acquisition moves Be.EV into the top 10 rapid and ultra-rapid charger providers in the UK, though not yet the overall top 10.
Why it matters
The consolidation adds significant scale to Be.EV's network and removes a competitor from the UK market, potentially reshaping procurement options for local authorities and site hosts working with mid-tier CPOs. Buyers inheriting Mer contracts or hardware will need to plan for the operational handover and any changes to service terms.
Be.EV (uk) · Mer (uk) · Source
Hampshire awards Believ 15 year contract for 17,000 charge points backed by £6.6 million government funding
Hampshire County Council has awarded charge point operator Believ a 15 year contract to install and operate 17,000 electric vehicle charging points across the county, targeting areas without off street charging. The £90 million scheme is supported by more than £6.6 million in government funding, with installations expected to begin later this year and around 500 charge points planned for delivery in the first year. The programme will include rapid charge points and potential charging hubs for taxis and private hire vehicles.
Why it matters
This major procurement demonstrates how local authorities are using long term concession contracts to deliver large scale on street charging networks, with Believ securing operational rights for 15 years. The phased rollout of 500 units in year one provides a delivery benchmark for similar county wide programmes combining public and private investment.
Stormont to introduce paid EV charging after civil servants and MLAs used free points while claiming travel allowances
Speaker Edwin Poots announced that civil servants and MLAs who charged electric vehicles for free at Stormont's six charging points will be asked to repay the electricity costs. A new paid charging system will be introduced at Parliament Buildings following a BBC investigation that revealed some MLAs were using free charging while simultaneously claiming travel allowances, though this was within existing rules.
Why it matters
The move signals tightening oversight of publicly funded charging infrastructure and may influence how other government sites structure access and payment for workplace charging. Operators serving public sector clients should note the shift towards cost recovery models even for employee and official use.
Policy & Market
The Times calls for UK energy security over China reliance
The Times has published commentary arguing that the UK should prioritise energy security rather than dependence on China. The piece appears in the context of ongoing debate over critical infrastructure supply chains, though specific policy proposals or figures are not detailed in the available excerpt. The article was surfaced via Google News.
Why it matters
Energy security concerns directly affect EV charging infrastructure procurement, where Chinese manufacturers supply a significant share of hardware and battery components. Any policy shift towards domestic or allied sourcing could reshape tender requirements and equipment costs for charge point operators.