Daily EV news · UK · 7 July 2026
EV Charging
Community-owned charger in Dunoon records single session and £1.46 revenue in six months
A public EV charging point installed by Oakbank Community Inn in Sandbank, Dunoon, has generated just £1.46 from one charging session in its first six months of operation, according to the venue's committee. Scotland had 12,847 public EV chargers as of June 2026, including 3,277 rapid or ultra-rapid units (50kW and above), per Zapmap data. The community group is now seeking to raise awareness of the charger among local residents and tourists.
Why it matters
The case highlights site-selection and marketing risks for community or small-scale charge point operators, particularly in lower-footfall tourist areas. It underscores the importance of demand forecasting and visibility campaigns to achieve payback on publicly accessible infrastructure.
UK must accelerate delivery of EV charging access for all drivers
EV Powered reports that the UK needs to pick up the pace on delivering charging infrastructure that serves everyone. The article highlights concerns about the speed of rollout and the inclusivity of current charging provision across the country.
Why it matters
For CPOs and contractors, the call to accelerate and broaden charging access signals growing political and public pressure that could translate into new funding mechanisms, planning reforms or procurement mandates targeting underserved areas.
Zapgo brings EV charging to Starbucks Crieff
Zapgo has installed EV charging infrastructure at the Starbucks location in Crieff, Scotland. The deployment was reported by Business Motoring, adding to the growing network of chargepoints at retail and hospitality destinations across the UK.
Why it matters
Partnerships between charge point operators and high street brands like Starbucks signal continued demand for destination charging at locations where dwell time aligns with charging sessions, creating opportunities for CPOs targeting retail site hosts.
InstaVolt expands British Land partnership to 18 retail park sites with 273 charging units
InstaVolt has extended its partnership with British Land to deliver 273 charging units across 18 retail park locations in the UK, with three sites already operational and the remainder opening in coming months. Three sites in Reading Gate, Kingston and Milton Keynes will feature on-site battery energy storage to support ultra-rapid charging during peak periods. InstaVolt now operates more than 4,250 chargers across over 1,200 sites nationwide, offering off-peak rates of 55p per kWh from 8pm to 7am via its app.
Why it matters
The rollout demonstrates how property owners are integrating EV infrastructure at scale across high-footfall retail destinations, while the inclusion of battery storage at selected sites signals a procurement trend towards grid-friendly solutions that maintain charging performance during peak demand.
Rushcliffe Borough Council to install EV chargers at West Bridgford car parks from 13 July
Rushcliffe Borough Council will begin installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure at car parks in West Bridgford starting 13 July, according to a council announcement. The works form part of the local authority's rollout of public charging facilities in the borough. No details on the number of charge points or operator were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
The project signals continued local authority procurement of car park charging infrastructure in the East Midlands. Contractors and CPOs targeting council frameworks will want to track the scope and delivery partner once works commence in mid July.
Fleet World warns fleet managers that counting plugs alone fails to capture EV charging capacity needs
Fleet World has published analysis arguing that relying on the number of charging plugs is an inadequate metric for fleet managers planning EV infrastructure. The article, categorised under rollout velocity and focused on the United Kingdom, highlights a capacity planning gap in the fleet sector. It suggests that plug counts do not reflect actual charging throughput or operational requirements for commercial vehicle deployments.
Why it matters
Procurement teams and charge point operators serving fleet customers may need to shift specifications from plug quantity to power delivery and utilisation metrics. The warning signals potential misalignment between tender requirements and the operational realities of depot and fleet charging installations.
Dudley borough to install six on-street EV charging bays with six-hour parking limits
Dudley Council will introduce experimental traffic restrictions from 9 July to create designated electric vehicle charging bays at six locations across the borough. The bays will allow parking for up to six hours between 6am and 6pm, with a six-hour return ban, targeting streets without off-street charging access. The rollout is funded through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles' On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme as part of the council's low-carbon transport agenda.
Why it matters
The scheme demonstrates how local authorities are using OZEV grant funding to address on-street residential charging gaps, a key barrier to EV adoption in areas without driveways. The six-hour time limits and return restrictions signal operational policies that charge point operators and enforcement providers will need to manage at these publicly funded sites.
Electric Vehicles
Stockport residents invited to comment on 200-bus electric depot plan
Transport for Greater Manchester is consulting on a fully electric bus depot for the former Lex Autolease site on Heathside Park Road in Stockport, with capacity for 200 electric buses plus repair and servicing facilities. The existing Daw Bank depot would be demolished for shops and homes. A public drop-in session is scheduled for 9 July at Rose Walker Community Centre, with design support from Arcadis.
Why it matters
A 200-vehicle electric depot signals major fleet electrification in Greater Manchester and creates a substantial charging and maintenance procurement opportunity. The site repurposing also shows how legacy depots can unlock land value while supporting zero-emission bus rollout.
Sizewell C Nuclear Project to Deploy 150 Zero Emission Buses
The Sizewell C nuclear power station construction project in Suffolk will use 150 zero emission buses to transport workers to and from the site. The news was reported by Fuel Cells Works, highlighting the scale of sustainable transport infrastructure being deployed alongside major energy projects in the United Kingdom.
Why it matters
This represents a significant fleet procurement opportunity for zero emission vehicle and charging infrastructure providers, as large construction projects increasingly mandate clean transport solutions for workforce logistics.
Grid & Energy
InstaVolt deploys battery storage across UK network of 4,250 chargers to cut costs and store solar power
InstaVolt has integrated Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into its UK rapid charging network, which now spans more than 4,250 chargers across over 1,200 sites. The operator's Winchester Superhub already offers charging at 70p per kWh, or 65p per kWh for app users, enabled by stored renewable energy. InstaVolt also runs an off peak tariff of 55p per kWh between 8pm and 7am for app users.
Why it matters
Battery storage co located with rapid chargers can lower operating costs and improve grid resilience, a model that may influence future site design and tariff structures across the UK CPO sector. InstaVolt's pricing at Winchester demonstrates how on site BESS can translate renewable capture into competitive per kWh rates for drivers.
Policy & Market
Poole ranks 10th in UK for EV readiness with 95 per cent off street parking
Poole has been named the 10th most electric vehicle friendly place in the UK with a score of 65.40, according to data compiled by SEO Backlinks. The town's high ranking is driven by 95.32 per cent of listed homes offering off street parking or a garage, enabling home charging rather than reliance on public infrastructure. The analysis highlights that EV readiness depends on the combination of home charging access, rapid charger availability and everyday journey patterns.
Why it matters
High levels of off street parking reduce the need for dense public charging networks, shaping where CPOs prioritise investment. Areas with strong home charging potential may see lower utilisation of on street or destination chargers, affecting business case modelling for public infrastructure.