Daily EV news · UK · 8 July 2026
EV Charging
Kempower to supply EV charging systems to UK service stations
Kempower has announced it will provide EV charging solutions for service stations across the United Kingdom, according to Fuel Cells Works. The deployment targets roadside forecourt locations, though the report does not specify the number of sites, charger units or timeline for the rollout.
Why it matters
The deal signals continued infrastructure investment in high traffic UK motorway and A road service areas, where fast turnaround charging is critical. Kempower's modular DC architecture may appeal to operators seeking scalable, future proof installations at existing fuel retail sites.
UK public chargers reach 121,171 but electric van share lags at 9.9 per cent against 24 per cent mandate
The UK's public EV charging network stood at 121,171 chargers as of 1 July 2026, including 28,887 rapid or ultra rapid units rated 50 kW and above, according to Department for Transport data sourced from Zapmap. The network added 3,028 chargers in the first quarter of 2026 following 13,281 installations during 2025. However, battery electric van registrations captured only 9.9 per cent market share in the first half of 2026, up from 8.6 per cent a year earlier, well short of the government mandated 24 per cent target, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported.
Why it matters
The widening gap between charging rollout pace and commercial fleet adoption signals that infrastructure alone may not drive van electrification, prompting CPOs and fleet operators to reassess depot charging strategies and total cost of ownership models. Procurement teams face pressure to meet compliance targets while navigating a market where public network growth has not yet translated into sufficient light commercial vehicle demand.
Be.EV opens 13th charging hub with JW Lees pub chain, bringing partnership to 28 ultra-rapid bays
Be.EV has launched its 13th EV charging hub in partnership with JW Lees brewery, expanding their collaboration to 28 ultra-rapid charging bays across 13 pub locations. The latest site in Oldham delivers 165 miles of range in 20 minutes. The rollout demonstrates continued deployment of destination charging infrastructure through hospitality venue partnerships.
Why it matters
The partnership model shows how CPOs are scaling networks through hospitality landlords, with JW Lees providing 13 sites that combine dwell time with high power charging. Procurement teams evaluating destination charging strategies can benchmark this pub-based approach for similar rollout velocity.
InstaVolt sells Spanish and Portuguese networks to Powerdot, refocuses on UK and Ireland after £290 million refinancing
InstaVolt has agreed to sell its Spanish and Portuguese charging businesses to Powerdot, following a £250 million debt refinancing and £40 million equity investment backed by EQT and consortium lenders. The UK operator, which recently acquired a national brand with over 228 locations and more than 260 charging devices, entered the Iberian market in 2023 and will now redeploy infrastructure to accelerate growth in its core UK and Ireland markets. The transaction allows InstaVolt to concentrate capital on its home territories while Powerdot continues developing the Iberian network.
Why it matters
The deal signals a strategic pivot by a major CPO to consolidate resources in higher margin home markets after testing international expansion, and highlights how refinancing firepower is driving M&A activity and network consolidation across Europe. Procurement teams should note InstaVolt's appetite for further UK acquisitions and the redeployment of hardware, which may create supply or partnership opportunities.
MiPermit and ParkRecharge unified payment system achieves 67 per cent adoption in Ipswich rollout
MiPermit and ParkRecharge have launched an integrated cashless solution combining parking fees and EV charging payments in a single transaction, now live in Ipswich. Initial results show 67 per cent of drivers using EV chargers chose MiPermit to pay for both services. The partnership also addresses abandoned UK charging infrastructure, with ParkRecharge managing over 80 per cent of fault fixes remotely to revive non-functional hardware from providers that have exited the market.
Why it matters
The 67 per cent adoption rate demonstrates strong user demand for unified payment systems, a key consideration for councils and operators procuring new charging infrastructure. ParkRecharge's remote maintenance capability and willingness to rehabilitate abandoned assets offers a potential solution for authorities managing stranded hardware from defunct providers.
Bradford City installs 472 solar panels and EV charging points at Valley Parade stadium
Bradford City Football Club has installed 472 solar panels and EV charging points at its Valley Parade stadium as part of sustainability efforts, head of commercial and sustainability Adam Keizer told a Government Energising Britain event on Monday. The club also uses recyclable kit materials, plants trees in Bradford and has installed beehives at its training ground to support biodiversity.
Why it matters
The installation demonstrates how sports venues are adding EV charging infrastructure as part of broader decarbonisation programmes, creating charging opportunities at high footfall community sites. Stadium deployments can serve both matchday visitors and local residents, expanding the public charging network in urban areas.
Electric Vehicles
First areas confirmed for publicly owned bus fleet in the United Kingdom
The BBC reports that the first areas have been confirmed for a new publicly owned bus fleet in the UK. The announcement marks a step in government plans to bring bus services back under public ownership, though specific area names and fleet sizes were not detailed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Public ownership of bus fleets could influence electric bus procurement strategies, with local authorities potentially becoming direct buyers of electric vehicles and associated charging infrastructure rather than relying on private operators to lead electrification.
BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up enters UK with 430 bhp, 56 mile EV range and 55 kW charging
BYD has launched the Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up in the UK commercial vehicle market, featuring 430 bhp from a petrol engine and dual electric motors, a 32.2 kWh battery offering 56 miles of electric range, and DC charging up to 55 kW. The truck delivers 479 lb ft of torque, 81 mpg combined efficiency, 2,500 kg towing capacity, and vehicle-to-load functionality, positioning it as the second PHEV pick-up in the UK after the Ford Ranger with more than double the electric range.
Why it matters
Fleet operators and construction firms gain a high-performance commercial vehicle with substantial electric-only range and onboard power export, potentially driving demand for workplace and depot charging infrastructure to support dual-use PHEV fleets. The 55 kW DC capability and larger battery may influence charger specification decisions for commercial sites seeking to serve plug-in light commercial vehicles.
Fiat launches £8,995 electric city car in UK market
Fiat has introduced a compact electric vehicle priced at £8,995 to the UK market, according to Engineering and Technology Magazine. The model targets urban drivers seeking an affordable entry point into electric mobility. No further technical specifications or rollout timeline were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
A sub £9,000 EV could accelerate fleet electrification for last mile delivery and car clubs, potentially increasing demand for workplace and on street charging infrastructure in city centres. The price point may also influence local authority procurement strategies for pool vehicles and community transport schemes.
Skywell importer Innovation Automotive closes, leaving fleets exposed to new entrant risks
Innovation Automotive, the UK importer for Skywell and DFSK vehicles for five years, has ceased trading after its owners, the Hmicho family, refocused on Middle East operations, leaving both brands without official UK representation. FleetCheck CEO Peter Golding warns that fleet operators face growing risks from manufacturer failures and importer insolvencies during a period of global automotive disruption, citing examples such as Fisker's collapse. Golding expects further fallout, particularly among Chinese manufacturers, though some legacy carmakers also warrant caution.
Why it matters
The closure highlights procurement risks for fleets adopting vehicles from new market entrants, especially as importer instability can leave operators without parts, service or warranty support. With Chinese EV brands expanding into the UK, fleet buyers must assess long term viability of both manufacturers and their distribution partners before committing to new vehicle programmes.
Grid & Energy
Nissan and Easelink deploy first automated AC vehicle to grid system in UK
Nissan has partnered with Easelink to launch the UK's first automated AC vehicle to grid operation, using Matrix Charging technology. The system removes the need for driver intervention and aims to maximise the time electric vehicles remain connected to the grid.
Why it matters
Automated charging eliminates manual plug in steps, potentially increasing grid service revenue for fleet operators and CPOs by keeping vehicles connected longer. The AC approach may offer lower infrastructure costs than DC alternatives for depot and workplace installations.
London's Axle Energy raises €21 million Series A to scale EV charger and battery flexibility platform
Axle Energy, a British energy flexibility platform that aggregates EV chargers, batteries and heat pumps for grid balancing, has closed a €21 million Series A led by Energize Capital, with Accel, Picus Capital and Eka Ventures participating. The company will use the funds to expand across the UK and international markets, connecting more distributed energy assets and deepening partnerships with OEMs, utilities and fleet operators. CEO Karl Bach said virtual power plants can bring flexible capacity online in weeks rather than years, reducing reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants when demand spikes.
Why it matters
For charge point operators and fleet managers, Axle's platform offers a revenue stream by turning idle EV chargers into grid services, while procurement teams at utilities and OEMs gain a partner to monetise flexibility and meet rising electricity demand from electrification and data centres. The Series A signals growing investor confidence in software that unlocks value from existing charging infrastructure without new capital expenditure on generation or grid upgrades.
Policy & Market
DfT consults on tougher in-use vehicle emissions laws to curb air quality harm
The Department for Transport has opened a consultation on proposals requiring all road vehicles in Great Britain to maintain emissions control systems to their original approval standards throughout their lifetime. Research cited shows fewer than one in 10 passenger cars tested met official nitrogen oxide limits, with around two thirds of Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel cars emitting more than three times the permitted level. The government notes road transport remains the UK's largest source of nitrogen oxides and a major contributor to particulate pollution, with petrol and diesel vehicles expected on roads for many years despite the EV transition.
Why it matters
Stricter enforcement of in-use emissions standards may accelerate fleet operators' shift to electric vehicles to avoid compliance costs and legal risks, potentially increasing demand for charging infrastructure. The policy underscores the government's focus on air quality improvements, reinforcing the business case for electrification in commercial and public sector fleets.