Daily EV news · UK · 10 July 2026
EV Charging
UK public charger rollout slows to 5,100 units in first half of 2026 as growth rate drops to 10%
The UK installed 5,100 public charge points in the first half of 2026, bringing the total to 121,171, according to Zapmap. Growth slowed to 10% year on year, down from rates above 40% in 2024. ChargeUK warned that investor hesitation stems from three years of uncertainty over the government's ZEV mandate, though Zapmap noted steady progress in ultra-rapid charging and Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funded on-street tenders now being rolled out.
Why it matters
The sharp deceleration in rollout pace signals potential pipeline constraints for CPOs and installers, even as LEVI awards translate into on-street work. Prolonged policy uncertainty may tighten private capital for rapid and ultra-rapid projects outside existing franchise agreements.
Greene King cuts EV charging to 50p per kWh during World Cup at Royal Oak Andover and other sites
The Royal Oak pub in Andover and other Greene King locations with RAW Charging rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are offering EV drivers a discounted rate of 50p per kWh during the remainder of the World Cup. RAW Charging chief executive Jason Simpson said the promotion aims to support both drivers and pubs during the tournament, with England having reached the quarter-finals. The offer applies across Greene King pubs equipped with RAW Charging infrastructure.
Why it matters
The promotion demonstrates how hospitality venue operators and charge point operators can use dynamic pricing to drive footfall and utilisation during major events. It also highlights the role of destination charging at pubs in the wider public network, particularly for sites with rapid and ultra-rapid hardware.
Dollar Academy submits planning application for EV charger at listed boarding house
The governors of Dollar Academy have applied to install an electric vehicle charger on the rear wall of Heyworth House, a girls' boarding facility at 1 McNabb Street in Dollar, Scotland. The supporting statement emphasises that the charger's modest scale will remain visually subservient to the historic building and will not obscure or alter features contributing to its special interest, aiming to preserve the architectural character in line with Clackmannanshire Council's listed building consent requirements.
Why it matters
The application highlights the planning considerations for installing EV infrastructure at heritage sites, where design sensitivity and conservation duties can shape procurement specifications. It signals growing demand for charging at educational and residential premises, a segment that CPOs and installers increasingly target.
Home EV charger fire in Wokingham extinguished in 19 minutes with no injuries
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to a residential EV charging point fire in Cantley Crescent, Wokingham, at 5.29pm on 6 July. Three crews from Wokingham, Crowthorne and Bracknell stations used a hose reel jet and thermal imaging to extinguish the blaze and confirm no spread, controlling the incident within 19 minutes. No injuries were reported.
Why it matters
The incident underscores fire safety considerations for home charge point installations, a factor that may influence procurement specifications, installer training requirements and warranty terms as the residential charging market scales.
Osprey Charging Network proposes EV hub at Broughton Shopping Park in Flintshire
Osprey Charging Network Ltd. has submitted plans to Flintshire County Council for an electric vehicle charging hub at Broughton Shopping Park, to be built on an existing car park section. The development includes charging infrastructure, lighting, CCTV, and signage, with a separate application covering four charging signs, four directional signs, and an illuminated Osprey logo. The proposals are now under consideration by the local planning authority.
Why it matters
The application signals Osprey's continued expansion into retail destinations, offering CPOs insight into site selection and the infrastructure scope required for planning consent. For contractors, the project presents potential opportunities in civil works, electrical installation, and signage supply once approved.
Electric Vehicles
Falcon Coaches orders 13 Enviro200EV buses and wins first TfL contract in 20 years
Independent operator Falcon Coaches has deployed 13 Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV electric buses, becoming the first independent to order the next generation single-deckers, and upgraded its West Byfleet depot with charging infrastructure via VEV. The operator has also secured a TfL contract for three Enviro400EVs and the Kingston University service for five more Enviro400EVs, bringing its electric fleet to 26 buses by March. Falcon is the first new entrant to the London bus network in 20 years, joining Uno Bus as the only non-PLC operators in the market.
Why it matters
The order signals growing independent operator confidence in electric bus procurement and highlights depot electrification as a prerequisite for TfL and university contracts. Falcon's entry into London after two decades demonstrates that smaller operators can now compete for major public transport work with the right EV infrastructure investment.
BYD Dolphin G DM-i launches in UK at £24,000 as cheapest plug-in hybrid supermini
BYD has unveiled the Dolphin G DM-i plug-in hybrid at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, priced from £24,000 and positioned against the Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris and MG3 Hybrid+. The supermini is the first BYD model built in Europe for Europe and uses the Super Hybrid DM-i system pairing a 1.5 litre petrol engine with two electric motors. The entry-level Active variant features a 7.4 kWh Blade battery offering 24.8 miles of electric-only range, a combined range of 633 miles and 108.6 mpg, with standard equipment including LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and a 10.1 inch central display.
Why it matters
The arrival of Europe's cheapest PHEV supermini signals intensifying competition in the small car segment and may influence fleet procurement strategies for urban delivery and light commercial applications. BYD's European manufacturing footprint also positions the brand to compete more directly for public sector and commercial contracts requiring local content or shorter supply chains.
Skoda UK posts record H1 2026 sales of 46,508 units as Enyaq and Elroq drive EV growth
Skoda UK registered 46,508 new vehicles between January and June 2026, the highest first half total in the brand's history, with electric vehicles playing a major role in the performance. The brand achieved a 4.3% market share in June, its highest monthly figure ever, and held 4.1% across H1 2026. Retail market share reached a record 3.4% year to date, while True Fleet orders hit their highest level for the period, placing Skoda fifth in that channel.
Why it matters
The strong EV uptake, led by the Enyaq family, signals growing fleet and retail appetite for Skoda's electric range, likely increasing demand for workplace and destination charging infrastructure. Procurement teams should note the brand's fifth place True Fleet ranking, as higher EV penetration in corporate fleets will drive requirements for depot and en route charging solutions.
Shell concept EV demonstrates 10 to 80 percent charge in 10 minutes using immersion cooling
Shell and RML Group have built a demonstrator electric vehicle in Warwickshire that charges from 10 percent to 80 percent in 10 minutes, using a half-size battery submerged in Shell's new coolant fluid. The Triple 10 Challenge Concept Car was developed in 18 months to showcase advanced EV technology, including immersion cooling for the motor and battery to enable faster charging and extended range. The project aims to demonstrate what is possible for future electric vehicle generations with reduced lifetime carbon footprint.
Why it matters
Ultra-fast charging capability under 10 minutes addresses a key barrier to EV adoption and signals infrastructure requirements for next generation charge points. Immersion cooling technology could reshape thermal management standards and influence future CPO equipment specifications and site design.