Daily EV news · UK · 23 July 2026

BYD's Denza brand has opened UK order books for the Z9GT electric shooting brake at £105,000, with deliveries expected before year end. The vehicle uses a 122kWh second generation Blade battery and can charge from 10 per cent to 70 per cent in five minutes on BYD's planned 1,500kW Flash Charger network, adding around 224 miles of range. The 1,140bhp model accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 2.7 seconds and marks Denza's first European launch.

Why it matters: BYD's rollout of 1,500kW Flash Chargers to support the Z9GT signals a major infrastructure investment that could reshape ultra rapid charging specifications and procurement requirements in the UK market. The five minute charging capability, three times faster than Tesla's 500kW Superchargers, may drive new performance benchmarks for charge point operators and fleet depot planners.

Generational, a UK specialist in EV battery diagnostics, has partnered with Maverick Diagnostics to distribute battery health testing kits to around 6,000 automotive workshops across the UK. Under the agreement, Generational will supply testing kits, fulfil orders and provide the software platform for State of Health reporting and customer certificates, while Maverick Diagnostics will handle marketing and workshop education. The partnership aims to make battery condition checks a routine part of annual EV maintenance as the used EV market grows.

Why it matters: The deal opens a procurement route for thousands of independent UK repair shops to add EV battery diagnostics, creating a new service revenue stream and aftermarket infrastructure as the used EV fleet expands. For workshops and fleet operators, routine battery health checks could reduce warranty disputes and improve asset management visibility.

City of York Council members are debating whether to help terraced street residents install home EV chargers, as those households currently rely on more expensive public charging points. Liberal Democrat councillor Christian Vassie is calling for support to boost home charging access, while Labour transport spokesperson Cllr Kate Ravilious argues the solution should combine private and public charging options rather than being restrictive. Green activist Denise Craghill backed the push, citing climate change as a reason to accelerate EV adoption.

Why it matters: The debate highlights a common procurement dilemma for local authorities: whether to prioritise public charging infrastructure or subsidise private installations in areas where home charging is difficult. How York resolves this could influence policy and funding models in other UK councils facing similar terraced housing challenges.

BMW's iX1 and iX2 are now eligible for the maximum £3,750 discount under the UK government's £1.3 billion electric car grant scheme, making BMW the first premium German manufacturer to qualify for the full amount. The iX1 offers up to 318 miles of range and the iX2 up to 282 miles. Since the scheme launched in July 2025, more than 100,000 drivers have used it, with 17 models now qualifying for the full £3,750 grant and others receiving £1,500 off.

Why it matters: The addition of premium German models to the top grant tier signals broader market accessibility and may influence fleet procurement decisions, particularly for corporate buyers seeking prestige brands with strong incentives. The scheme's uptake of over 100,000 vehicles in its first months demonstrates significant demand that charging infrastructure planners and operators must accommodate.