Daily EV news · UK · 27 July 2026

Osprey Charging Network has deployed its first Battery Energy Storage System at its Lamb & Flag rapid charging station on the A40 in Abergavenny, integrating battery storage with three 75kW rapid charge points. The charge point operator will use its Osprey Iris software platform to monitor energy flows, battery usage and operating costs on the low voltage grid connection, with findings set to inform future BESS rollouts across its nationwide network. The installation was delivered in partnership with Palmer Energy Technology.

Why it matters: The pilot marks Osprey's entry into battery storage integration and will generate performance data to guide procurement decisions for BESS deployments across one of the UK's largest public rapid charging networks. CPOs and suppliers can expect Osprey to use the trial results to shape specifications and site selection criteria for future battery storage tenders.

InstaVolt is rolling out 273 EV charging units across 18 British Land retail park sites in the UK, with five locations already live and the remainder due for activation in the coming months. Two sites under development at Reading Gate and Kingston, Milton Keynes will feature on-site battery energy storage to ease grid demand and support reliable charging at peak times. All sites operate 24/7 with off-peak rates available after 8 pm via the InstaVolt app, announced 27 July 2026.

Why it matters: This represents one of the largest retail park charging rollouts in the UK, demonstrating how property developers and CPOs are integrating battery storage to de-risk grid constraints and deliver resilient ultra-rapid charging at high-footfall retail destinations. The scale and storage integration offer a procurement blueprint for similar retail and mixed-use developments.

Arnold Clark Charge has partnered with Radius to give fleet operators access to its network of over 400 chargers across more than 60 UK locations, most featuring ultra-rapid units up to 150kW. Launched in 2024 as part of a £30m investment, the network will now be available to around 500,000 Radius fuel and EV charge cardholders at a rate of 55p per kWh. The Arnold Clark Charge app allows users to reserve charging slots in advance.

Why it matters: The deal significantly expands fleet access to a large, privately funded charging network and demonstrates how partnerships between charge point operators and fleet payment providers can accelerate commercial EV adoption. The 55p per kWh tariff and slot reservation feature address two key fleet pain points: cost predictability and operational planning.

Bedford Borough Council has partnered with Connected Kerb to deploy an initial 260 EV charging sockets across Bedford, Kempston and surrounding villages, focusing on areas without off-street parking. The rollout is funded by the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, with the council planning to expand the network to more than 900 sockets in total to meet growing demand. Connected Kerb will install, maintain and manage the charging infrastructure on behalf of the council's Highways Engineering team.

Why it matters: The 260-socket first phase and 900-plus socket target signal a substantial procurement opportunity in a borough prioritising on-street charging for residents without driveways. CPOs and installers should note the LEVI-backed, council-led model with a single operator managing the network, a structure likely to be replicated in similar local authorities.

Norfolk County Council has installed around 80 on-street EV charging points in Norwich through contractor Blink Charging UK, most activated over a year ago, but has failed to finalise traffic regulation orders (TROs) to restrict the bays to electric vehicles. Green councillor Paul Neale told a full council meeting on 21 July that many bays are occupied by non-EVs as a result. The chargers were intended for residents without driveways in terraced streets.

Why it matters: Without enforceable TROs, charge point operators and local authorities risk low utilisation and revenue loss when bays are blocked by petrol or diesel cars. The case highlights a common procurement and deployment gap where infrastructure rollout outpaces the legal framework needed to protect access.