Daily EV news · UK · 4 August 2026

National Highways has opened premarket engagement on a £228m contract to expand electricity network capacity at motorway service areas across England, supporting ultra-rapid EV charging rollout. Developed with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, the scheme targets a subset of 116 MSAs, with individual sites requiring new connection capacity ranging from 5 to 50 MVA at 132kV, 33kV or 11kV. The contract is scheduled to run from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2028, with tender publication expected on 4 January 2027.

Why it matters: This represents one of the UK's largest grid infrastructure procurements dedicated to EV charging, creating opportunities for NERS accredited suppliers to deliver high voltage connection assets. The scale and timeline signal government commitment to removing grid capacity constraints that currently limit rapid charger deployment at strategic motorway locations.

Arnold Clark Charge has partnered with Octopus Electroverse to offer a subscription service priced at £8.99 per month, giving EV drivers access to ultra-rapid charging at 39p per kWh across the Arnold Clark network. The rate represents a 29% saving on standard pricing and is aimed at drivers without home charging or those who frequently use public infrastructure.

Why it matters: The subscription model signals a shift towards membership-based pricing in the UK ultra-rapid segment, potentially influencing how CPOs structure tariffs to retain high-volume users. For procurement teams, it highlights competitive pressure on public charging rates and the growing role of aggregator platforms like Electroverse in driving network utilisation.

Blackburn with Darwen Council trialled cross-pavement EV charging infrastructure with ACO, targeting roughly 15,462 homes (26% of borough properties) without off-street parking. Council highways teams flagged metal theft risk and usability concerns, prompting ACO to replace metal covers with interlocking recycled rubber sections that residents can lift as one piece. The redesign simplified cable management for users and reduced installation complexity for contractors.

Why it matters: The case shows how early operator feedback during trials can reshape product design before wider rollout, cutting future maintenance and theft risk. For CPOs and councils procuring on-street solutions, it highlights the value of piloting hardware in varied street conditions rather than deploying off the shelf.

Trevor Taylor received a £90 parking charge notice after spending 16 minutes charging his electric vehicle at a Lidl car park in Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire, at around 6pm on 12 July, outside the store's opening hours. Lidl had introduced out of hours parking restrictions due to anti social behaviour concerns, but the retailer has now cancelled the ticket and is reviewing its EV charging policy at sites with car park restrictions. The BBC reports that Taylor's stay exceeded the car park's consideration and grace periods, which allow drivers time to read signs and decide whether to stay.

Why it matters: The case highlights a policy gap affecting charge point operators and retailers: EV drivers expect 24 hour access to public chargers, yet site owners may impose time restrictions for other reasons. Lidl's policy review could influence how other supermarkets and CPOs balance security concerns with the operational expectation of round the clock charging availability.

Cost overtook other barriers as the biggest obstacle to fleet electrification, cited by 44.2% of respondents to Europcar's June 2026 survey, up from 36.7% in Q4 2025. The proportion naming cost as the top barrier averaged 40% across Q2 2026, rising each month after the Government confirmed its eVED plans in June. Charging infrastructure concerns also climbed to 31.6% in Q2 from 29.5% in Q1, while employer or employee resistance held steady at 10.2%.

Why it matters: Rising cost anxiety among fleet operators may slow electrification timelines and shift procurement strategies, particularly as new vehicle excise duty rules take effect. Growing infrastructure concerns signal sustained demand for workplace and depot charging solutions, a key opportunity for charge point operators targeting commercial fleets.