Daily EV news · UK · 12 August 2026

Kempower has delivered its first UK project using a leasing finance model, installing eight CCS2 charging points at a BP service station in Astwick, Bedfordshire, for Highway Stops Retail Limited. The site, commissioned in February 2026, uses four Kempower Double Satellite units and two Power Units capable of delivering up to 400 kW per charger, with hardware procurement, installation and servicing handled by Yunex Traffic. The project was funded through a flexible finance agreement with DLL, Kempower's leasing partner since 2024.

Why it matters: The leasing model lowers upfront infrastructure costs and includes ongoing maintenance, addressing a key barrier to network expansion for charging operators. Astwick marks the first UK deployment of the Kempower and DLL partnership, offering a replicable finance route for future charging rollouts.

Vchrgd has appointed James Read as chief AI officer to lead development of AI powered tools, software and connected technologies as the company evolves from an EV charger manufacturer into an integrated charging technology business. Read, a former Boeing 777 captain with over 25 years' flying experience, previously worked within Tesla's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems testing programme leading UK and Finland teams before founding an AI powered financial compliance platform. The appointment supports Vchrgd's growth strategy announced earlier this year, with AI projects focused on improving experiences for installers, wholesalers, fleets and homeowners while complementing human led customer support.

Why it matters: The creation of a dedicated AI leadership role signals Vchrgd's strategic shift towards software and technology differentiation in the competitive UK charging market, potentially influencing procurement decisions for fleets and installers seeking operationally efficient charging solutions. AI driven operational improvements could affect pricing, service delivery and product roadmaps relevant to upcoming tender evaluations.

Warwickshire County Council has secured £3.295 million from the Department for Transport alongside approximately £15 million in private investment to expand its EV charging network. The contract will see EZO install at least 73 rapid charge point sockets and Connected Kerb provide 2,100 additional lower powered charge point sockets across the county. Warwickshire was part of a consortium of councils supported by Midlands Connect that secured the deals to improve EV charging infrastructure.

Why it matters: The mixed deployment model combining rapid and on street charging demonstrates how local authorities are using blended public and private funding to meet diverse charging needs. The consortium approach through Midlands Connect may offer a template for other regional authorities seeking to scale infrastructure delivery.

Cork provider Ohme is running a six month domestic flexibility trial with ESB Networks in Ireland, offering drivers up to €78 to plug in at home whenever parked. The EV Flex scheme uses Ohme hardware and software to charge vehicles when grid electricity is abundant and demand is low. Ohme previously ran a similar UK Crowdflex trial that paid participants a collective £400,000 over seven months.

Why it matters: Demand side flexibility trials demonstrate a revenue model for charge point operators and network operators to manage grid stress while incentivising off peak charging. Proven customer engagement in these schemes can inform procurement specifications for smart charging infrastructure and tariff design in both markets.

A YouGov poll commissioned by ChargeUK found 34 per cent of UK respondents believe the electric vehicle transition is moving at a good pace, 19 per cent want it sped up, and 37 per cent want it slowed down. Among Labour voters, 41 per cent support the current pace and 27 per cent favour acceleration, versus 21 per cent seeking a slowdown. The findings come as government reportedly considers loosening Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate requirements despite manufacturer calls for flexibility.

Why it matters: Public backing for the current or faster EV rollout strengthens the case for maintaining charging infrastructure investment timelines and ZEV Mandate commitments. Charge point operators and local authorities planning network expansions can cite majority voter support when securing funding or planning consent against political pressure to delay.

More than 40 organisations from the charging, fleet, battery manufacturing and investment sectors have warned the UK Government that changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate could affect billions of pounds of investment across the automotive and infrastructure supply chain. The current mandate requires 33% of new cars sold in 2026 to be pure electric, rising to 80% by 2030, but the Government is reportedly preparing a consultation on relaxing the framework, potentially reducing the 2030 requirement to as low as 50%. Polling by Savanta for the Climate Barometer Tracker found that 54% of Labour MPs support the planned 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel car sales, compared with 17% who oppose it.

Why it matters: Any weakening of the ZEV Mandate could slow the rollout of charging infrastructure by reducing certainty around future EV adoption rates, potentially deterring the billions in private investment needed to meet 2030 targets. Charge point operators and infrastructure developers rely on clear policy signals to justify capital expenditure and site acquisition decisions.