Daily EV news · UK · 14 August 2026

Arnold Clark Charge, which operates over 400 chargers at 60 locations across the UK, has partnered with Octopus Electroverse to offer a monthly subscription giving drivers a 29% discount on DC fast charging compared to standard rates. The scheme aims to address the cost gap between public and home charging, which has been widened by the UK's VAT levy on public charging. Arnold Clark's Group Sustainability Manager Pablo Levi said the partnership supports affordability and accessibility as the UK transitions to electric vehicles.

Why it matters: The subscription model may influence how other charge point operators price access to their networks, particularly for drivers without home charging who face higher public tariffs. For procurement teams, the partnership demonstrates how dealership networks with existing charging infrastructure can leverage aggregator platforms to drive utilisation and customer loyalty.

Construction materials supplier Tarmac is building a charging network across London and the South East to support five electric HGVs delivering cement, asphalt, aggregates and concrete blocks. The fleet will include four Renault Trucks vehicles and one DAF, with Voltempo supplying infrastructure at four Tarmac sites and a Fleete hub at the Port of Tilbury. A 250kW DC charger at the Paddington concrete plant will enable recharging during unloading, while a Voltempo HyperCharger megawatt system at Northfleet will deliver up to 1MW to one vehicle or dynamically distribute capacity across up to six vehicles. The project is part of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium and supported by the UK government's Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates growing demand for megawatt charging infrastructure to support heavy goods vehicle electrification, with Voltempo and Fleete securing contracts for a multi site network. The project offers a commercial model for integrating high power charging into operational logistics, reducing downtime through on site recharging during material handling.

Peterborough City Council has granted final planning permission for a 10-bay EV charging hub at Parkway Sports and Social Club, following a revised application by Moreco Investments Ltd in June. The scheme features five charging units serving 10 bays, including two PAS-compliant accessible bays, with officers approving the updated design in August after initial approval in November last year. The 24/7 facility will connect to Boulevard Retail Park and supports the council's Net Zero commitments and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority's regional charging strategy.

Why it matters: The approval clears the way for construction of a mid-sized hub in a retail catchment area, offering accessible charging infrastructure that aligns with local and regional decarbonisation targets. For CPOs and installers, the project demonstrates how design refinements such as removing canopies and landscaping can streamline planning approvals while maintaining accessibility standards.

A poll of 2,000 drivers by Fastned found 87 per cent have or would travel to a staycation destination in an electric vehicle, while 81 per cent of EV motorists are confident the UK's public charging infrastructure can support long distance journeys. Cornwall topped the list of desired destinations, followed by the Cotswolds and the Scottish Highlands, with half of respondents now more inclined to holiday domestically than five years ago.

Why it matters: Rising driver confidence in the UK charging network validates infrastructure investment and signals growing demand for reliable fast charging along tourist routes. CPOs and site hosts in rural and coastal areas may see stronger business cases as EV adoption accelerates domestic leisure travel.

The UK government has launched a consultation to review legally binding electric vehicle sales targets under the ZEV mandate, responding to automotive sector pressure. The Department for Transport, OZEV and the Department for Business and Trade are jointly evaluating whether existing annual manufacturer targets remain appropriate, citing slower than expected consumer demand, energy price increases and international competition. The 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel cars and the 2035 fully zero emission requirement for all new cars and vans remain in place.

Why it matters: Any softening of annual ZEV sales targets could slow the pace at which fleets electrify and reduce near term demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure. Procurement teams and CPOs planning network expansion will need to monitor whether revised manufacturer obligations alter the volume and timing of EV rollout across the UK market.

The UK has launched a review of its Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, proposing to reduce the 2030 pure electric vehicle sales target from 80% to as low as 50%, with consultation running until late October. Under the current policy, manufacturers must meet rising annual EV quotas starting at 22% in 2024 and reaching 33% in 2026, but the revised target would allow hybrids to make up the remaining 50% of sales. The 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel only cars remains in place.

Why it matters: A lower EV sales mandate could slow the rollout of public and workplace charging infrastructure if fleet electrification timelines are extended, affecting procurement volumes and site development schedules. Conversely, a shift toward hybrids may reduce immediate demand for rapid charging hubs, altering the business case for charge point operators planning network expansion to 2030.