Daily EV news · UK · 13 September 2026

A Freedom of Information request by Vauxhall reveals that 50 per cent of UK councils provide no on-street residential EV charging, down from 66 per cent in 2023, even as 2.18 million EVs now use British roads. While over 90 per cent of councils have installed at least one public charger in their area, 40 per cent of drivers live in properties without off-street parking, leaving a significant gap in charging access for residents without driveways.

Why it matters: The findings expose a critical infrastructure shortfall that could stall EV adoption among the four in ten households reliant on street parking, signalling urgent procurement opportunities for on-street charging solutions. Councils lagging in residential provision face mounting pressure to tender kerbside and lamppost charging contracts as the UK's electrification targets advance.

Fleet operators and business drivers using Shell Card can now access over 4,250 InstaVolt fast chargers across more than 1,200 UK locations. The roaming partnership expands Shell Recharge's third party network, which already covers forecourts, on street sites and destination hubs. InstaVolt CEO Delvin Lane said the tie up offers fleet managers a simpler way to manage charging across their business.

Why it matters: The deal consolidates payment access for commercial fleets, a key procurement criterion as operators seek single card solutions to reduce driver friction and back office complexity. It also signals continued roaming integration among UK charge point operators, shaping how public networks compete for fleet contracts.

The Department for Transport is examining Permitted Development Rights for cross pavement charging solutions, including pavement gullies and cable channels, which would remove the need for formal planning applications. The move aims to help EV owners without driveways access domestic electricity rates of around 7p per kWh and 0% VAT, compared to public charging at roughly 54p per kWh with 20% VAT. The proposal follows a consultation in which respondents supported reducing installation time and cost.

Why it matters: Streamlined planning could accelerate residential charging infrastructure for the estimated millions of UK households without off street parking, potentially reducing reliance on public networks. Lower regulatory friction may also open new installation opportunities for charge point operators and contractors serving terraced and urban housing.