Daily EV news · UK · 15 September 2026
EV Charging
UK removes planning hurdle for cross-pavement EV chargers at homes without driveways
The UK Government will create a new permitted development right for cross-pavement charging installations, removing the need for a separate planning application while local authorities retain oversight through highways permissions. The change aims to address the charging divide affecting around four in ten UK households without off-street parking, who currently face public charging costs up to ten times higher than home rates. The move follows a campaign by EVA England, Baroness Pidgeon and partners including the REA, New Automotive and Kerbo Charge, and was confirmed in the Government's response to its consultation on EV charging rules.
Why it matters
Simplifying approvals for cross-pavement chargers could unlock a significant new residential installation market, as roughly 40 per cent of UK households lack driveways. Installers and charge point operators may see increased demand for domestic solutions that bridge the cost gap between home and public charging.
Worcester to install 22 EV charging ports across five city sites by December
Worcester is expanding its municipal EV charging network by nearly 75%, adding 22 Level 2 ports at five city-owned locations to bring the total from 30 to 52 public charging points. Construction begins the week of 14 September and runs through December, with sites including Elm Park, Vernon Park, Great Brook Valley Park and two other locations. The project is funded primarily through grants with limited municipal contribution, though total costs were not disclosed.
Why it matters
The rollout demonstrates how mid-sized cities are scaling public charging infrastructure through grant-led procurement, nearly doubling capacity in a single phase. For CPOs and installers, the multi-site, Level 2 focus signals steady municipal work pipelines through year-end.
Electric Vehicles
RAC names Kia EV2 best small electric car at £24,245 with up to 275 mile range
The RAC has selected the Kia EV2 as the best all round small electric vehicle, priced from £24,245 with a range of 197 to 275 miles. The Korean SUV beat rivals from MG, BMW and Renault, with the RAC citing space for four adults, a good sized boot, easy interfaces and long range as key factors. The organisation noted that improving charging infrastructure has made even 190 mile range vehicles more practical than in previous years.
Why it matters
The RAC endorsement of an affordable small EV with competitive range highlights growing confidence in public charging networks to support lower range vehicles. Rising charger availability, as acknowledged by the RAC, is directly enabling broader EV adoption across price points and use cases.
Policy & Market
Zest warns weakening UK ZEV mandate could stall charging infrastructure investment
EV infrastructure provider Zest has cautioned that diluting the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate risks undermining private investment in charging networks ahead of the 23 October consultation deadline. CEO Robin Heap said weakening the demand signal could create a situation where drivers will not switch without convenient charging, but infrastructure firms will not invest at scale without confidence in future demand. Zest notes that charging projects require years of planning and most contracts run for at least 15 years after commissioning, making long term policy certainty essential for investor commitment.
Why it matters
The warning highlights how policy uncertainty around the ZEV mandate directly affects the business case for long term charging infrastructure projects, potentially delaying site development and grid connection investments. For CPOs and procurement teams, weakened targets could reduce the pipeline of funded projects and slow network expansion needed to meet anticipated EV adoption.