Daily EV news · UK · 15 September 2026

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.

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.

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.