Daily EV news · UK · 18 September 2026
EV Charging
Lidl invests £10 million in UK EV charging rollout across 1,000 stores
Lidl has committed £10 million ($13.3 million) to installing EV chargers at its UK stores, with a YouTube test showing a 60 kilowatt ABB rapid charger priced at 59 pence per kilowatt hour advertised, though actual costs worked out to around 68 pence per kilowatt hour after discounts. The retailer operates 1,000 UK stores, and the rollout is expected to encourage competing grocery chains to expand their own charging infrastructure. Lidl's pricing undercuts rivals such as Sainsbury's Smart Charge, which charges 72 pence per kilowatt hour.
Why it matters
A 1,000 site grocery network entering the charging market at competitive rates could reshape destination charging procurement and put pressure on existing CPO pricing models. The investment signals that high footfall retail locations are becoming a key battleground for charging infrastructure deployment.
UK driver argues 92 pence per kWh rapid charging still matches petrol on per mile cost
A YouTube creator has challenged perceptions of Gridserve's 92 pence per kWh public charging rate, calculating that an efficient EV achieving 5 miles per kWh costs roughly 18 pence per mile, comparable to a petrol car returning 40 miles per gallon at £7.20 per gallon (18.4 pence per mile). The video also noted one new Gridserve site charging 85 pence per kWh, potentially as a customer acquisition tactic.
Why it matters
The analysis reframes high rapid charging tariffs in terms of total journey cost, a metric that may influence fleet operators and site hosts evaluating customer acceptance of premium pricing. It also highlights competitive pricing experiments by network operators seeking to balance margin and utilisation.
TUAL partners with Tharsus to scale UK production of battery-buffered DC fast charger
TUAL has partnered with UK advanced manufacturer Tharsus to move its PowerUp Charger from field trials to high-volume production. The battery-buffered DC fast-charging system is designed for grid-constrained sites serving commercial EV fleets. TUAL recently secured Made in Britain status and is working with Blyth-based Tharsus, which specialises in scaling electro-mechanical products including lithium-ion battery systems and power electronics.
Why it matters
The partnership signals a UK-manufactured, grid-friendly DC fast-charging solution entering the procurement pipeline for fleet operators facing capacity constraints. Battery-buffered chargers can unlock sites without costly grid reinforcement, a key consideration for depot and commercial charging tenders.
EVA England names Pod Point as first home charger supplier with 6.49p per kWh overnight tariff
EVA England has selected Pod Point as its inaugural home charging partner, offering members a £100 discount on the 7.4kW charger (reduced from £999 to £899) or a subscription at £34 per month for three years with no installation fee. The partnership includes access to the Pod Power by EDF tariff, which provides a seven hour overnight charging window at 6.49p per kWh, alongside Pod Rewards that pays users up to £100 annually for smart charging during low grid demand periods.
Why it matters
The tie up between the UK's leading EV advocacy group and a major wallbox supplier signals a push to standardise home charging procurement through bundled hardware and energy deals. For installers and CPOs, the model demonstrates how integrated tariff and reward schemes can drive residential charger adoption at scale.
EVA England · Pod · Source
Tesla submits planning application for 16-bay Supercharger hub in Somerset open to all EVs
Tesla has applied to Somerset Council for permission to build a 16-bay charging facility at Southfields Enterprise Park near Ilminster, close to the Southfields Roundabout at Horton Cross. The site, which would include a substation, power cabinets, lighting, landscaping and drainage infrastructure, forms part of Tesla's nationwide expansion of rapid EV charging and would be open to drivers of all compatible electric vehicles, not just Tesla owners. Planning documents cite clear demand for publicly accessible charging services to support long-distance travel and users without home or workplace charging.
Why it matters
The application signals Tesla's continued push into the UK public charging market with non-proprietary access, creating a potential 16-bay procurement opportunity for contractors and suppliers in the Somerset area. The site's location near major food outlets and a busy roundabout suggests a focus on high-footfall, long-distance travel corridors.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles forecast to reach 50.5 per cent of UK car parc by 2034
New research predicts that electric vehicles will account for 50.5 per cent of all vehicles on UK roads by 2034, up from the current 4.8 per cent. Petrol vehicles currently represent 55 per cent of the car parc and diesel just under 30 per cent. The forecast was reported by GB News alongside coverage of a Department for Transport campaign encouraging drivers to switch to electric cars.
Why it matters
A tenfold increase in the EV share of the UK car parc over the next decade signals sustained demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure. Procurement teams and charge point operators should plan capacity expansions to serve a fleet approaching parity with internal combustion vehicles by the mid 2030s.