Daily EV news · UK · 23 September 2026
EV Charging
InstaVolt opens 12 ultra-fast chargers at Reading Gate Retail Park off M4 Junction 11
InstaVolt has launched a 12-bay ultra-fast charging hub at Reading Gate Retail Park, located off Junction 11 of the M4 motorway south-west of Reading town centre. The site operates 24 hours a day, is supported by on-site battery energy storage to ease grid pressure, and runs on 100 per cent renewable energy. The hub sits alongside retail and food outlets including KFC, McDonald's, B&Q, Next and Costa.
Why it matters
The combination of 12 ultra-rapid chargers, battery storage and a high-footfall retail location near a major motorway junction demonstrates how CPOs are targeting strategic sites that blend convenience with grid-friendly infrastructure. For procurement teams, the model shows demand management through storage can unlock capacity at constrained grid connection points.
Versinetic calls for used EV charging reforms as UK second hand BEV sales jump 67 per cent
Smart EV charging consultancy Versinetic is urging the UK Government to prioritise affordable charging ahead of the Autumn Budget, as SMMT figures show used battery electric vehicle sales surged 67 per cent to a record 110,761 units in Q2 2026, lifting their share of the second hand market to 5.5 per cent from 3.3 per cent a year earlier. The firm warns that high public charging costs, limited local infrastructure and older vehicle compatibility could undermine the benefits of more affordable electric cars entering the market. Versinetic is calling on the Chancellor to cut VAT on public charging from 20 per cent to 5 per cent to match domestic electricity tariffs, addressing the affordability gap for drivers without private parking.
Why it matters
The rapid growth of the used EV market creates new infrastructure demands, particularly for on street and destination charging that serves cost conscious drivers without home charging access. Policymakers and CPOs must adapt tariff structures and network planning to support a broader, more price sensitive customer base as EV ownership moves beyond early adopters.
West Sussex County Council opens consultation on public chargepoint network locations
West Sussex County Council has launched a public consultation on proposed locations for its Public Chargepoint Network, targeting residents without driveways or garages. Each site will feature a dual socket chargepoint capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously. The consultation runs until 19 October, with residents able to view proposed locations via Connected Kerb's platform and submit feedback through the council's portal.
Why it matters
The consultation signals procurement activity for on street charging infrastructure in West Sussex, with Connected Kerb appearing as the delivery partner. For CPOs and suppliers, this represents an opportunity to understand local authority rollout plans and resident demand patterns ahead of potential contract awards.
Grid & Energy
UK Power Networks opens DERMS platform to IDNO customers for faster EV hub connections
UK Power Networks has extended access to its Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) to Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) customers, enabling real time management of renewable and flexible energy assets including EV charging hubs. The intelligent platform unlocks unused network capacity to help low carbon projects connect faster and at lower cost. GRIDSERVE is among the early adopters already using the new capability.
Why it matters
Faster, cheaper grid connections through DERMS could accelerate EV charging hub deployment by reducing upfront costs and connection timescales for charge point operators working with IDNOs. The platform's ability to manage high demand EV sites in real time may also improve operational efficiency for hub operators.