Daily EV news · UK · 24 September 2026
EV Charging
Rushcliffe Borough Council opens EV charging hubs at two West Bridgford car parks with Qwello
Rushcliffe Borough Council has installed electric vehicle charging points at Bridgford Road and Nursery car parks in West Bridgford, funded, operated and maintained by delivery partner Qwello. Bridgford Road offers eight 22 kW AC bays, while Nursery car park features one 50 kW DC rapid charger and four 22 kW AC bays. The council now operates the most council owned EV charging points in Nottinghamshire.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates a local authority procurement model using a third party operator for funding and maintenance, reducing upfront capital risk. Qwello's involvement in expanding Nottinghamshire's largest council owned charging network signals competitive opportunities for charge point operators targeting municipal car park concessions.
Source partners with Zapmap to expand charging payment options for EV drivers
EV charging company Source has joined Zapmap as a payment partner, allowing drivers to pay directly for charging at Source's ultra-rapid hubs across the UK through the Zapmap app or charging card. The integration supports credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and provides charging history, live status updates and digital receipts. Source, a joint venture between TotalEnergies and SSE launched in 2025, plans to open 300 ultra-rapid charging hubs across the UK and Ireland by 2030, all featuring at least 150kW chargers with a 99% uptime target.
Why it matters
The Zapmap integration expands payment accessibility for Source's growing network, potentially increasing utilisation rates across its planned 300 hub rollout by 2030. For procurement teams and site hosts, the partnership signals Source's focus on user experience and interoperability, key factors in securing high footfall locations and competitive tender positions.
Changan UK names Ohme preferred home charging partner for dealer network
Changan UK has appointed Ohme as its preferred home EV charging partner, with Ohme chargers to be displayed in Changan dealerships and a full installation service provided. The partnership covers dealer training and future collaboration on vehicle to grid technology, following the launch of the Deepal S05 and S07 models in the UK. Ohme will offer customers dynamic chargers compatible with UK energy tariffs.
Why it matters
The deal creates a new installation pipeline through Changan's expanding UK dealer network and signals OEM bundling of charging hardware with vehicle sales. For charge point operators and installers, it highlights the competitive pressure from manufacturer tied partnerships that bypass independent procurement routes.
Changan UK · Ohme · Source
Changan UK names Ohme preferred home charging partner for dealer network
Changan UK has appointed Ohme as its official home charging partner, with Ohme chargers to be displayed in Changan dealerships and a full installation service provided. The partnership covers the Deepal S05 and S07 models already on sale and upcoming launches including the S05 Ultra PHEV and E06 SUV, with future collaboration planned on vehicle to grid technology. Ohme cited an example charging cost of £5.50 for a full 68.8 kWh charge of the Deepal S05 on a dynamic tariff, based on its 303 mile WLTP range.
Why it matters
The deal embeds Ohme hardware and installation services into a growing OEM sales channel as Changan expands its UK dealer footprint. It signals continued competition among charge point suppliers to secure exclusive or preferred partnerships with vehicle brands entering the British market.
Changan UK · Ohme · Source
Vandals destroy EV charging cables at Birmingham park site built for Commonwealth Games
Vandals stripped tether cables from electric vehicle charge points at Boldmere Gate car park in Sutton Park, Birmingham, on 13 September, rendering the chargers unusable. The £750,000 car park was installed four years prior to host Commonwealth Games triathlon events in 2022. ESB Energy, the operator, confirmed technicians visited to secure the site and arrange cable replacements, while fast chargers at the location remain available.
Why it matters
The incident highlights physical security risks for public charging infrastructure and the operational disruption caused by cable theft or vandalism. For CPOs and site hosts, it underscores the need for anti-tamper design, rapid response protocols and backup charging options to maintain service continuity.
Policy & Market
EVs now nine times cheaper to run than petrol or diesel in UK as fuel prices surge
Electric vehicles cost 2.3p per mile on off-peak tariffs compared to 20.1p for petrol and 21p for diesel, according to Carbon Brief analysis of Department of Energy Security and Net Zero figures. Diesel prices have risen 38% since February to £1.96 per litre, while petrol climbed 31% to £1.72, driven by oil reaching over $100 per barrel amid Middle East tensions and attacks on Russian refineries. The cost gap makes EVs up to nine times cheaper to operate than combustion vehicles in the UK.
Why it matters
The widening cost advantage strengthens the business case for fleet electrification and workplace charging infrastructure, as operators and employers can now demonstrate dramatic fuel savings to justify capital investment. For charge point operators, the analysis provides a compelling data point to attract commercial clients evaluating total cost of ownership in procurement decisions.
Versinetic urges UK charging reforms as used EV sales jump 67% in Q2 2026
Smart charging consultancy Versinetic has called on the Government to reform electric vehicle charging policy ahead of the Autumn Budget 2026, after used battery electric vehicle sales surged 67% to 110,761 units in Q2 2026, lifting market share to 5.5% from 3.3% year on year, according to SMMT figures. The firm warns that high public charging tariffs, insufficient local infrastructure and compatibility issues with older vehicles threaten to erode the financial benefits of the booming second hand EV market. Versinetic has published six policy priorities in its report Pre-Loved EVs: Used EV Charging Infrastructure Impact, targeting policymakers, charge point operators, hardware designers and installers.
Why it matters
A 67% jump in used EV sales signals a shift from early adopters to mainstream drivers who often lack private driveways and face higher public charging costs, creating fresh demand for affordable, accessible local infrastructure. CPOs and installers must prepare for compatibility requirements across older vehicle models and pricing structures that serve budget conscious users if the second hand market is to sustain growth.
Welsh Government commits to renewed EV strategy as public sector fleet reaches 2,045 vehicles
The Welsh Government has announced a renewed EV strategy for Wales as part of its 2026 to 2030 Programme for Government, though details on timetable, funding and targets remain unpublished. Analysis by the Welsh Government Energy Service shows 2,045 electric vehicles now operate across the Welsh public sector, avoiding the purchase of around 2.4 million litres of diesel annually and delivering net energy cost savings of £1.4 million to £1.9 million per year. Cardiff based firms FleetEV and PLUG Charging have welcomed the commitment, with CEO Jarrad Morris calling for the next phase to focus on practical measures to accelerate the transition.
Why it matters
The strategy refresh signals continued policy support for EV adoption in Wales, with the public sector fleet demonstrating significant operational savings that may inform procurement decisions. CPOs and suppliers will be watching for specific targets and funding allocations that could shape charging infrastructure requirements across Welsh public and private fleets.