Daily EV news · UK · 25 September 2026
EV Charging
Be.EV launches subscription charging passes at £49 and £89 per month
Be.EV has introduced two monthly subscription passes for its UK network: the Go Pass at £49 for 120 kWh (approximately 400 miles) and the Go Further Pass at £89 for 250 kWh (around 800 miles). The fixed-fee model removes the need for drivers to track peak, off-peak or per-kWh rates, aligning Be.EV with subscription pricing already common in mature markets such as Denmark.
Why it matters
Subscription models simplify revenue forecasting for charge point operators and may increase customer retention by offering predictable pricing. The shift mirrors trends in Europe's mature EV markets and signals evolving commercial structures that procurement teams and network operators will need to accommodate in contract design.
Arnold Clark opens six ultra-rapid chargers in Huddersfield at 55p per kWh
Arnold Clark Charge has launched six public ultra-rapid EV chargers at its Huddersfield Motorstore on Leeds Road, bringing the network to 63 locations across the UK. The site charges 55p per kWh, below the current UK average of 76p per kWh, and offers payment via the Arnold Clark app, roaming partners or contactless at the charger. The network recently won Up and Coming Rapid or Ultra Rapid EV Charging Network at the Zapmap 2025 Awards.
Why it matters
The Huddersfield hub demonstrates Arnold Clark's rollout pace and competitive pricing strategy, offering procurement teams a benchmark for ultra-rapid tariffs and a model for integrating retail hospitality with charging infrastructure. The 63 site milestone and industry recognition signal a credible challenger network for CPOs evaluating partnership or competitive positioning in the UK market.
Electric Vehicles
UK commits £7 billion to EV battery manufacturing but faces 55GWh supply gap by 2035
New AutoMotive's report 'The UK's EV Battery Economy' reveals the UK has announced £7 billion (US$9.3 billion) in investment for EV battery manufacturing and recycling, yet projects a 55GWh supply shortfall by 2035. The analysis comes as battery electric vehicles reached 30% of new UK car registrations in August, a record driven by the ZEV Mandate introduced in January 2024, which has already catalysed over £41 billion in automotive investment.
Why it matters
The 55GWh gap signals substantial procurement opportunities for battery suppliers and gigafactory developers over the next decade. For charging operators, the £41 billion automotive investment wave and 30% BEV penetration underscore accelerating infrastructure demand tied to domestic manufacturing hubs.
UK EV readiness climbs to 60 out of 100 as Chinese brands capture 15.8% of new vehicle sales
The AA's UK EV Readiness Index rose to 60 out of 100 in Q3 2026, the fourth consecutive quarterly gain, driven by increased competition from Chinese manufacturers and narrowing price gaps. Chinese brands held 15.8% of UK new vehicle sales in August 2026, nearly triple their 5.5% share a year earlier, with 26% of drivers now willing to consider Chinese-made cars. The index, based on 10,594 AA member responses, tracks eight factors including purchase price, charging infrastructure, running costs, insurance and maintenance.
Why it matters
Rapid market share growth by Chinese EV brands signals intensifying price competition that may accelerate fleet electrification and reshape procurement strategies. The rising readiness score, despite warnings of regulatory uncertainty around the ZEV mandate and public charging cost gaps, suggests stronger near-term demand for charging infrastructure across both public and workplace sites.
Policy & Market
VAT removal on electricity to cut home EV charging costs to 1.52p per mile from October 1
The UK government announced in July that VAT on electricity will be removed from October 1, dropping the rate from 5% to zero. EV drivers on Octopus Energy's Intelligent Octopus Go tariff, which charges 8p per kWh during night hours (11.30pm to 5.30am), currently pay the equivalent of 1.6p per mile for home charging. The VAT removal could reduce this to an estimated 1.52p per mile if suppliers pass on the savings, with the policy applying automatically to existing fixed tariffs as well as new deals.
Why it matters
Lower home charging costs may accelerate EV adoption among households with off street parking, potentially reducing demand for public charging infrastructure in residential areas. Charge point operators serving on street and destination markets will need to monitor whether the widening cost gap between home and public charging affects utilisation rates and business models.