Daily EV news · UK · 29 September 2026
EV Charging
Roadchef awards bp pulse ultra-fast charging contract across 30 UK motorway service areas from 2027
Roadchef has signed a multi-service agreement with bp covering EV charging, fuels and convenience across more than 30 motorway service areas on the UK strategic road network, with bp pulse ultra-fast chargers to be deployed from 2027. The deal supports Roadchef's target to deliver 1,000 charging bays by 2030 and includes Roadchef operating 12 bp forecourts offering bp branded fuels and wildbean cafe. The partnership expands an existing fuel supply relationship between the two companies.
Why it matters
The contract represents a significant procurement win for bp pulse in the competitive motorway charging segment, locking in over 30 high-traffic locations that are critical for long-distance EV travel. For charge point operators and competing suppliers, the deal signals consolidation around established fuel brands in the motorway services channel and sets a delivery timeline that may influence tender schedules at rival MSA operators.
Source launches fleet EV charging rewards scheme with PowerGoodies
Source, the ultra-rapid EV charging network backed by SSE and TotalEnergies, has launched a loyalty scheme giving fleet and private hire drivers two points per kWh charged, equivalent to roughly a £5 voucher for every 15 charging sessions. The scheme, delivered in partnership with PowerGoodies, allows drivers to redeem points for vouchers at retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Costa Coffee and Uber by linking their existing charging card to the free PowerGoodies app. This marks PowerGoodies' first UK collaboration, following existing rewards programmes with EV charging networks in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Why it matters
The loyalty initiative adds a commercial incentive for fleet operators evaluating charging networks, potentially influencing procurement decisions where driver satisfaction and cost management are key criteria. It also signals growing competition among CPOs to differentiate service offerings beyond hardware and uptime.
Source · PowerGoodies · Source
Smart tariffs cut EV home charging costs by two thirds versus standard rates, Ohme analysis shows
Charger manufacturer Ohme has calculated that smart home energy tariffs reduce electric vehicle charging costs by two thirds compared with the Standard Variable Tariff, which rose to 26.32p per kWh on 1 October. Smart tariffs offering overnight rates around 8p per kWh enable drivers to travel 300 miles for £6, versus 90 miles on the SVT. A driver covering 6,800 miles annually would pay £136 on a smart tariff such as Octopus Go, compared with £447.44 on the SVT.
Why it matters
The cost differential strengthens the business case for workplace and depot operators to pair charger installations with time of use tariffs, while highlighting a consumer education opportunity for charge point operators promoting home charging solutions. The figures also underscore the importance of smart charging capability in hardware procurement specifications.
Be.EV launches UK's first fixed monthly EV charging pass
Be.EV has introduced what it calls the UK's first EV charging pass, offering drivers a fixed monthly fee for a set charging allowance instead of variable peak, off peak or per kWh rates. The subscription model, already established in mature European markets such as Denmark, is designed to make public charging costs more predictable for drivers without home or workplace access. Be.EV says the approach mirrors mobile phone contracts and expects similar adoption trends in the UK as the EV market expands.
Why it matters
For fleet operators and businesses running electric vehicles, fixed monthly charging passes could simplify cost forecasting and budgeting, particularly where drivers rely on public infrastructure. The shift toward subscription models may influence how CPOs structure commercial contracts and pricing in the UK market.
Grid & Energy
UK Tesla owner builds custom dashboard to manage Powerwall 3 and EV charging, avoiding subscription fees
A United Kingdom homeowner with a Tesla Wall Connector, Powerwall 3, and Model 3 has created a custom monitoring dashboard and automation system to avoid paying for the Netzero subscription app. The system detects when the EV starts charging and prevents the Powerwall from discharging stored power into the vehicle during off peak periods, allowing the battery to charge during cheaper rate windows. The owner also reduced the Powerwall reserve setting from 20% to 5%, noting their setup lacks a gateway for island mode or off grid backup.
Why it matters
The workaround highlights growing demand for interoperable, cost effective home energy management solutions that integrate EV charging with battery storage. For CPOs and installers, it underscores the importance of flexible control systems and the potential for third party or open source alternatives to proprietary subscription services in residential charging deployments.
Policy & Market
Burnham VAT cut drops home EV charging to 1.52p per mile while on-street users face 16p
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has removed the 5% VAT on electricity from 1 October, cutting home EV charging costs to as low as 1.52p per mile for drivers on tariffs such as Intelligent Octopus Go (8p per kWh overnight). Households without driveways must rely on public charging at more than ten times that rate, around 16p per mile, widening the cost gap between home and on-street charging. The policy aims to ease cost of living pressures but highlights the disparity for drivers lacking off-street parking.
Why it matters
The VAT removal sharpens the business case for workplace and destination chargers serving drivers without home access, while CPOs face pressure to justify public tariffs now an order of magnitude higher than domestic rates. Procurers and local authorities will need to address equity concerns as the policy widens the charging cost divide.