Daily EV news · UK · 1 October 2026
EV Charging
North East Ambulance Service installs dual rapid charger at University Hospital of North Tees
North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has installed a new dual rapid charger at University Hospital of North Tees in partnership with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. NEAS operates more than 600 vehicles from 63 ambulance stations and three operations centres across the region, attending 442,168 incidents and transporting 298,307 patients to hospital in 2025/26. The charger forms part of a growing network at ambulance stations and NHS sites across the North East to support future electric ambulance deployment.
Why it matters
The installation demonstrates how NHS trusts are collaborating to build shared charging infrastructure ahead of fleet electrification, creating procurement opportunities for rapid chargers at hospital and ambulance sites. With NEAS exploring electric vehicles for its 600 vehicle fleet, the project signals potential for large scale public sector EV charging tenders across the North East region.
Lidl applies to add four EV charging bays at Ringwood store in New Forest
Lidl has submitted plans to New Forest District Council to install two rapid EV chargers serving four bays at its Wellworthy Way store in Ringwood, supported by a feeder pillar cabinet. The supermarket states it already hosts one of the highest proportions of rapid chargers in the retail sector and aims to expand further. Planning permission is required for the cabinet due to its proximity to the highway, though the chargers themselves fall under permitted development rights.
Why it matters
The application highlights continued retail sector investment in rapid charging infrastructure and shows how planning processes can hinge on ancillary equipment rather than the chargers themselves. Lidl's stated leadership in retail rapid charging suggests competitive pressure among grocers to offer destination charging.
Gridserve cuts prices by 20% for one day to highlight VAT disparity on public EV charging
Public charging network Gridserve reduced prices by 20% on 1 October 2026 to demonstrate the impact of VAT on public EV charging, which remains at 20% while domestic electricity enjoys a temporary 0% rate from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Research commissioned by Gridserve in 2025 found that 49% of non EV drivers surveyed would switch to an EV sooner if public charging had the same VAT rate as home charging. Independent analysis by Cornwall Insight shows standing charges for ultra rapid EV charging hubs have risen by up to 462% since 2021, adding further cost pressure as the UK Government reviews public EV charging costs.
Why it matters
The one day price cut underscores the commercial challenge for charge point operators facing 20% VAT and surging grid connection costs, while the Government's review may signal future policy changes affecting the viability of public charging infrastructure investments. For procurement teams, the 462% rise in standing charges since 2021 highlights the need to model long term grid cost exposure when planning ultra rapid hub deployments.
Formula Space launches V4 CableGuard with power tool resistance as UK cable theft costs CPOs millions since 2022
Formula Space has released V4 cut protection for its CableGuard product, engineered to defeat angle grinders and power tools used by organised crime groups targeting EV charging cables. Cable theft costs UK charge point operators millions of pounds since 2022, with each stolen cable costing £1,200 in hardware alone; in France, 650 charging stations have been hit since the start of the year, causing €13 million (£11.1 million) in damage and losses. The V4 sleeve is designed to blunt power tools and turn attacks that once took seconds into slow, costly operations.
Why it matters
Cable theft has escalated to a board level issue for CPOs, with organised criminals using increasingly aggressive methods that damage infrastructure beyond simple cable replacement. The V4 upgrade offers procurement teams a hardened deterrent option for high risk sites where standard protection has proven insufficient against power tool attacks.
UK launches GB Grid with £4bn to speed grid connections for EV charging
The Prime Minister announced GB Grid, a state-owned body under Great British Energy, backed by an initial £4bn allocation to accelerate electricity grid connections for EV charging hubs and renewable schemes. Andy Burnham said GB Grid will work with the private sector and network companies to increase competition, drive down costs and speed up delivery of grid connections. EVA England's chief executive welcomed the investment as important for the EV transition, noting it should help accelerate public charging rollout and support home and workplace charging.
Why it matters
The £4bn GB Grid initiative directly addresses grid connection delays that have slowed public charging hub deployment, potentially shortening procurement timelines for CPOs and local authorities planning large scale installations. Faster grid connections could reduce project risk and capital costs for charging infrastructure developers across the UK.
Electric Vehicles
Renault upgrades Megane and Scenic EVs with 67kWh batteries, 165kW charging and UK grant eligibility
Renault has launched 2027 model year updates for the all electric Megane and Scenic, fitting both with a new 67kWh LFP battery that delivers up to 306 miles WLTP range in the Megane Techno (21 miles more than before) and 165kW DC rapid charging (15% to 80% in 24 minutes, around 25% quicker). The Megane now qualifies for the UK Government's £3,750 Electric Car Grant, bringing entry pricing to £28,245, and joins the Scenic in full grant eligibility across Renault's passenger EV range.
Why it matters
The grant eligibility and sub £30,000 pricing expand the pool of compliant vehicles for public sector and fleet procurement under UK subsidy rules. Faster charging and longer range may reduce dwell time requirements and improve utilisation economics for destination and workplace charge point operators serving family sized EVs.
Policy & Market
Fastned calls on Government to level VAT playing field as public charging found to cost £270 more per year
Fastned has urged the UK Government to equalise VAT on electric vehicle charging after research found the 20% rate on public charging costs drivers without home access an estimated £270 more annually than the 0% VAT now applied to home energy in England, Scotland and Wales from 1 October. The charge point operator partnered with Electrifying.com to highlight the disparity affecting nine million UK households lacking driveways, offering free £25 charging credits at all 41 of its hubs for one day. More than two thirds (68%) of the population surveyed said the pricing gap is unfair.
Why it matters
The widening VAT gap between home and public charging creates a commercial and equity challenge for CPOs serving drivers without off street parking, potentially slowing adoption among the third of households reliant on public infrastructure. Fastned's campaign signals growing industry pressure on policymakers to remove fiscal barriers that penalise public charging networks.