Daily EV news · UK · 2 October 2026
EV Charging
TSG acquires UK grid connection specialist Network Power Connections
European forecourt and EV infrastructure group TSG has acquired Network Power Connections (NPC), a NERS-accredited Independent Connection Provider based in Worcester, England. Financial terms were not disclosed. NPC designs and delivers new and upgraded electrical infrastructure for commercial, industrial, logistics and EV charging hub customers, with in-house design, project management, civil engineering and connection teams. The acquisition allows TSG to offer turnkey packages from grid connection through to downstream electrical infrastructure, working alongside its existing UK business Skerritt Electrical to cover grid connections, high and low voltage infrastructure, EV charging, solar and battery storage.
Why it matters
The deal gives TSG end to end capability for high-power charging hub projects in the UK, where grid connection bottlenecks are a major barrier to deployment. Combining NERS-accredited ICP expertise with downstream electrical contracting creates a single point of accountability for complex electrification tenders, potentially shortening timelines and reducing coordination risk for CPOs and site developers.
North East Ambulance Service installs rapid charger at University Hospital of North Tees to support electric vehicle rollout
North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has installed a dual rapid charger at University Hospital of North Tees, marking another step in its electric vehicle project across the region. The infrastructure supports NEAS's exploration of electric ambulances across a fleet of more than 600 vehicles operating from 63 stations and three operations centres. In 2025/26, the service attended 442,168 incidents and transported 298,307 patients to hospital.
Why it matters
The installation demonstrates inter NHS collaboration on charging infrastructure ahead of potential electric ambulance procurement, signalling demand for depot and hospital site charging solutions. With over 600 vehicles in scope, NEAS represents a significant fleet electrification opportunity for charge point operators and infrastructure suppliers in the North East.
Raw Charging and Sunderland AFC open 20 bay ultra-rapid hub at Stadium of Light
Raw Charging has launched a £750,000 public EV charging hub at Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light, comprising 16 ultra-rapid 150 kW chargers and four 300 kW units. The facility, described as the North East's largest public charging hub, is powered by 100% renewable energy and supports contactless payments and major charging apps. Raw Charging is funding, operating and maintaining the infrastructure, which is branded under Ready Eco as part of the club's sustainability programme.
Why it matters
The 20 bay installation demonstrates the viability of large scale charging hubs at sports and leisure venues, a model Raw Charging is replicating across UK hospitality sites. For CPOs and site hosts, the partnership shows how stadium car parks can generate revenue and sustainability credentials through third party funded infrastructure.
Raw · Sunderland AFC · Source
Blackburn with Darwen Council drops Chapel Grange EV charger scheme after review
Blackburn with Darwen Council has scrapped plans to install four dedicated EV charging bays at Chapel Grange in Chapeltown, a site identified in August correspondence as having significant potential for residents without off-street parking. The council confirmed the location will not be taken forward at present following a review, though it continues to roll out charging infrastructure across the borough.
Why it matters
The decision highlights how local opposition and site reviews can halt even modest four-bay schemes, underscoring the planning and community engagement challenges CPOs and councils face when expanding on-street charging networks in residential areas.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough secure LEVI funding for 5,585 charge points with Believ winning 15 year contract
Peterborough City Council has accepted £1,075,770 in LEVI funding and awarded a 15 year contract to Believ to install 1,058 charge points across the city, exceeding the minimum requirement of 185. Across the wider Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority region, Believ will deliver 5,585 charge points in total, with 4,655 funded through private investment and 4,527 to be deployed in Cambridgeshire using remaining LEVI funds. The original LEVI programme required at least 930 charge points across the region.
Why it matters
The joint procurement led by Peterborough demonstrates how LEVI funding can leverage substantial private investment, with Believ committing to deliver six times the minimum requirement. The 15 year contract term and focus on residents without off street parking signals a long term public charging infrastructure commitment for the region.
Policy & Market
UK fuel prices push EV running costs to nine times lower than petrol or diesel
Electric vehicles charged on off peak tariffs in the UK now cost around 2.3 pence per mile, compared with 20.1 pence for petrol and 21 pence for diesel, according to Carbon Brief analysis. Government figures show diesel prices climbed 38% to £1.96 per litre since February 2026, while petrol rose 31% to £1.72 per litre. The cost gap makes EVs up to nine times cheaper to run per mile than combustion vehicles.
Why it matters
The widening cost advantage strengthens the business case for fleet electrification and workplace charging infrastructure, as employers and fleet operators face mounting pressure to cut fuel budgets. Rising fuel prices may accelerate demand for public and home charging points, particularly those offering time of use tariffs that maximise savings for drivers.