Daily EV news · UK · 7 October 2026
EV Charging
Polestar launches two cheaper charging subscriptions from £6.99 per month across UK and Europe
Polestar has introduced Polestar Charge Plus at £6.99 per month, offering a 15% discount across five ultra-rapid networks and access to over 11,000 UK charge points, and Polestar Charge Pro at £12.99 per month with a 30% discount across seven networks including 600kW Ionity sites and access to over 12,000 UK charge points. The packages represent a 35% and 48% respective increase in UK site access, and form part of the Polestar Charge solution covering over 1.25 million public charging points across Europe, including the Tesla Supercharger network. The service is standard on all new and approved pre-owned Polestar models and integrates with Google Maps for route planning.
Why it matters
The tiered subscription model signals growing competition among OEMs to bundle charging access as a customer retention tool, potentially pressuring independent CPOs on pricing. Polestar's inclusion of Ionity's 600kW sites and the Tesla Supercharger network highlights the strategic importance of interoperability and ultra-rapid infrastructure in manufacturer charging propositions.
Fastned opens 12-bay ultra-rapid charging hub on A1 at OK Diner restaurant
Fastned has launched a 12-bay electric vehicle charging hub on the A1 northbound at Cromwell, next to the OK Diner restaurant. The site offers up to 400 kW of charging power from renewable energy, capable of adding up to 200 miles of range in ten minutes. The launch featured 1950s themed celebrations including milkshakes and live music powered by a Farizon EV van.
Why it matters
The deployment adds significant ultra-rapid capacity on a major north to south corridor, targeting both consumer and fleet traffic. The 400 kW power output and 12-bay configuration represent substantial infrastructure investment at a strategic motorway location.
Electric Vehicles
Kia EV2 logs 3,386 UK registrations as brand captures 4.8 per cent of European EV market
Kia reported 3,386 UK registrations for its EV2 compact electric SUV year to date, including 1,753 in September alone, when it became the country's most popular retail market EV with 1,429 units. The model went on sale in Europe and the UK in April and delivered over 8,000 units in its first three full months. Kia's European EV registrations rose 58 per cent year on year through August, giving the brand a 4.8 per cent share and seventh place overall, with particularly strong growth in France, Germany, the UK, Spain and Italy.
Why it matters
The rapid uptake of a new entry level electric SUV signals sustained retail appetite for affordable EVs and underscores the infrastructure demand that will follow as Kia expands its electric range across Europe. Charge point operators and site hosts should note the brand's momentum in key markets where deployment pipelines are already stretched.
Geotab telematics pilot with Openreach targets 23,000 vehicle fleet rollout
Commercial fleet telematics firm Geotab has begun an early adopter trial with Openreach Fleet, testing vehicle data insights across a pilot group before potential deployment to more than 23,000 company cars and commercial vans. The system monitors vehicle performance, fuel consumption and driver behaviour to support maintenance planning, efficiency gains and the transition to lower emission vehicles. Openreach operates one of the UK's second largest commercial fleets, with engineers driving millions of miles annually to build and maintain the country's digital network.
Why it matters
A full rollout would make this one of the largest telematics deployments in UK commercial fleets, offering procurement teams a reference case for data driven fleet electrification and maintenance planning at scale. The focus on fuel consumption and lower emission vehicle transitions signals potential demand for EV charging infrastructure across Openreach's operational footprint.
John G Russell takes delivery of three Scania hydrogen fuel cell trucks for UK trials
Glasgow based transport operator John G Russell has received three prototype Scania fuel cell electric vehicles at the Eurocentral service branch as part of the ZENFreight project under the Department for Transport funded ZEHID programme. The trucks, part of a 16 vehicle European pilot fleet, feature a 400 kW electric machine, 416 kWh battery capacity offering up to 300 km electric only range at 44 tonnes GVW, a 300 kW Cummins fuel cell, and 56 kg hydrogen storage at 700 bar. The field testing aims to assess hydrogen vehicle viability across different operational use cases, climates and topographies.
Why it matters
This deployment provides real world performance data on hydrogen HGV technology for UK logistics operators and demonstrates public sector support for zero emission freight infrastructure through the ZEHID programme. The trial will inform future procurement decisions for heavy goods vehicle fleets considering hydrogen as an alternative to battery electric or diesel powertrains.
RAC Warranty extends battery failure coverage to 12 years or 80,000 miles on EV One policy
RAC Warranty has extended its battery failure coverage to 12 years or 80,000 miles on its EV One policy, which applies to EVs, plug-in hybrids, and mild hybrids. RAC dealers can sell cover for up to 48 months, with the claim limit set at the vehicle's purchase price and replacement batteries guaranteed to match the original unit's energy capacity. During the first six months of 2026, RAC Warranty sold more EV policies than in the whole of 2025.
Why it matters
Extended warranty coverage addressing battery longevity concerns may reduce total cost of ownership barriers for fleet operators and corporate buyers evaluating EV procurement. The policy's growth signals rising confidence in the used EV market, potentially expanding the addressable customer base for charging infrastructure providers.
KGM Torres EVX and Musso EV now eligible for UK government grants
KGM Motors UK has confirmed that its Torres EVX SUV qualifies for the £1,500 Electric Car Grant, reducing its entry price from £35,495, while the Musso EV pickup is eligible for the £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant, bringing its price to £39,995 including VAT. The Torres EVX offers 287 miles of WLTP range from a 73.4kWh BYD lithium iron phosphate battery and can charge from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes with a suitable rapid charger. Both grants are applied directly through retailers without separate applications.
Why it matters
Lower upfront costs through government grants may accelerate fleet adoption of these models, particularly the Musso EV for commercial operators. The Torres EVX's 28 minute rapid charging time and vehicle to load capability could influence depot charging infrastructure planning for mixed use fleets.
Policy & Market
Associated Asphalt warns UK roads may not cope with heavier electric HGVs as fleet electrification accelerates
Associated Asphalt has raised concerns about the UK road network's readiness for electric HGVs, which can weigh two to three tonnes more than diesel equivalents due to battery packs. More than 1,000 zero emission HGVs are now registered in the UK, with registrations up 170.5% in 2025, ahead of government mandates phasing out non zero emission HGVs up to 26 tonnes from 2035 and all new HGVs from 2040. The company warns that increased axle loads risk accelerated road wear, including structural damage, rutting and potholes, citing US research in New York that estimates heavier electric trucks could increase annual road and bridge repair costs.
Why it matters
Depot operators and fleet managers planning charging infrastructure for electric HGVs may face additional site preparation costs if local road access requires reinforcement to handle heavier vehicles. Procurement teams evaluating electric HGV tenders should factor in potential weight related infrastructure upgrades alongside charging installation budgets.