Daily EV news · UK · 8 October 2026
EV Charging
MFG extends 20p per kWh discount on ultra-rapid charging for app users
Motor Fuel Group has extended a 25% discount on ultra-rapid charging, reducing prices from 79p to 59p per kWh for MFG Connect App customers. The operator currently runs more than 1,000 devices (150kW to 400kW) across nearly 600 locations, including 300 chargers at Morrisons forecourts. MFG plans to invest £400 million by 2030 to deploy over 3,000 ultra-rapid chargers across 500 sites.
Why it matters
The pricing move and £400 million capital commitment signal aggressive expansion by the UK's largest forecourt operator, intensifying competition for ultra-rapid charging contracts at retail and motorway sites. Procurement teams and site hosts should note MFG's scale ambitions and willingness to use promotional pricing to build customer loyalty during network buildout.
Humax launches 22 kW commercial EV charger for UK fleet and workplace sites
Humax EV Charging has introduced the MX Pro 22 kW charger to the UK market, targeting commercial fleet, depot and workplace charging applications. The unit features intelligent vehicle authentication, open Charge Point Management System integration and a pre-wiring system called MX Ready, which uses a backplate and protective dummy cover to allow electrical preparation before chargers are installed.
Why it matters
The MX Ready pre-wiring approach could reduce deployment timescales and costs for large-scale fleet and workplace projects, giving procurement teams and CPOs a faster route to scaling up charging infrastructure at multi-unit sites.
Shell Card adds Source ultra-rapid hubs to UK roaming network
Shell Fleet Solutions has integrated Source's UK ultra-rapid charging hubs into the Shell Card roaming network, giving fleet customers access to sites featuring at least 150kW chargers. Source operates more than half a dozen roaming partnerships and plans to open 300 ultra-rapid hubs across the UK and Ireland by 2030, all targeting 99% uptime and powered by renewable energy. Shell Card already provides access to over 72,000 public charge points across the UK.
Why it matters
The deal expands procurement options for fleet operators using Shell Card while reinforcing the commercial case for Source's hub rollout through guaranteed fleet demand. For CPOs, the partnership highlights how roaming agreements with major fuel card networks can accelerate utilisation at new ultra-rapid sites.
Source · Shell Card · Source
UK adds 8,686 EV chargers in first nine months of 2026, up 9% year on year
The UK installed 8,686 new EV chargers from January to September 2026, a 9% year on year increase, bringing the total to 124,738 chargers across 48,298 locations, according to Zapmap data. En route charging grew fastest at 23.1% year on year to 14,053 chargers, while ultra rapid chargers of 150kW or higher surged 39.1% to 15,335 units. On street charging rose 13.4% to 41,374 chargers, and rapid charger numbers fell as devices were upgraded to higher power ratings.
Why it matters
The shift to ultra rapid and en route infrastructure signals where CPOs and funders are prioritising capital, with high power hubs outpacing slower on street rollout. Procurement teams should note the upgrade cycle replacing rapid chargers with faster units, which may create equipment refresh opportunities.
Brighton and Hove switches 500 on-street chargepoints to Believ and Char.gy, cuts tariffs
Brighton and Hove City Council is transferring 500 existing on-street chargepoints from Blink Charging UK to Believ and Char.gy from 15 October, bringing lower rates for overnight standard charging and all fast and rapid sessions. The council has installed 500 new chargepoints since March, plans a further 600 in the next six months, and will begin deploying 50 new rapid chargers in October. A separate trial will test pavement gullies for 200 households to run home charging cables.
Why it matters
The operator handover shows councils actively re-tendering to improve pricing and service for residents, while the 1,100 unit pipeline and 50 rapid rollout signal sustained capital deployment. Procurement teams and CPOs should note the shift toward dual-operator models and the emerging interest in kerb-side cable infrastructure as councils seek to close the home-charging gap.
Electric Vehicles
Ex-fleet EVs lead used sector resilience as diesel residuals fall, reports Cazana
Used car retail values fell 0.2% (around £50) in September 2026 at the three year defleet milestone, the first monthly drop of the year, according to Cazana. Electric vehicles recorded the highest percentage value increases for the sixth consecutive month, rising 1.6% (around £330) at three years old, with ex-fleet EV retail prices up 9.1% (nearly £2,000) over six months. Cazana attributes the EV resilience to realistic secondary market pricing versus internal combustion engine alternatives and rising forecourt fuel prices.
Why it matters
Fleet operators and remarketing managers face a shifting used wholesale landscape where ex-fleet EVs are holding value far better than diesel alternatives, potentially influencing procurement decisions and total cost of ownership calculations. The sustained demand for three year old EVs suggests stronger residual values for corporate fleets transitioning to electric, reducing financial risk for operators planning defleet cycles.
Kia PV5 Passenger seven-seat EV qualifies for £1,500 Electric Car Grant
Kia's seven-seat PV5 Passenger electric people carrier now qualifies for the UK Government's Band 2 Electric Car Grant, cutting the on-the-road price by £1,500 to £35,495. The model features a 71.2 kWh battery offering up to 246 miles of range (WLTP) and 150 kW DC charging (10% to 80% in under 30 minutes), with flexible seating for families, shuttle operators, ride-hailing and airport transfers. The grant applies to all grades, including the new Elite trim.
Why it matters
The grant eligibility opens a lower-cost route for fleet operators and shared-mobility providers to deploy seven-seat electric vehicles, potentially accelerating electrification in shuttle, airport and ride-hailing segments. The 150 kW charging capability and sub-30-minute top-up align with commercial duty cycles, making the PV5 a practical option for high-utilisation fleets seeking grant-supported procurement.
UK Power Networks orders 15 electric excavators after two year London trial
UK Power Networks and Falco Construction are expanding their electric excavator fleet from two to 17 machines following a successful two year trial of Takeuchi TB20e models that began in 2024. The trial won the Environmental Innovation Award at the City of London's Considerate Contractors Street Works scheme in 2025. The new machines will work on groundworks and underground cable projects across London's electricity network, offering zero tailpipe emissions and reduced noise for urban utility construction.
Why it matters
The 15 machine order demonstrates that electric excavators can meet utility groundworks specifications at scale, opening procurement opportunities for contractors working on urban network infrastructure. The award winning trial provides a replicable model for electricity network operators seeking to decarbonise construction fleets while meeting urban noise and emissions requirements.
Audi A2 e-tron opens order books at £30,700 after grant with 397 mile range
Audi has launched the A2 e-tron in the UK with prices starting at £32,200, falling to £30,700 for the 52kWh variant after the £1,500 Government Band 2 Electric Car Grant. Built on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, the compact hatchback offers three battery options (52kWh, 61kWh and 84kWh) with ranges from 261 to 397 miles and four power outputs from 170hp to 326hp. Four trim levels (Technik, Sport, S Line and Edition 1) will be available at launch.
Why it matters
The sub £31,000 entry point and 397 mile maximum range position the A2 e-tron as a premium competitor in the affordable long range segment, potentially driving demand for workplace and destination charging infrastructure. Its MEB platform compatibility with ID.3 and Cupra Born models may influence CPO site planning where fleet operators seek shared charging solutions across Volkswagen Group vehicles.
Fleet electrification business case now requires scenario planning as costs and residuals shift, EY-Parthenon tells webinar
A Fleet World webinar heard Edwin Kemp of EY-Parthenon argue that fleet EV business cases can no longer rely on single total cost of ownership calculations, given volatility in energy prices, residual values and incentives. EY-Parthenon research suggests fleet electrification could unlock cumulative operating cost savings running into the hundreds of billions across Europe by 2030, driven by lower energy costs and reduced servicing spend, though Kemp stressed savings depend on how fleets are operated. The panel, which also featured Mel Creedy of Northgate Mobility and Abhinav Vasu of Geotab, identified charging mix, duty cycles, downtime and battery state of health certification as commonly underestimated variables.
Why it matters
The shift from static TCO models to scenario based planning reflects growing complexity in fleet charging procurement, where operators must now stress test charging infrastructure against multiple energy price and utilisation pathways. The emphasis on battery health certification and charging mix as value drivers signals new commercial opportunities for CPOs able to offer data backed residual value assurance and flexible tariff structures.
Jaguar Type 01 electric car launch termed make or break as JLR cuts 4,000 jobs
Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled the Type 01 electric car after investing billions to reinvent the Jaguar brand, with Professor David Bailey of the University of Birmingham calling it make or break for the marque. The launch comes as JLR announced 4,000 job cuts across its Solihull, Wolverhampton and Halewood sites, citing Chinese competition, US tariffs and the electric transition. Bailey described the situation as a perfect storm for the firm, which has struggled since a cyber attack last year, and noted the luxury electric car market remains in its infancy.
Why it matters
The Type 01 launch signals a major strategic pivot for a legacy OEM under financial pressure, potentially reshaping demand for premium charging infrastructure if the luxury electric segment grows. JLR's workforce reduction and market challenges underscore the volatility facing automotive suppliers and charging operators tied to traditional manufacturers transitioning to electric.
Hyundai Ioniq 3 draws record UK prelaunch interest at £18,495 entry price
Hyundai's Ioniq 3 compact electric hatchback, priced from £18,495 (around $25,000) after the UK's £3,750 Electric Car Grant, has generated more prelaunch registrations than any previous Hyundai model in the UK, the company announced following order opening on 5 October. The entry Advance trim pairs a 42 kWh battery with 213 miles WLTP range, while an extended range version with 61 kWh offers 308 miles from £21,995, undercutting rivals including the Renault 5 E-Tech at £21,495 and BYD Dolphin G DM-i at £23,990.
Why it matters
A sub £20,000 long range EV entering the UK market in volume could accelerate fleet electrification and workplace charging demand among cost conscious operators. The strong prelaunch response signals potential for higher EV adoption rates in segments that have previously found new electric models prohibitively expensive.
Grid & Energy
UK homeowner cuts daytime grid use by 65 kWh in first week after installing 10 kWh battery and solar
A UK household on Octopus Go reduced daytime grid imports from roughly 80 kWh to around 15 kWh in the first week after installing two Anker Solarbank 4 Pro units (10 kWh total) and four 410 watt solar panels, according to a Reddit post. The system avoided approximately 65 kWh of peak rate purchases (30.1p per kWh) by storing 30 kWh during the day and using 10 kWh directly, delivering a net saving of about £16.50 in the first week. Overnight charging at 8.5p per kWh cost around £3 for 35 kWh.
Why it matters
The case demonstrates measurable payback velocity for residential battery and solar combinations on time of use tariffs, a model that could inform business cases for domestic storage rollouts. For installers and equipment suppliers, the data point offers a real world reference for customer savings claims in the UK market.
Policy & Market
UK Government weighs tariffs on Chinese EVs as Burnham prepares EU talks on Made in Europe rules
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has asked officials to examine potential tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph, The Times and Financial Times. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering the move ahead of meetings with EU leaders, as the UK seeks inclusion in the EU's Made in Europe programme to avoid trade barriers when the rules are debated at year end. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has warned that exclusion from Made in Europe provisions would deny UK built vehicles access to EU incentives and member state procurement, putting domestic production at a competitive disadvantage in its largest market.
Why it matters
Any tariff regime or exclusion from EU procurement frameworks could reshape the competitive landscape for charge point operators serving fleets, as Chinese EV brands now rank among the UK's most popular purchases. UK manufacturers fear reciprocal Chinese tariffs would reduce domestic vehicle demand and sourcing of EU components, potentially affecting the scale and location of fleet electrification projects.
Conservation areas excluded from new EV pavement charging rules in England
Electric vehicle owners in England's approximately 10,000 conservation areas will not benefit from new permitted development rights allowing charging cables to cross pavements without planning permission, following a late change to legislation coming into force on 21 October. The Times reports these areas are home to around 6.8 million people, with an estimated 3.4 million without driveways. Cross pavement charging solutions in conservation areas will still require planning permission, while residents elsewhere in England can install domestic EV chargepoints and use pavement embedded cable channels without prior approval.
Why it matters
The exclusion creates a two tier regulatory landscape for residential charging deployment, potentially slowing infrastructure rollout in historic urban centres where off street parking is often scarce. Charge point operators and local authorities will need to navigate separate planning processes for conservation area installations, adding cost and complexity to projects targeting on street charging demand.
Burnham may raise Chinese EV tariffs with EU as Jaecoo 7 tops UK sales
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to discuss tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles with EU counterparts, meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz today ahead of a UK and EU summit next month. The Telegraph reports the EU will emphasise the importance of such tariffs. A Chinese vehicle, the Jaecoo 7, was the UK's best selling car in September with almost 11,000 sales.
Why it matters
Tariffs on Chinese EVs could reshape procurement costs and competitive dynamics for UK charge point operators, particularly if alignment with EU policy affects vehicle availability or pricing for fleet electrification projects.