Daily EV news · UK · 9 October 2026
EV Charging
InstaVolt opens 16 ultra-rapid chargers at Serpentine Green in Peterborough
InstaVolt has launched a 16-bay ultra-rapid charging hub at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre in Hampton, Peterborough, near Junction 17 of the A1. The site includes four fully accessible bays and four dual-connector chargers offering both CCS and CHAdeMO connections, all powered by 100% renewable energy and available 24/7. InstaVolt App users pay 55p per kWh between 8pm and 7am.
Why it matters
The hub adds significant ultra-rapid capacity in a high-footfall retail location with strong road links, demonstrating continued rollout momentum for InstaVolt. The inclusion of accessible bays and dual-connector units reflects procurement priorities around inclusivity and vehicle compatibility in public charging infrastructure.
Believ wins 15 year deal to install over 600 chargers across Ayrshire councils
CPO Believ has secured a 15 year partnership with three Ayrshire councils to install more than 600 EV chargers at around 300 locations, with installation starting in early 2027. The project combines over £2.8m from the Scottish Government's EV Infrastructure Fund with more than £15m in committed capital investment from Believ, delivered alongside Transport Scotland and the Scottish Futures Trust. The rollout will provide a mix of charging speeds across East Ayrshire (roughly 180 chargers), North Ayrshire (210 chargers) and South Ayrshire (220 chargers), including urban, rural and island communities such as the Isle of Arran.
Why it matters
This major regional procurement demonstrates how Scottish councils are bundling requirements to attract substantial private capital, with Believ committing over five times the public grant in a long term concession model. The 15 year operating agreement and mixed speed infrastructure approach offers a template for other UK local authorities seeking to extend charging access without upfront capital outlay.
Believ to install more than 600 chargers across Ayrshire in 15 year council partnership
EV charge point operator Believ has secured a 15 year agreement with three Ayrshire councils to install more than 600 chargers at around 300 locations, with installation beginning in early 2027. The project combines over £2.8m from the Scottish Government's EV Infrastructure Fund with more than £15m in committed capital investment from Believ, delivered alongside Transport Scotland and the Scottish Futures Trust. The rollout includes roughly 180 chargers for East Ayrshire, 210 for North Ayrshire and 220 for South Ayrshire, with passive infrastructure for over 450 additional chargers to enable future upgrades without disruptive roadworks.
Why it matters
This major regional deployment demonstrates how CPOs can secure long term public sector contracts by combining government funding with substantial private capital, creating a scalable model for rural and island charging access. The inclusion of passive infrastructure for 450 additional chargers shows forward planning that reduces future deployment costs and speeds network expansion as EV adoption grows.
Roam Charging offers businesses up to £1,000 per unit to replace outdated EV chargers
Roam Charging has launched a replacement initiative paying businesses £500 per single socket charger and £1,000 per dual socket charger to swap out ageing, faulty or non compliant infrastructure. The scheme, announced in October 2026, targets workplaces, hotels and residential developments with older equipment in communal parking bays, replacing them with fully managed, OCPP compliant Roam chargers under long term lease or site agreements at no upfront cost.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses a growing problem of legacy charging infrastructure that may be unreliable or non compliant, offering CPOs and property owners a funded route to modernise sites while Roam secures long term deployment agreements and potential revenue share arrangements.
Octopus Energy launches FleetBoost scheme offering up to 30% discount on UK public EV charging
Octopus Energy has introduced FleetBoost, a subscription service giving commercial EV fleets discounted access to public charging networks including MFG EV Power, IONITY and Be.EV. The company estimates businesses could save up to £730 per vehicle annually, based on 15,000 miles per year at 0.3 kWh per mile efficiency, with savings of up to 30% on charging costs after subscription fees. Additional charging networks are expected to join the programme in future.
Why it matters
Fleet operators managing multiple EVs can now consolidate public charging procurement under a single discounted contract, potentially reducing operational costs significantly for businesses reliant on rapid and high power charging infrastructure. The scheme addresses cost predictability and network access, two key barriers to commercial fleet electrification that influence CPO partnership strategies.
Electric Vehicles
Wilson James deploys first electric HGV at Heathrow via Fraikin five year contract
Logistics firm Wilson James has taken delivery of a 26 tonne Daf XD Electric rigid truck on a five year full service contract hire from fleet specialist Fraikin, replacing a diesel vehicle in its Heathrow operation. The electric HGV will transport construction materials from a consolidation centre to airport projects, supported by Fraikin's FleetCare maintenance network with level three EV trained technicians for on site and roadside repairs. Fraikin conducted a comprehensive operational audit covering payload demands, shift patterns, annual mileage and charging infrastructure before selecting the vehicle.
Why it matters
The deployment shows how fleet operators are using specialist consultancy and maintenance packages to de risk first electric HGV adoptions, with detailed site audits and mobile technician support addressing key barriers to commercial vehicle electrification. The Heathrow logistics use case demonstrates electric rigids entering short haul construction supply chains where predictable routes and depot charging align with current battery range.
KGM Torres EVX qualifies for £1,500 UK Electric Car Grant, cutting price to £35,495
The all-electric KGM Torres EVX now benefits from the UK Government's £1,500 Electric Car Grant, reducing its starting price to £35,495. The South Korean SUV features a 73.4kWh BYD battery with 287 mile range and 130kW fast charging, achieving 10% to 80% charge in 28 minutes. KGM's Musso EV pick-up also qualifies for the £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant, bringing its price to £39,995 and making it the UK's most affordable electric pick-up compared to rivals priced from £57,845.
Why it matters
The grant eligibility makes KGM's EVs significantly more competitive in UK fleet and retail markets, potentially driving demand for charging infrastructure at dealerships and workplaces. The Musso EV's price advantage over established pick-up rivals could accelerate commercial fleet electrification and associated depot charging requirements.
Monmouthshire County Council launches 12 vehicle car club to cut grey fleet and emissions
Monmouthshire County Council has introduced a car club pilot with Enterprise Car Club, deploying 12 hybrid and electric vehicles at key council sites to replace ageing pool cars and reduce staff reliance on personal vehicles for business travel. Employees can now book low emission cars by the hour or day via an app, aiming to lower carbon emissions and operational costs previously driven by grey fleet use. Councillor Catrin Maby said the scheme offers convenient, affordable access to low emission transport for staff.
Why it matters
The pilot demonstrates how local authorities are shifting procurement from owned fleets to flexible car club models, potentially opening recurring service contracts for mobility providers. It also signals growing public sector demand for turnkey EV and hybrid solutions that reduce capital expenditure and grey fleet liability.
BMW prices iX5 electric SUV from £85,375, undercutting diesel X5 in UK launch
BMW has announced UK pricing for its new X5 range, with the iX5 60e xDrive electric model starting at £85,375, slightly below the £85,885 diesel X5. The iX5 features a 141kWh battery delivering 525 miles of range and charges at up to 460kW, while the X5 50e xDrive plug in hybrid is priced at £86,870. BMW will not offer petrol engines in UK market X5 models at launch and plans to add an M Performance variant to the iX5 range later.
Why it matters
The 460kW charging capability positions the iX5 among the fastest charging production vehicles, signalling increased demand for ultra rapid charging infrastructure above 350kW. Fleet operators and workplace charging providers may need to assess infrastructure upgrades as premium electric SUVs with larger batteries and higher charging speeds enter the market.
Policy & Market
UK Government considers tariffs of up to 40% on Chinese EVs to align with EU trade policy
The UK Government is reportedly considering tariffs of up to 40% on Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, following meetings between Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. The move aims to align the UK with the EU's Made in Europe legislation. MG Motors' commercial director warned that such tariffs would drive up consumer prices and potentially increase inflation and interest rates.
Why it matters
Higher EV prices from tariffs could slow fleet electrification and reduce demand for charging infrastructure, while policy alignment with the EU may reshape which vehicle brands dominate the UK market and influence CPO site planning.
UK ZEHID programme reports 172 electric HGVs have covered 3.6 million kilometres, but grid connection remains key barrier
The UK Government's Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, backed by over £200 million and run with Innovate UK, has published its annual report showing 172 funded battery electric trucks across 35 operators have travelled 3.6 million kilometres and carried 550,000 tonnes of cargo, cutting 4,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Three projects within ZEHID (Electric Freightway, eFreight 2030 and ZENFreight) are now in live commercial operation with trucks from six manufacturers, though a fourth hydrogen focused project, HyHAUL, was cancelled last year. The report identifies charging infrastructure as the main bottleneck, with grid connection times and costs varying significantly, while the UK still lags behind countries such as Germany in eHGV market share.
Why it matters
For charge point operators and infrastructure developers, the report confirms that grid connection challenges remain the primary constraint on scaling depot charging for heavy goods vehicles, a segment requiring high power installations. With over £200 million in government backing and 35 operators now running electric HGVs commercially, the programme signals growing demand for megawatt scale charging solutions despite current grid barriers.