Daily EV news · UK · 15 October 2026
EV Charging
Be.EV warns cumulative policy costs risk slowing UK electric vehicle transition
Charging network Be.EV has cautioned that new levies on electric vehicles could deter mainstream buyers at a critical adoption phase. From April 2028, the UK will introduce a pay per mile tax of 3p per mile for battery electric and hydrogen vehicles and 1.5p per mile for plug in hybrids, rising with inflation from 2029. This follows the April 2025 introduction of vehicle excise duty for EVs, and Be.EV argues the cumulative cost of policies may discourage practical motorists from switching from petrol and diesel.
Why it matters
For charge point operators and infrastructure investors, policy uncertainty around total cost of ownership can slow fleet electrification and reduce utilisation forecasts. Be.EV's warning signals that the next wave of demand depends on affordability, not early adopter enthusiasm, shaping where and how fast networks must scale.
Electric Vehicles
European battery safety project launches London pilot with Transport for London
The European Urban Battery Safety Intelligence initiative has begun a pilot in London, working with Transport for London to test battery monitoring across the bus network and micro-mobility fleets. The project, led by Norwegian firm EPTTAS, uses AI-driven analysis of operational battery data to identify fire risks before combustion occurs. The consortium includes TfL, the Danish Technological Institute, Acoustic Emission Service Oy and micro-mobility operator Ryde.
Why it matters
For CPOs and fleet operators, early detection systems that flag battery degradation before thermal events could reduce downtime, insurance costs and safety liabilities. Any rollout beyond the pilot will depend on evidence from London's bus and micro-mobility trials, potentially shaping procurement standards for battery monitoring across European transport networks.
Chery owned iCaur to launch V27 plug in hybrid SUV in UK early 2027
Chinese automotive group Chery will introduce iCaur, its fifth brand in the UK, in early 2027 with the V27 plug in hybrid SUV as its debut model. The Land Rover Defender sized vehicle launched in China with 450 bhp and a combined 600 mile range, though UK specifications including battery size and electric only range remain unconfirmed. The V27's interior won best premium car interior design at the 2026 Turin Automotive Design Awards.
Why it matters
The arrival of another Chery owned brand expands the competitive landscape for large plug in hybrid SUVs in the UK market, potentially increasing demand for charging infrastructure capable of serving premium PHEV customers. Pricing and electric range details, once confirmed, will clarify the vehicle's positioning and likely charging requirements for fleet and public network operators.
Actemium wins place on Network Rail's £13 million EV charging framework for Wales and West of England
Actemium UK has been appointed as one of two suppliers on Network Rail's £13 million framework to install EV charging infrastructure across up to 45 operational sites in Wales and the West of England. The programme will deploy chargers ranging from 22 kW AC to 150 kW DC rapid units at maintenance depots, offices and signalling locations to support Network Rail's transition to a zero emission road fleet by 2030. Actemium, the industry brand of VINCI Energies, will act as Principal Contractor delivering multidisciplinary engineering from site assessment through to commissioning, back office integration and staff training.
Why it matters
The framework demonstrates how major infrastructure operators are procuring turnkey EV charging programmes at scale, with Actemium's appointment covering full design, build and integration services across dozens of sites. For CPOs and contractors, it signals demand for flexible charging solutions tailored to mixed vehicle profiles and dwell times within operational fleet environments.
Changan opens UK orders for DEEPAL S05 Ultra PHEV with 62 miles electric range
Changan has launched UK orders for the DEEPAL S05 Ultra Plug-in Hybrid, which pairs a 1.5 litre petrol engine with an 18.4kWh battery delivering 62 miles of electric range. The PHEV variant, priced from £32,990, joins the existing electric model and will begin UK deliveries in late October. Total power output is 258PS, with fuel consumption of 139mpg on the WLTP cycle.
Why it matters
The arrival of another PHEV model in the UK market expands the pool of vehicles requiring workplace and public charging infrastructure, particularly for the 62 mile electric range that suits daily commuting. Fleet operators and charge point operators should note the growing PHEV segment as it drives demand for destination charging at offices, retail sites and residential locations.
Volvo EX30 Cargo qualifies for £2,500 UK electric van grant, priced from £33,529
Volvo has confirmed its fully electric EX30 Cargo is eligible for the UK Government's Zero Emission Van Grant (ZEVG), reducing the purchase price by £2,500 for business and fleet customers to £33,529 on the road. The compact commercial vehicle, based on the EX30 electric SUV, offers up to 1,000 litres of cargo capacity and a maximum payload of 390kg, with the rear seats replaced by a flat load floor and purpose designed bulkhead. The ZEVG is separate from the UK Government's Electric Car Grant for passenger vehicles.
Why it matters
The grant eligibility makes the EX30 Cargo a more accessible option for businesses transitioning to electric commercial vehicles, particularly those needing compact urban delivery solutions. Fleet operators and businesses procuring light commercial vehicles can now access a premium electric van at a reduced entry price point through government support.
ScotVolt planning tool opens to Scottish hauliers for electric HGV route testing
Transport Scotland has launched ScotVolt, an interactive dashboard built by Heriot-Watt University that simulates electric HGV operations on Scotland's busiest freight routes, announced on 13 October 2026. The tool draws on around 80,000 real truck journeys and allows fleet managers to model charging needs, electricity demand and grid capacity by selecting season, route, depot type and battery size. Scottish hauliers, delivery companies and logistics firms are now invited to test the tool against their own operations and provide feedback.
Why it matters
The dashboard gives fleet operators and charging planners evidence based data to site depots and public charging infrastructure for heavy goods vehicles, potentially accelerating procurement decisions by removing uncertainty around route feasibility and grid connection requirements. For CPOs and local authorities, the tool identifies where HGV charging demand will concentrate across Scotland's freight network.
Policy & Market
UK fleet sector calls for VAT cuts on public charging and grid reform ahead of Autumn Budget 2026
With the Autumn Budget set for 28 October, fleet operators are urging Chancellor John Healey to reduce VAT on public EV charging and accelerate grid reforms to ease fleet electrification. The sector also seeks clarity on fuel duty, which is legislated to rise from 5p per litre now to 8p in January and 10p in March. Paul Holland of Corpay said uncertainty over fuel costs complicates 2027 planning, as fuel remains a major expense affecting vehicle investment and budgets.
Why it matters
Lower VAT on public charging would improve the business case for fleet electrification, while grid reform could unlock faster depot infrastructure rollout. Fuel duty clarity is critical for fleet operators weighing the timing and scale of EV adoption against diesel operating costs.
UK planning rule from 21 October eases cable installs for 3.5 million without driveways, but conservation areas excluded
From 21 October, homeowners and renters in England can install cross-pavement EV charging cables without traditional planning permission, enabling charging at 0 per cent domestic VAT instead of 20 per cent public rates. The change aims to help around 3.5 million people without off-street parking, though residents in approximately 10,000 conservation areas remain excluded and must still seek full planning permission. Local highway authorities must approve installations, with concerns raised about a postcode lottery in approval timescales.
Why it matters
The rule shift could accelerate residential charging infrastructure rollout by removing a planning barrier for millions, though the conservation area exclusion and reliance on local authority approvals may create uneven market access for charge point operators targeting kerbside or cross-pavement solutions.