Daily EV news · UK · 23 October 2026
EV Charging
Bidfood installs UK's first overhead charging gantry at Slough depot with four bays and 600kW Kempower charger
Bidfood has opened a four bay overhead charging gantry at its Slough depot, believed to be the first of its kind at a UK commercial transport depot. Unveiled on 20 October, the infrastructure uses a 600kW Kempower charger to power four charging points and was delivered by Erinion, part of the Scania group, with support from the Government's Depot Charging Scheme. The cantilevered overhead design allowed installation without losing parking spaces or disrupting operations, and the system is scalable for future fleet expansion.
Why it matters
The overhead gantry design offers a space efficient depot charging solution that avoids operational disruption, a key consideration for commercial fleet operators planning electrification. The project demonstrates how government grant schemes and specialist infrastructure partners can enable innovative charging deployments at scale for heavy goods vehicle fleets.
Electric Vehicles
Used EV and hybrid prices rise to £14,299 as average age falls to 4.7 years
Average used electric and hybrid vehicle prices climbed to £14,299 in September, marking a second consecutive monthly increase, according to Dealer Auction's EV Performance Review. The rise was driven by younger, lower mileage stock entering the market, with average age dropping to 4.7 years and mileage falling to 38,100 miles, 44% lower than July's peak. Bids received increased by 7.6%, approaching the record set in March, while used EVs and hybrids accounted for 10% of all used car sales in September.
Why it matters
The influx of younger used EVs signals stronger residual values and growing market maturity, which could ease fleet operators' total cost of ownership concerns and support business case confidence for charging infrastructure investments. Rising used EV market share also expands the addressable customer base for home and workplace charging providers beyond new vehicle buyers.
Omoda E5 electric SUV reviewed at £33,000 with 267 mile range and 130kW charging
Connor Smith reviewed the Omoda E5, an electric SUV priced at £33,000 with a 211PS motor, 61kWh battery and claimed WLTP range of 267 miles. The vehicle supports DC rapid charging up to 130kW, achieving 10 to 80 per cent charge in around 28 minutes. The review, published on YouTube, highlights premium seating and ease of use for fleet and company car applications.
Why it matters
The E5's combination of competitive pricing, practical range and fast charging positions it as a viable option for fleet managers evaluating everyday electric SUVs. Its focus on driver comfort and straightforward operation addresses key adoption criteria in the company car market.
Grid & Energy
UK home solar users report export rates falling close to zero, raising battery storage priority
Households with rooftop solar in the UK are reporting that export rates paid by suppliers for surplus electricity are declining toward zero, according to a discussion in the r/SolarUK forum. Contributors noted that while self-consumed solar power remains free to use, the value of exported electricity is falling, with one user on Agile Export confirming the trend is already underway. The shift is prompting concern that rising standing charges and shrinking export income will make battery storage essential to capture the full economic benefit of home solar systems.
Why it matters
For EV charging operators and installers, the trend underscores growing demand for home battery storage to maximise solar self-consumption, which could drive bundled solar, battery and EV charger propositions. It also signals that domestic solar economics are tilting away from grid export income, potentially influencing residential energy management and smart charging strategies.
Policy & Market
China warns UK against following EU tariffs on Chinese EVs as trade tensions escalate
China's Ministry of Commerce warned on 19 October it would retaliate if the UK imposes tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, following reports the EU has given Britain an ultimatum to levy tariffs or lose Made In Europe benefits under the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act. UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told a government committee on 20 October that tariff decisions remain under close review. Chinese brands captured 23% of the UK market in September, with BYD becoming the second best selling brand.
Why it matters
Any UK tariffs on Chinese EVs could reshape procurement costs and supplier strategies for charge point operators, as Chinese brands now hold nearly a quarter of the UK market and drive significant charging infrastructure demand. Trade restrictions may also affect the economics of charging networks built around Chinese vehicle partnerships.