Daily EV news · UK · 27 October 2026
EV Charging
Zest opens 12 ultra-rapid chargers at KFC, Costa Coffee and Burger King sites
Zest has installed 12 new ultra-rapid EV charging spaces across three UK food and drink locations: two KFC sites in Winsford and Nottingham (four 150kW chargers each, delivered with franchise operator Gastronomy Foods) and a Costa Coffee and Burger King development in Banbury (four 160kW chargers, delivered with Stephen James Property). The Leeds based charge point operator, backed by the government sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, already operates charging sites at Starbucks, Five Guys, Tesco, Aldi, Home Bargains, Co-op and shopping centres including Metrocentre, Frenchgate and Merry Hill.
Why it matters
The rollout demonstrates how government backed capital (CIIF) is enabling CPOs to secure high footfall food and drink locations, a competitive site category for ultra-rapid charging. Zest's franchise and property developer partnerships offer a replicable model for scaling charging infrastructure at hospitality destinations.
Zest opens 12 ultra-rapid chargers at KFC, Costa Coffee and Burger King sites
Zest has installed 12 new ultra-rapid EV charging spaces across three UK food and drink locations: two KFC sites in Winsford and Nottingham (four 150kW chargers each, delivered with franchise operator Gastronomy Foods) and one Costa Coffee and Burger King development in Banbury (four 160kW chargers, delivered with Stephen James Property). The Leeds based charge point operator, backed by the government sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, already operates charging sites at Starbucks, Five Guys, Tesco, Aldi, Home Bargains, Co-op and shopping centres including Metrocentre, Frenchgate and Merry Hill.
Why it matters
The rollout demonstrates how food and drink destinations are becoming anchor tenants for ultra-rapid charging infrastructure, offering procurement teams a proven model for pairing hospitality sites with high power charging. Government backed funding through CIIF is enabling large scale deployment that anticipates future demand across retail and hospitality sectors.
Allye Energy launches 400kW ultra-rapid EV charger built from repurposed batteries
Clean tech innovator Allye Energy has launched MEV, the world's first dedicated EV charger with built-in battery storage made from whole repurposed electric vehicle packs. The UK engineered and built unit delivers up to 400kW ultra-rapid charging to two vehicles simultaneously without costly grid upgrades, with prices starting at £70,000 and deliveries expected in Q2 2027 to align with Round 2 of the UK Government's Depot Charging Scheme. The system uses batteries from UK registered vehicles and 95% British sourced components.
Why it matters
MEV addresses grid capacity constraints that cause depot connection waits of 18 to 36 months and up to 15 years in some cases, a barrier cited by operators and the UK government as the biggest obstacle to fleet electrification. The battery storage approach allows charge point operators to deploy ultra-rapid charging without waiting for grid upgrades, potentially accelerating procurement timelines for depot and public charging infrastructure.
Electric Vehicles
Toyota C-HR+ records 7.65 miles per kWh at EV Rally Cymru, exceeding official rating
A Toyota C-HR+ achieved a verified efficiency of 7.65 miles per kWh during the 385 mile Electric Vehicle Rally Cymru held from 21 to 22 October, beating its official rating of 4.64 miles per kWh and ranking as the most efficient vehicle at the event. The route ran from Cardiff to Toyota's Deeside engine plant in North Wales, with World Rally Champion Elfyn Evans among the drivers of the factory specification C-HR+ Design model.
Why it matters
The result demonstrates real world efficiency potential that may influence fleet procurement decisions and charging infrastructure planning, as higher miles per kWh figures reduce charging frequency requirements and operational costs for commercial EV deployments.
Mazda CX-6e secures 55% residual value ahead of UK launch, outpacing fleet rivals on whole-life costs
The Mazda CX-6e electric SUV has achieved a 55% residual value forecast from CAP based on three years and 30,000 miles, positioning it ahead of key fleet competitors including the Changan Deepal S07 Ultra (46.3%), MG MG6 Trophy (45%), Kia EV6 Air (41%) and Audi Q4 E-Tron Performance (37.1%). The valuation, which applies to the range-topping Takumi 258hp model, follows a national roadshow where Mazda invited asset management specialists and residual value setters from the UK's largest contract hire companies to evaluate the vehicle ahead of its UK debut next month.
Why it matters
Strong residual values directly reduce whole-life costs for fleet operators, making the CX-6e a more competitive proposition for contract hire companies and corporate buyers evaluating electric SUV options. The 55% figure positions Mazda competitively against the established Tesla Model Y (58.5%) and significantly ahead of other mainstream rivals, potentially influencing procurement decisions in the large electric SUV segment.
Polestar 4 SUV priced from £54,750, undercutting Coupé sibling despite added space
Polestar has launched the 4 SUV variant in the UK, priced from £54,750 to £60,750 for the Dual Motor version, with a Performance Pack available at £68,250. The SUV sits 22mm higher than the 4 Coupé and features a conventional rear window instead of the Coupé's covered design, while offering more interior space at a lower price point. Polestar expects the 4 SUV to become its best seller, competing directly against the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric, Volvo EX60 and Alpine A390.
Why it matters
The pricing strategy positions Polestar competitively in the premium electric SUV segment, potentially influencing procurement decisions for fleet operators evaluating mid-range luxury EVs. The model's expected sales success could drive demand for workplace and destination charging infrastructure to support this vehicle class.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 becomes first EV to win Auto Express Used Car of the Year
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been named overall Used Car of the Year at the 2026 Auto Express Used Car Awards, marking the first time an electric vehicle has won the title. Judges highlighted the model's design, cabin space and technology, with second hand examples now available from just over £13,000. Hyundai also won Best Used Mid Size SUV for the Tucson, making it the most successful manufacturer at the awards.
Why it matters
The sub £13,000 entry price for used Ioniq 5s signals growing affordability in the second hand EV market, potentially expanding the customer base for public charging infrastructure. The award recognition may accelerate fleet turnover and increase demand for reliable charging networks as more drivers transition to electric vehicles.
Cupra Raval VZ and Alpine A290 electric hot hatches now price competitive with Mini JCW under UK grant
The Cupra Raval VZ and Alpine A290, electric hot hatchbacks, are now priced comparably to the combustion powered Mini John Cooper Works thanks to the UK government's Electric Car Grant. While both models offer performance and affordability, questions remain about daily usability for the segment, particularly for the Alpine A290 based on long term testing experience. The vehicles represent a broadening niche of electric performance hatchbacks aimed at weaning customers from petrol alternatives.
Why it matters
Price parity with legacy hot hatches under UK incentives signals growing market viability for compact electric performance vehicles, potentially driving demand for workplace and public charging infrastructure in urban and suburban settings where these daily use vehicles operate.
Policy & Market
UK adopts Euro 7 battery health standards from November 2027, mandating 80% capacity retention after five years
The UK Government will require new road vehicles in Great Britain to meet Euro 7 standards from 29 November 2027, introducing mandatory battery durability rules for EVs and plug-in hybrids. EVs must retain 80% of original capacity after five years or 100,000km and 72% after eight years or 160,000km, with lower thresholds for vans at 75% and 67% respectively. Small volume manufacturers face a later deadline of 1 July 2030, while a separate consultation on heavy-duty vehicle requirements will follow once EU legislation is finalised.
Why it matters
The regulation creates a uniform benchmark for battery health across manufacturers, enabling fleet operators, leasing companies and charge point operators to compare EV models on durability and plan asset lifecycles with greater certainty. Improved access to battery health data should support residual value assessments and inform infrastructure investment decisions tied to vehicle longevity.