Daily EV news · UK · 28 October 2026
EV Charging
InstaVolt installs 16 ultra-rapid chargers at Peterborough shopping centre
InstaVolt has deployed 16 ultra-rapid EV chargers at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre in Hampton, Peterborough, near Junction 17 of the A1. The installation includes four accessible bays and four dual-connector chargers supporting CCS and CHAdeMO standards, all powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and secured with CCTV. The 337,000 sq ft retail site hosts tenants including Tesco Extra, M&S Foodhall, Costa Coffee and Next.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates how destination charging at large retail hubs can combine accessibility features, dual-standard compatibility and renewable energy sourcing to serve mixed EV fleets. For CPOs and site hosts, the A1 corridor location and retail dwell time offer a commercial model that pairs charging revenue with footfall to anchor tenants.
MSI launches three EV chargers in UK, priced £189 to £599
Taiwanese computing firm MSI has entered the UK EV charging market with three products: the £189 EZgo portable charger (1.6kW to 3kW output, adding around 11 miles of range per hour), the £449 Eco Life Max home socket, and the £599 Eco Premium Max. Both Eco models offer 7kW single phase and 22kW three phase output and are approved for the government's OZEV chargepoint grant, which covers 75% of costs up to £500 for eligible flat owners and renters. MSI will sell the products through its online store and via partners for the two Eco chargers.
Why it matters
A major consumer electronics brand entering the UK home charging market adds competitive pressure on pricing and distribution, particularly in the sub £600 segment. OZEV grant approval for the Eco models positions MSI to compete for residential installations among flat owners and renters with off street parking.
Government reopens Depot Charging Scheme with £38 million for 2027/28 spending
The UK Government's Depot Charging Scheme opened its second application window on Wednesday 28 October, offering £38 million in grant funding for depot chargepoints to be spent in 2027/28. The scheme forms part of a £170 million programme running to 2030, with £66 million allocated across two windows this financial year and a further £104 million reserved for 2028/29 and 2029/30. Window one provided £28 million at 70% grant coverage up to £1 million per applicant, though the Government has not yet confirmed rates for the current phase and has indicated funding levels will decline as infrastructure costs fall.
Why it matters
Fleet operators seeking to electrify HGV, van and coach depots have a fresh procurement opportunity, though uncertainty over grant rates in this window means business cases must be built with caution until official terms are published on the Find a Grant service. The phased release of £104 million in future windows signals sustained public co-funding for depot infrastructure through the decade.
UK EV cable theft costs operators thousands per charger as criminals target copper for scrap
Organised criminals in the United Kingdom are severing public fast charging cables in under 90 seconds, yielding £15 to £30 (RM90 to RM180) in scrap copper but costing charge point operators thousands of pounds per unit to replace. High power DC cables contain thick, high grade copper wiring and are often located in isolated car parks, motorway service areas or retail centres with minimal security. Industry experts warn Malaysia, which is rapidly expanding its EV charging network, may face similar theft trends.
Why it matters
CPOs face significant replacement costs and reputational damage from cable theft, threatening the viability of public charging infrastructure. The low tech nature of the crime and high replacement costs relative to scrap value create a security challenge for operators expanding networks in isolated or unstaffed locations.
Electric Vehicles
Estarli e28.x Review: Commuter Quality for Under £2,000
Richard Alvin reviews the 2026 Estarli e28.x, a British assembled step through electric cruiser priced just under £2,000. The bike features a Bafang three speed automatic hub motor, belt drive, and weighs under 19.4kg, though its 360Wh battery is better suited to town use than long rides. The review highlights the trickle down of technology in the low to mid market segment.
Why it matters
The sub £2,000 price point and premium features signal increasing competition in the urban e-bike segment, relevant for fleet operators and workplace charging planners assessing commuter transport options. The focus on lightweight design and town range may influence charging infrastructure requirements at employment sites.
Chery Tiggo X7 PHEV targets UK market with rugged design and off-road capability
Chery is preparing to launch the Tiggo X7 plug-in hybrid in the UK, marking the first of its premium focused X models following success from sister brands Omoda and Jaecoo. The vehicle features six off-road drive modes including Snow, Mud, Sand, Rocks and Water Wading, suggesting all-wheel-drive capability, with a 1,300kg towing capacity. The rugged SUV is positioned to compete with Volkswagen and Toyota in the lifestyle vehicle segment.
Why it matters
The UK launch signals growing Chinese OEM competition in the premium PHEV segment, potentially driving demand for workplace and destination charging infrastructure to support lifestyle oriented buyers. Fleet operators and charging point operators may need to plan for increased PHEV charging requirements as more rugged electrified models enter the market.
BYD targets UK electric coach launch in 2026, 12 metre European model with 600 kilometre range from 2027
BYD is developing a battery electric coach for the UK market in 2026, with Managing Director Frank Thorpe confirming the model will be UK specific rather than adapted from existing designs. The manufacturer plans a 12 metre electric coach for continental Europe from 2027, targeting at least 600 kilometres of range and potentially followed by a 15 metre three axle version, with European production planned at BYD's Komárom facility. Horst Woitschig, responsible for BYD Europe's sales in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, confirmed the German market entry from 2027, according to German trade publication omnibus.news.
Why it matters
Electric coach rollout creates demand for high power depot charging infrastructure and route planning around charging stops, with the 600 kilometre range target indicating substantial battery capacity requiring dedicated charging solutions. BYD's European production plans signal potential for localised supply chains and service networks that CPOs and depot operators will need to accommodate.
Grid & Energy
E.On cuts overnight EV tariff to 6.5p per kWh, claims UK's cheapest rate
E.On has reduced its Next Drive Smart overnight rate from 8p per kWh to 6.5p per kWh from 27 October, positioning it as Britain's cheapest EV tariff. The supplier estimates drivers could save up to £475 per year compared with the domestic price cap, with a Renault 5 E-Tech costing £3.38 to fully charge and running costs of 1.3p per mile. Off peak charging applies between midnight and 6am, while daytime rates stand at 34p per kWh.
Why it matters
Lower home charging costs strengthen the economic case for EV adoption and may influence workplace and depot charging pricing strategies. The tariff underscores competition among energy suppliers to capture EV load, which could affect demand patterns for public charging infrastructure.
Elements Green wins consent for 800MW solar park with 440MW battery storage in Nottinghamshire
Elements Green secured a Development Consent Order on 27 October 2026 for the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park near Newark on Trent, featuring 800MW AC solar export capacity and 440MW, 880MWh battery storage. The project, which will connect to the existing Staythorpe 400kV substation, is modelled to generate around 1.1TWh annually, equivalent to powering approximately 400,000 homes. Construction is anticipated from 2027, with first electricity export expected in 2028.
Why it matters
The 440MW battery storage component represents a major grid balancing asset that will require procurement of energy storage systems and grid connection works. The 2027 construction start creates near term opportunities for battery suppliers, balance of plant contractors and electrical infrastructure firms serving utility scale renewable projects.
Nadara acquires 48MW Bettyhill Phase 2 wind farm in Scottish Highlands from Eden Renewables
Nadara, a NextGen Independent Power Producer operating in Europe and the US, has completed the acquisition of the 48MW Bettyhill Phase 2 Wind Farm in Sutherland, Scottish Highlands, from Eden Renewables. The project, comprising up to ten turbines, received unanimous consent from The Highland Council in February 2024, with construction expected to begin in Q1 2027 and operations commencing in Q4 2028. Nadara has committed to honouring Eden's community benefits package, which includes an opportunity for local community ownership of up to 20% of the project, a local electricity discount scheme, and a school and education programme.
Why it matters
While this transaction concerns wind generation rather than EV charging infrastructure, it signals continued investment appetite in UK renewable energy assets that underpin the grid capacity needed to support electrification and charging networks. Nadara's commitment to community ownership models and local benefits may offer a template for CPOs seeking social licence for charging infrastructure in rural and remote locations.
Policy & Market
Treasury commits £100m to cut local public charging costs and launches tariff porting taskforce in Autumn Budget 2026
The UK Government has announced a £100m fund over two years to reduce costs for local, lower powered public EV chargers, expected to save the average EV driver around £150 per year from spring 2027. Published alongside the Autumn Budget 2026, the measures respond to the Philip New led cost of public EV charging review commissioned by the Department for Transport, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and HM Treasury. The Government has also established an independent taskforce to investigate tariff porting, which would allow drivers without driveways to use their domestic electricity tariff at local public charge points.
Why it matters
The £100m fund directly addresses grid connection costs and the driveway divide, potentially unlocking new local charging projects for CPOs targeting on street and destination segments. The tariff porting taskforce signals regulatory change ahead that could reshape pricing models and competitive dynamics for lower powered public charging networks.
Venson warns Autumn Budget 2026 lacks long term EV fleet strategy
Fleet management firm Venson Automotive Solutions has criticised the UK Government's Autumn Budget 2026 for failing to provide a clear long term electric vehicle strategy for fleet operators. The Budget confirms VAT on public and workplace charging will remain at 20%, EV company car tax will rise to 10% by 2030, and leaves potential reforms to EV salary sacrifice schemes undefined. Venson also flagged concerns over the planned introduction of electric Vehicle Excise Duty in April 2028, particularly around mileage calculation and reporting arrangements.
Why it matters
Uncertainty over taxation, salary sacrifice and eVED implementation could hinder fleet operators' ability to plan multi year EV investments, potentially slowing commercial adoption. The lack of policy clarity may also affect workplace charging infrastructure rollout decisions and procurement timelines for fleet electrification projects.