Daily EV news · UK · 9 November 2026
EV Charging
UK startup Allye builds 400 kW fast charger from spent EV batteries to avoid grid upgrades
London-based Allye has reused spent electric vehicle batteries to build a 400 kW fast charger, according to the report. The approach lets sites offer fast charging on their existing electricity supply, without the cost of a grid connection upgrade. Allye argues that charging sites lack power rather than energy, and that limited grid capacity is the common hurdle slowing large fleet charging rollouts.
Why it matters
Grid connection cost and delay are a major barrier to fast charging projects, so battery buffered chargers could widen the list of viable sites for CPOs and fleet operators. Procurement teams may want to assess this as an alternative to waiting for a connection upgrade.
Electroway opens 32-point electric HGV charging site at Magna Park Lutterworth as first phase of planned 30-site UK network
Electroway, an EV infrastructure platform established by infrastructure investor GSIM and Keoma Energy, has launched an electric truck charging facility at Marq Logistics Magna Park Lutterworth in the Midlands. The site has 32 charging points of up to 400 kW each, 180 secure HGV parking bays and dedicated driver facilities, and was designed to meet TAPA Parking Security Requirements Level 2. Bosch Road Services provides technical operations and maintenance support, a digital platform for reserving parking and charging points, and access control and security systems including automatic number plate recognition, CCTV and remote monitoring, as reported by Charles Morris on 9 November 2026.
Why it matters
A dedicated HGV hub combining high-power charging, bookable slots and certified secure parking in the M1, M6 and M69 logistics corridor sets a reference specification for operators and site developers. The stated plan for 30 sites signals a possible new source of third-party charging capacity for fleets, and a benchmark for CPOs bidding on similar depot-adjacent projects.
PragmaCharge opens first UK heavy-truck charging hub at James Kemball's Felixstowe site
PragmaCharge has launched its first UK heavy-truck charging hub at James Kemball's Felixstowe Mega Distribution Centre, shortly after opening a hub in Valencia, Spain, according to a 9 November 2026 report by Charles Morris. The Felixstowe site has two 360 kilowatt chargers supplying six dispensers, can charge six trucks at once, and will support eight Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks on regional container work within a 250 mile round trip of the port. PragmaCharge delivers this under its Electric Trucking-as-a-Service model, which bundles trucks, charging, fleet software and operations at a predictable cost per mile with no upfront investment, and it secured funding through the UK Depot Charging Scheme.
Why it matters
This shows a turnkey model in which the provider plans, funds, builds and operates the depot charging hub, shifting capital and delivery risk away from the fleet operator. For CPOs and developers, it points to competition from integrated service providers in port-adjacent heavy-duty charging, and to Depot Charging Scheme funding as a route to securing projects.
Instavolt to install ultra rapid chargers at selected Premier Inn hotels across the UK
Instavolt has signed a national framework agreement with Premier Inn's parent company to identify and deliver ultra rapid charging at well located Premier Inn sites, though the number of chargers has not been disclosed. The programme covers new ultra rapid chargers, upgrades to existing facilities, improved grid connections where required and clearer signage, with the sites open to non guests as well as hotel guests. The report puts Premier Inn at over 845 hotels across the UK and Ireland, and Instavolt at around 1,200 sites and some 4,250 chargers.
Why it matters
A framework route between a major hospitality landlord and a single operator shows how large property portfolios may be packaged for charge point operators, with grid upgrades folded into the delivery scope. With no volumes or timelines disclosed, the size of the pipeline remains unclear for suppliers and competing operators.
Electric Vehicles
Renault Trafic electric van opens for UK orders from £38,000 plus VAT
The electric Renault Trafic is priced from £38,000 plus VAT in the UK, with a stated range of up to 292 miles and 5.8m³ of load space. Fast charging is quoted at 20 minutes, and pre orders are listed as opening in November 2026. The figures come from launch details published for the UK market.
Why it matters
A new mainstream electric van with a published price and a pre order date gives fleet buyers a concrete model to plan depot and en route charging around. CPOs and installers serving van fleets should note the quoted 20 minute fast charge claim when assessing future demand for rapid charging.
Euro Bus Expo 2026 showcases BYD C12 DUO electric coach and new manufacturers entering the UK market
Held at the NEC Birmingham from 3 to 5 November, Euro Bus Expo 2026 brought together more than 80 buses, coaches and minibuses, with Volvo Buses, Wrightbus and Daimler Buses returning after missing the 2024 edition. Highlights included the world premiere of the BYD C12 DUO battery-electric coach, the UK presentation of the next-generation Scania Touring in a battery-electric configuration, and the Scania Irizar i6S Efficient plug-in hybrid coach, winner of the Sustainable Bus Award 2027. Australian manufacturer Custom Denning presented its Element 2.2 battery-electric city bus as it targets the British market, as reported in a show overview.
Why it matters
Electric coaches moving closer to commercial deployment point to a new category of depot and en-route charging demand beyond city buses. More manufacturers entering the UK also widens the range of vehicles and charging requirements that CPOs and fleet charging suppliers will need to plan for.
BYD (global) · Custom Denning (uk) · Higer (global) · Source
Fraikin wins order for 15 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans from UK food distributor Classic Fine Foods
Fraikin has secured an order from Classic Fine Foods for 15 new 3.5-tonne Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric vans under a five-year contract hire deal, as reported on 9 November 2026. The vans have multi-temperature refrigeration and will replace older diesel models in a 50-vehicle fleet. Fraikin advised upgrading ten of the new vans to 22 kW charging capability rather than 11 kW, to cut charging times and improve operational flexibility.
Why it matters
Fleet lessors are now specifying onboard charging capability as part of the vehicle package, so 22 kW rather than 11 kW depot charging demand may grow for mixed fleets. CPOs and installers serving temperature-controlled delivery operators should expect charging requirements to be shaped by the lessor as well as the end customer.
EVision Electric Vehicles adds Hyundai IONIQ 9 to its nationwide rental fleet
Electric-only rental operator EVision Electric Vehicles has added the Hyundai IONIQ 9 to its nationwide hire fleet, with more vehicles due to join over the next few months. The seven-seater SUV offers up to 376 miles of range, all wheel drive and 350kW ultra-rapid charging, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in 24 minutes. The operator says demand for premium, long-range electric SUVs has been strong and that customer reaction has exceeded its expectations.
Why it matters
Rental fleets bringing in vehicles capable of 350kW charging add a visible source of demand for high-power public charging, including from drivers new to EVs. CPOs and site hosts may want to check that their ultra-rapid hardware, uptime and payment experience suit short-term hire customers.
Hillcrest and Equipmake sign definitive agreement to jointly develop and license ZVS inverter technology for heavy duty electric vehicles
Hillcrest and Equipmake have signed a definitive agreement to jointly develop and license ZVS inverter technology aimed at heavy duty electric vehicles, according to a HLRTF Stock News listing. Royalties depend on Equipmake beginning commercial sales, and Hillcrest retains ownership of its ZVS technology. The listing gives no financial terms, volumes or timelines.
Why it matters
Heavy duty vehicle powertrain developments shape the future power and depot charging requirements that CPOs and procurement teams will need to serve. With royalties tied to Equipmake starting commercial sales and no dates disclosed, this is a pipeline signal to watch rather than a near term demand driver.
Europcar warns business driver EV sentiment has not improved significantly in 2026
Europcar reports that in Q3, 40.59% of business drivers still saw cost as a barrier to their employer switching to EVs, down slightly from 41.03% in Q1. Charging concerns were cited by 29.13%, level with Q1, while a lack of understanding of EV ownership rose to 18.9% in Q3 from 14.9% in Q2. Choice and availability of models was a barrier for 14.06% (13.49% in Q1), and resistance from employers or employees for 11.24% (10.77% in Q1).
Why it matters
Charging worries holding steady at 29.13% of business drivers suggests fleet demand for dependable, well-located charging remains unproven in the minds of many decision makers. CPOs and procurers targeting fleet customers may need to pair hardware and network offers with education and ownership support, given the rise in those citing a lack of understanding.
Used battery electric car sales rise 23.2% to 97,625 units in third quarter, SMMT figures show
Used BEV transactions rose 23.2% to 97,625 in Q3 of 2026, lifting their share of used car buyers to 4.8% from 3.9% a year earlier, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Year to date, used battery electric transactions are up 39.6% to 295,524 units, while the wider used market grew 0.5% in Q3 to 2,030,619 vehicles. The SMMT also called for reform of the ZEV Mandate, arguing that discounting to meet it puts pressure on trade-in values and slows the flow of vehicles into the used market.
Why it matters
A growing used EV parc widens the base of drivers without home charging who rely on public networks, which supports longer term utilisation assumptions for CPOs and funders. Any reform of the ZEV Mandate could shift the pace of new EV supply and, in turn, the used vehicles that feed future charging demand.
Grid & Energy
National Grid appoints BAM UK and Ireland for Eastern Green Link 3 southern converter station works
National Grid has appointed BAM UK and Ireland to deliver major works for the southern converter station on Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3), which is jointly developed by National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission. The proposed link runs between Peterhead in Aberdeenshire and Walpole in Norfolk, with about 436km of HVDC subsea cable in English waters coming ashore north of Anderby Creek in Lincolnshire, and around 5km of underground HVAC cable connecting the converter station to the proposed 400kV Walpole B substation. Project Director Mark Brackley said the award is an important step as the project moves into its next phase of delivery.
Why it matters
Added transmission capacity between Scotland and England is intended to reduce network constraints and carry more renewable power to where it is needed, which supports the grid headroom that future charging demand will rely on. For CPOs and developers, it is a signal of continuing grid reinforcement, though the link is still described as proposed and the benefits will arrive over the longer term.
Policy & Market
AFP warns 'too many questions' remain over eVED pay-per-mile tax 18 months before launch
The Association of Fleet Professionals says key details of the eVED pay-per-mile tax are still unclear ahead of its planned introduction in April 2028, when EV drivers will pay 3p per mile and PHEV drivers 1.5p per mile. AFP chair Paul Hollick said it is not yet clear how the DVLA's fleet-specific eVED platform will work, or whether benefit-in-kind would apply where an employer pays eVED on private mileage. Drivers will pay in advance based on estimated annual mileage, but the refund mechanism for any excess is undeveloped and will not be available until 2030.
Why it matters
Uncertainty over how eVED is collected and taxed for fleets makes the running cost case for electric vehicles harder to model, which could affect fleet electrification timelines and charging demand forecasts. Hollick also warned that BiK could be charged on both the private eVED element and any electricity benefit, a possible extra cost layer for employers and drivers that CPOs serving fleet customers should watch.
UK confirms Electric Vehicle Excise Duty of 3p per mile for battery electric cars from April 2028
The UK Government has again confirmed that eVED will start in April 2028, charging battery electric vehicles 3p per mile and plug-in hybrids 1.5p per mile, with both rates rising yearly in line with inflation. The charge sits on top of standard VED, so at the average 7,100 miles a year a battery electric car would pay £213 and a plug-in hybrid £106.50, while a 20,000 mile driver would pay £600. The Government says the move is needed to replace lost fuel duty, which currently stands at 52.95p per litre of petrol or diesel.
Why it matters
A per-mile charge changes the running cost case for electric vehicles, which could affect driver demand for public charging and the business cases that CPOs and funders build on high mileage users. Procurement teams should factor the policy into utilisation forecasts and into how they present charging as a cost saving against petrol and diesel.
Charging bosses reject blame as UK reportedly considers cutting 2030 ZEV target from 80% to 60%
Electric car and charging industry leaders have warned that weakening Government EV targets could leave drivers with fewer affordable cars, undermine investment and slow Britain's switch to electric. Reports say ministers are considering cutting the 2030 Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) target from 80% to 60%, following pressure from car manufacturers over jobs, costs and consumer demand. InstaVolt CEO Delvin Lane said charging infrastructure is not the problem and is being delivered ahead of schedule, with billions invested.
Why it matters
A lower ZEV target could soften demand signals that underpin charge point investment and weaken the case for network expansion. Operators and funders will want policy certainty, and the row suggests the sector is prepared to resist infrastructure being cited as a reason to weaken the rules.
Euro 7 rules take effect on 29 November, adding brake dust, tyre wear and battery durability limits for EVs
Euro 7 emissions regulations apply across the EU from 29 November and are the first to cover particle emissions from braking systems and tyre wear as well as exhaust emissions, which brings EVs into scope for the first time. EVs must keep at least 80% of original battery capacity for the first five years or 62,000 miles (100,000km), then 72% from five to eight years or 99,422 miles (160,000km), whichever comes first. Brake particle (PM10) limits are 3mg/km for EVs and 7mg/km for ICE cars, with the lower EV figure reflecting regenerative braking, according to the article's coverage of the rules.
Why it matters
Battery durability minimums and tighter EV brake particle limits shape the vehicles that will use charging networks, and may affect fleet and vehicle specification decisions that CPOs and buyers plan around. The article tags the United Kingdom, but the text describes the rules as applying across the EU and to new cars and original equipment, so UK exposure is worth checking.
Polanski criticises Labour climate record as ministers expected to cut EV targets for car industry
A UK politics live blog reports that Green Party leader Polanski says Labour has a "shocking record" on climate issues, while ministers are expected to cut EV targets for the car industry. The excerpt supplied gives no figures or detail on the targets, and mostly covers a Financial Times story on Rupert Lowe's reach on X.
Why it matters
Any softening of EV targets for carmakers could change expectations for vehicle uptake and, in turn, charging demand and investment cases. The scale and timing of any change are not yet confirmed in this source, so procurement and CPO teams should wait for the formal announcement.
Reports suggest UK Government set to soften 2030 ZEV Mandate target to about 60%
Following the close of the latest ZEV Mandate consultation, The Guardian reports that the UK Government will cut the 2030 target for zero-emission share of new car registrations from the current 80% to about 60%, and extend the target flexibilities until 2034. A "crunch meeting" led by First Secretary of State Louise Haigh is set for Wednesday, bringing together the Department for Transport, the Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade. The Government told The Guardian it will take a "pragmatic and balanced approach" while remaining "committed to the phase out of all new cars relying solely on petrol and diesel engines by 2030", which could point to further flexibilities, potentially including hybrid powertrains.
Why it matters
A lower 2030 ZEV share could slow the growth in EV numbers that underpins charging demand forecasts, so CPOs and funders may need to revisit utilisation assumptions and rollout timing. Extended flexibilities to 2034 add policy uncertainty to long term procurement and investment plans.
Believ CEO outlines lessons from Tower Hamlets on inclusive public EV charging
Guy Bartlett, CEO of charge point operator Believ, sets out experience from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, where, according to the RAC, 93% of homes have no off-street parking, the highest share in the UK. The piece notes that more than 124,000 public chargers are live across the UK, and argues that limited street space, competing road demands and high commuter parking pressure mean networks cannot simply be placed wherever pavement is available.
Why it matters
Dense boroughs with very low off-street parking make public charging essential to EV uptake, so tenders and rollouts need planning that goes beyond available kerb space. For CPOs and local authorities, Tower Hamlets is a reference case for designing networks around residents who depend entirely on public infrastructure.