Global EV News
Daily EV news · Global · 12 October 2026
Stories
EV Charging
UK electric HGV uptake lags EU despite £877 million grant programme as operators weigh infrastructure costs
Zero emission HGV registrations in the UK fell 6.6% in the first half of 2026, leaving them under 1% of the market, while EU electric and plug in hybrid truck registrations grew 48% in the same period. The UK offers up to £81,000 per truck through the Zero Emission Truck and Van Grant, part of an £877 million programme to 2030, and the Depot Charging Scheme covered 70% of charge point and civil costs up to £1 million per organisation in its first round. Moritz Vornfeld of Kempower argues the question is no longer whether electric HGVs can do the job, but whether charging infrastructure investment makes commercial sense during the market transition.
Why it matters
The contrast between UK and EU uptake suggests grant availability alone does not drive depot charging procurement, pointing to a need for business case clarity and infrastructure models that work during low utilisation phases. Fleet operators and charge point operators must find ways to make depot infrastructure commercially viable before electric HGV volumes reach scale.
Go Eve wins Innovate UK backing to enhance DockChain EV fleet charging system
Go Eve has secured Innovate UK funding for an 18 month project worth over £500,000 to develop the next stage of DockChain, its technology for extending a DC fast charger to multiple parking bays. The project will develop new custom hardware with firmware and software to give DockChain more reliable control over starting, stopping and restarting charging sessions without physically unplugging the electric vehicle, with existing DockChain units upgradable to incorporate the new technology. The project will also investigate how the technology could support bidirectional charging and vehicle to grid services in future to generate revenue when the fleet is not being used.
Why it matters
The funding addresses practical reliability issues that have emerged in fleet installations, where vehicles do not always start or restart charging consistently, which could make automated sequential charging more dependable for operators. The development could reduce the number of DC chargers and electrical infrastructure needed at fleet sites while adding future revenue opportunities through vehicle to grid services.
Queue and reservation hardware shifts from niche to core layer as high utilisation sites hit capacity limits
The global market for public EV charging queue and reservation hardware is entering structural expansion as charge point operators face physical limits at high utilisation sites, according to an IndexBox report entering 2026. Demand is splitting between integrated systems for new high power hubs and retrofit solutions for existing stations. The hardware includes integrated displays, sensors, payment terminals, communication modules and access controllers, with supply chains characterised by validation requirements where approved vendor status with major CPOs and Tier 1 integrators often matters more than unit cost.
Why it matters
CPOs planning procurement must now evaluate queue management as core infrastructure rather than optional add on, with vendor selection increasingly driven by validation and integration partnerships rather than price alone. The bifurcation between new build and retrofit creates distinct channel and specification strategies for operators upgrading networks.
Electric Vehicles
Volkswagen Group unveils four electric urban models with nearly 150,000 pre-orders at Paris Motor Show
Volkswagen Group's Brand Group Core presented its Electric Urban Car Family at the Paris Motor Show, comprising the CUPRA Raval, Volkswagen ID. Polo, Škoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross. The four entry-level electric models, built on the MEB+ platform and produced at sites in Martorell and Pamplona, have accumulated almost 150,000 orders before deliveries begin. The project was led by SEAT and CUPRA to make electric mobility accessible to a broader customer base in Europe's small car segment.
Why it matters
The strong pre-order figures for affordable electric vehicles signal growing demand for entry-level EVs in Europe, which will drive charging infrastructure requirements in urban areas. Fleet operators and charge point operators should anticipate increased utilisation from this expanding segment of electric vehicle owners seeking accessible charging solutions.
BYD reports 463,561 NEV sales in September 2026, marking first quarterly growth after four declines
Chinese automaker BYD delivered 463,561 new energy vehicles in September 2026, up 16.98% year on year and 5.28% from August, according to CnEVPost. Third quarter 2026 NEV sales totalled 1,323,065 units, up 18.75% from Q3 2025, marking BYD's first quarter on year sales growth after four consecutive quarterly declines. Battery electric vehicle sales hit a record 273,143 units in September, up 33.21% year on year, while plug in hybrid sales fell 2.36% to 183,570 units.
Why it matters
BYD's recovery and record BEV volumes signal sustained manufacturing capacity and overseas expansion that could reshape global charging infrastructure demand. The shift in powertrain mix towards battery electric over plug in hybrid may influence CPO deployment strategies and grid planning in markets where BYD gains share.
Peugeot RCZ Vision concept debuts with solid state battery, 600 km range and 10 minute charging
Peugeot unveiled the RCZ Vision concept on 12 October 2026, a four seat electric coupé built on the STLA One platform with a 1,000 volt architecture. The concept claims 500 hp output, 600 km range at 11.5 kWh per 100 km consumption, and 10 to 80% charging in 10 minutes via solid state battery technology. The vehicle measures 4.65 m long and features a 110 mm thick battery pack, showcasing Peugeot's new Feline Future design direction.
Why it matters
The 10 minute charging claim and 1,000 volt architecture signal potential infrastructure demands for ultra rapid charging networks if solid state technology reaches production. CPOs and site developers may need to plan for higher power delivery systems to support next generation EVs with similar specifications.
Citroën targets £12,750 price for 2CV EV concept due in 2028
Citroën has unveiled a 2CV concept at the Paris show previewing a production EV aimed at a €15,000 (£12,750) price point when it launches in two years. The model will use an all new electric platform distinct from the Smart Car architecture underpinning the current C3 and Stellantis's STLA One platform, designed to exploit EU E-car regulations incentivising small EVs. Citroën is targeting a kerb weight of one tonne with a small battery, with the existing e-C3 Urban Range variant's 30kWh lithium iron battery offering a technical reference point.
Why it matters
A sub £13,000 EV entering the UK market in 2028 could significantly expand the addressable customer base for charging infrastructure, particularly in rural and suburban areas where cost sensitive buyers have been priced out of electrification. The lightweight, small battery specification suggests lower power charging requirements that may influence future network planning and site economics for destination and workplace charging operators.
Volkswagen unveils ID. Tiguan electric SUV with 600 km range to replace ID.4 and ID.5
Volkswagen has officially launched the ID. Tiguan, an electric version of its best selling model, featuring a range of up to 600 kilometres (WLTP) and a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kilograms. The vehicle will be available in three variants: an entry level rear wheel drive model with 140 kW power from a 58 kWh battery, plus two versions with 77 kWh batteries delivering 210 kW (rear wheel drive) and 220 kW (4Motion all wheel drive). The ID. Tiguan will replace the ID.4 and ID.5 in Volkswagen's electric lineup and includes a 12 inch co driver display alongside 10 inch driver and 15 inch infotainment screens.
Why it matters
The ID. Tiguan's 600 km range and 2,000 kg towing capacity signal Volkswagen's push to address key barriers to commercial and fleet EV adoption, potentially driving demand for workplace and destination charging infrastructure. As a replacement for two existing models, this consolidation may influence charging network planning and procurement strategies where Volkswagen fleet penetration is significant.
Leapmotor C10 2027 model adds range and tech upgrades, faces Tesla Model Y pricing pressure
Stellantis distributed Leapmotor has launched the 2027 version of its C10 electric SUV in France, featuring battery and motor upgrades, a 14.6 inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ChatGPT integrated voice assistant. The updated model competes directly with the Tesla Model Y on pricing in the European market.
Why it matters
The C10's rapid product cycle reflects Chinese OEM pace in the European EV market, potentially driving demand for charging infrastructure as Stellantis expands its electric SUV distribution. Competitive pressure from Tesla on pricing may influence fleet procurement decisions and charging network utilisation patterns.
Tesla delivers 486,532 electric vehicles in Q3 2026, down 2.1% year on year but beating analyst forecasts
Tesla delivered 486,532 electric vehicles globally between July and September 2026, a 2.1% decline from the 497,099 units delivered in Q3 2025, according to quarterly results. The year on year comparison is skewed by Q3 2025's artificially inflated US sales, driven by buyers rushing to claim a $7,500 federal tax credit before its removal. Despite the modest annual decline, Tesla's Q3 2026 deliveries exceeded analyst expectations and the company appears to have improved inventory management.
Why it matters
Tesla's delivery volumes signal underlying EV demand trends and influence charging infrastructure planning by CPOs and site hosts. The company's ability to beat forecasts despite losing a major US purchase incentive suggests resilient demand that could sustain charging network expansion investments.
Brazilian battery swap firm Vammo reaches 10 million swaps and EBITDA profitability
Vammo, a São Paulo based electric motorcycle and battery swapping company, has surpassed 10 million battery swaps since launching in 2022, up from 1 million swaps in early 2024. The firm now operates around 1,000 swapping points serving more than 10,000 active riders and has achieved EBITDA profitability. Vammo is expanding to Campinas as its second city, with plans to focus on São Paulo state before broader Latin American rollout.
Why it matters
The profitability milestone and rapid swap volume growth demonstrate a viable commercial model for battery swapping infrastructure in high density two wheeler markets, where São Paulo state alone sees over 500,000 motorcycle sales annually. Vammo's expansion plans signal potential procurement opportunities for swapping hardware and energy management systems across Latin America's urban delivery and mobility sectors.
Mitsubishi unveils 459 hp ASX VR-e electric hot hatch built by Foxconn in Taiwan
Mitsubishi has launched the ASX VR-e, an all-wheel drive electric hot hatch producing 459 hp (342 kW) and approximately 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds. The vehicle is manufactured in Taiwan by Foxconn under its Foxtron automotive brand and features a 57.7 kWh lithium ion battery powering dual electric motors. The model is positioned as a spiritual successor to the Lancer EVO, though it is not currently available in North America where Mitsubishi dealers continue to sell an older model range.
Why it matters
The partnership between a legacy automotive brand and a contract manufacturer like Foxconn signals a potential shift in EV production models that could influence future procurement strategies. High performance electric vehicles with smaller battery packs may drive different charging infrastructure requirements, particularly for fast charging networks targeting performance oriented customers.