Versinetic urges UK charging reforms as used EV sales jump 67% in Q2 2026
By Eve
Smart charging consultancy Versinetic has called on the Government to reform electric vehicle charging policy ahead of the Autumn Budget 2026, after used battery electric vehicle sales surged 67% to 110,761 units in Q2 2026, lifting market share to 5.5% from 3.3% year on year, according to SMMT figures. The firm warns that high public charging tariffs, insufficient local infrastructure and compatibility issues with older vehicles threaten to erode the financial benefits of the booming second hand EV market. Versinetic has published six policy priorities in its report Pre-Loved EVs: Used EV Charging Infrastructure Impact, targeting policymakers, charge point operators, hardware designers and installers.
Why it matters
A 67% jump in used EV sales signals a shift from early adopters to mainstream drivers who often lack private driveways and face higher public charging costs, creating fresh demand for affordable, accessible local infrastructure. CPOs and installers must prepare for compatibility requirements across older vehicle models and pricing structures that serve budget conscious users if the second hand market is to sustain growth.
Source
- Source
- https://evfleetworld.co.uk/autumn-budget-2026-call-for-charging-reforms-as-used-ev-sales-surge-67/
- Original title
- “Autumn Budget 2026: Call for charging reforms as used EV sales surge 67%”
- Published
- 24 September 2026
- Updated
- 25 September 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Policy & Market
- Place
- United Kingdom
Related news
EU to cap Chinese hybrid imports at 350,000 vehicles per year from December
The European Commission has confirmed a quota limiting Chinese hybrid electric vehicle imports to 350,000 units annually, down from an expected 800,000 battery and plug-in hybrids this year. The measure, agreed in Beijing last week and enforceable from December under WTO safeguard rules, aims to halve China's EU market share from 6% to 3% over a four year period. Volkswagen's leadership has backed the plan to support domestic manufacturing.
Why it matters
The quota will reshape EV supply chains and may accelerate local manufacturing investment by Chinese OEMs seeking to maintain EU sales, directly affecting charging infrastructure planning as fleet composition shifts. CPOs and site hosts should anticipate changes in vehicle mix and charging demand patterns as the policy takes effect.
Australian energy regulator backs network-funded kerbside EV charger rollout
The Australian Energy Market Commission has granted preliminary approval for a plan to install 14,000 kerbside EV chargers on power poles in underserved areas, funded through household electricity bills. Network operators have pushed the proposal for years, arguing it will address charging black spots in major cities where private deployment is not commercially viable.
Why it matters
The decision creates a regulated utility-led procurement pathway for thousands of charge points in Australia, potentially opening new installation and equipment supply opportunities in areas private CPOs have avoided. The funding model through consumer bills removes commercial risk for network operators entering the charging market.
UK cuts home charging VAT to 0% but leaves public charging at 20%, widening driveway divide
From 1 October, domestic electricity VAT in the UK dropped to 0%, cutting home EV charging costs by an estimated £40 per year for drivers with off street parking. Public charging remains subject to 20% VAT, prompting char.gy CEO John Lewis to call the disparity unfair and urge Labour to reduce public charging costs. The policy change, linked to Andy Burnham's initiatives, has been criticised for widening the so called driveway divide between EV owners with and without private parking.
Why it matters
The VAT gap between home and public charging may slow uptake among drivers reliant on public infrastructure, pressuring charge point operators to absorb cost differences or risk losing customers. Policymakers and CPOs face renewed calls to level the playing field, which could influence future subsidy design and site economics for on street and destination charging.