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EVA England, EVA Cymru, EVA Northern Ireland and EVA Scotland have opened a nationwide survey asking all UK drivers to share views on electric vehicle cost, charging infrastructure and readiness to switch. The initiative follows last year's EVA England survey showing 66 per cent of petrol and diesel drivers actively considering an EV, and comes as Government reviews manufacturer sales targets and prepares to introduce eVED tax on electric vehicles from 2028. Findings will be shared with policymakers and stakeholders to shape transport policy on charging infrastructure and EV affordability.

Why it matters: The survey results will provide procurement teams and charge point operators with evidence based insight into driver demand and infrastructure gaps at a time when policy on sales mandates and taxation is under review. Understanding regional attitudes and barriers to adoption can help CPOs prioritise site selection and service design to meet untapped demand.

Service stations across Nairobi, Kigali, Cotonou and Johannesburg are bypassing conventional grid tied fast chargers in favour of distributed solar charging and automated battery swapping tailored to motorcycle taxis, auto rickshaws and minibuses. The shift mirrors the mobile telecoms leapfrog of two decades ago, with commercial operators driving demand because drivers on thin margins cannot afford thirty minute dwell times. Energy dispensed on Rubicon's charging network in South Africa rose 142 percent in 2025 to 625 MWh.

Why it matters: Procurement teams targeting African markets must design for commercial light vehicle fleets and off grid solar swap infrastructure rather than replicating Western passenger car DC fast charging models. The 625 MWh figure from one South African network signals rapid commercial uptake and a fundamentally different capex and site design brief.

Lancaster City Council's proposal for a solar canopy at Auction Mart Car Park in Thurnham Street is expected to receive approval, creating eight EV charging bays funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and DEFRA Air Quality Grant. The hub will generate on site electricity to power charge points directly, store energy or export surplus to the National Grid, with discounted tariffs for taxi drivers and residents. The council notes 45% of district households lack off street parking, making home charging installation impossible for many residents.

Why it matters: The scheme addresses a key barrier to EV adoption by targeting the 45% of households without off street parking through subsidised public charging infrastructure. Solar generation with battery storage may reduce operating costs for charge point operators while offering a replicable model for local authority procurement teams seeking grant funded deployments.

LEAP24 has launched a four-bay EV charging hub on New Road near Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3, offering speeds up to 200kW and targeting taxi and private hire drivers. Uber has partnered with LEAP24 to add the site to its Heathrow waiting area. Through the LEAP24 Partner Card, drivers pay 54p per kWh during the day and 45p per kWh between 10pm and 7am, compared to the standard 69p per kWh daytime rate.

Why it matters: The hub addresses a critical need for rapid charging infrastructure at a major transport hub, with tailored pricing and integration into Uber's driver network. The partnership model and off-peak tariff structure offer a template for CPOs targeting commercial fleets in high-demand locations.

The UK government has opened a review of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, which sets binding electric vehicle sales targets for manufacturers. Carmakers are lobbying for relaxed targets, while EVA England counters that the focus should shift to addressing high charging costs and consumer barriers rather than weakening the mandate.

Why it matters: Any softening of ZEV targets could slow fleet electrification and reduce near term demand for public charging infrastructure. Conversely, if government tackles charging costs and access barriers as EVA England suggests, CPOs may see stronger policy support for network expansion and pricing reform.

Turntide Technologies has secured UK government grant funding for Project SUPREME, a £17 million matched-funded programme running 18 months to January 2028. The project will automate labour-intensive manufacturing steps for axial flux motors at facilities in Gateshead and Cramlington, Northumberland, aiming to validate the technology for volume production. Axial flux motors offer compact, lightweight designs with higher power density than radial flux alternatives, but have historically faced cost and complexity barriers at scale.

Why it matters: The programme signals public investment in advanced motor manufacturing infrastructure that could lower unit costs and expand supply options for EV and equipment OEMs. Successful automation may open axial flux technology to mid-volume vehicle programmes, widening the competitive landscape for traction motor procurement.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved tax waivers for almost 4,000 electric vehicles imported in the first half of 2026, marking the first batch processed under a new initiative to promote cleaner transport through tax incentives and local assembly programmes. The move is part of Nigeria's 2022 Energy Transition Plan, which targets electric vehicles accounting for 60 per cent of the country's vehicle fleet by 2050, though the country faces persistent electricity shortages and inadequate charging infrastructure.

Why it matters: The tax waiver programme signals government commitment to EV adoption in Nigeria, potentially creating early demand for charging infrastructure despite current grid limitations. Procurement teams and charge point operators should monitor how local assembly requirements and fleet electrification targets shape infrastructure tender opportunities in West Africa's largest economy.

Public charging infrastructure in the United States and Canada has grown to nearly 96,000 locations with over 294,000 ports, including more than 18,000 DC fast charging sites offering almost 84,000 ports. EV market share in the US has stabilised at five to six percent of sales in 2026 after federal tax incentives ended in late 2025, while several models now retail in the low to mid $30,000s with 200 to 300 miles of range. The figures were reported in an industry overview examining the maturation of the EV charging sector.

Why it matters: The stabilisation of EV sales and the expansion to nearly 100,000 charging locations signal sustained demand for public infrastructure despite subsidy changes, giving CPOs and site hosts clearer volume forecasts. Affordable long range models entering the market broaden the customer base beyond early adopters, potentially increasing utilisation at existing and planned charging sites.

More than 40 organisations from the charging, fleet, battery manufacturing and investment sectors have warned the UK Government that changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate could affect billions of pounds of investment across the automotive and infrastructure supply chain. The current mandate requires 33% of new cars sold in 2026 to be pure electric, rising to 80% by 2030, but the Government is reportedly preparing a consultation on relaxing the framework, potentially reducing the 2030 requirement to as low as 50%. Polling by Savanta for the Climate Barometer Tracker found that 54% of Labour MPs support the planned 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel car sales, compared with 17% who oppose it.

Why it matters: Any weakening of the ZEV Mandate could slow the rollout of charging infrastructure by reducing certainty around future EV adoption rates, potentially deterring the billions in private investment needed to meet 2030 targets. Charge point operators and infrastructure developers rely on clear policy signals to justify capital expenditure and site acquisition decisions.

Mobility technology company CarBEV has started construction of THE Power Station by CarBEV on the site of the former Total Merville Gas Station in Pasay City, Philippines, near Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The facility is designed to serve up to 500 battery electric vehicles per day, primarily targeting electric taxis, transport network vehicles and commercial fleets operating across Metro Manila. CarBEV describes the project as the country's first fully electric power station, though the company has not disclosed charger numbers, capacity specifications, project cost or a completion date.

Why it matters: The conversion of a legacy fuel site into a high throughput charging hub signals private sector confidence in the Philippines' EV transition and demonstrates a scalable model for repurposing existing forecourt infrastructure. The focus on fleet and airport transport addresses a critical gap in commercial charging provision, offering procurement teams a blueprint for high utilisation sites in urban mobility corridors.

ACMobility, the Ayala Group's mobility unit, is deploying charging stations along major traffic corridors in the Philippines through partnerships with Basic Energy Corporation and Grab Philippines. The infrastructure supports electric buses, taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, including fleets under the Iwas Taas Pamasahe Transport Solutions Program, which offers operators zero upfront costs and full ownership after five years. A charging hub is opening at the Total station on the northbound South Luzon Expressway, serving both public transit and private vehicles.

Why it matters: The dual-use charging hubs address a critical gap in public transport electrification by combining fleet-dedicated infrastructure with commercial access, potentially improving utilisation rates and revenue for CPOs. The zero-cost, five-year ownership model for bus operators may accelerate fleet conversion and create predictable anchor demand for charging networks along high-traffic routes.

Green SM, a Vingroup unit that operates 20,000 electric cars and 60,000 motorbikes across Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India and Kazakhstan, has entered the European market with an electric taxi service in Copenhagen. The company directly owns and manages a fleet of VinFast VF 6 and VF 8 EVs, contrasting with ride-hailing platforms that connect passengers with independent drivers. The announcement was made in August 2026, with Green SM citing Copenhagen's leadership in sustainable urban mobility as the reason for choosing Denmark as its first European market.

Why it matters: A captive fleet of owned and managed EVs entering a mature European city signals potential charging infrastructure demand from a single operator, offering procurement teams a clearer counterparty than fragmented gig-driver networks. Green SM's existing scale across six Asian markets suggests the Copenhagen rollout may be a template for further European expansion, creating multi-site opportunities for charge point operators.

Max Hossain argues that Australian local governments should measure EV charging success by ease of use rather than installation volume as councils expand public networks. Knox City Council partnered with a private provider to deploy seven public fast chargers at zero cost, sited near train stations and shopping centres with advertising revenue offsetting operations. The approach aims to drive footfall to local businesses and tourism destinations while supporting broader sustainability goals.

Why it matters: The shift from volume to usability metrics signals maturing procurement priorities for councils and CPOs, with revenue sharing and strategic siting becoming key tender considerations. Knox's zero cost model demonstrates how advertising and retail partnerships can underwrite public charging rollouts without direct council expenditure.

The Government of Delhi has officially notified the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026, offering a 100% road tax waiver for EVs priced up to ₹30 lakh and allocating over ₹70 billion in incentives. The policy introduces a phased ban on new registrations of ICE two wheelers, three wheelers and vehicles under 3.5 tonnes starting in 2027 to 2028, and targets the installation of more than 30,000 public EV charging points by 2030. The framework aims to reduce vehicular emissions, improve air quality and position Delhi as a leading electric mobility capital.

Why it matters: The 30,000 charging point target by 2030 represents a major infrastructure procurement opportunity for charge point operators and equipment suppliers in India's capital. The phased ICE bans will accelerate fleet electrification, driving demand for commercial charging networks and creating urgency for CPOs to secure sites and contracts ahead of the 2027 to 2028 deadlines.

EV charging solutions provider Sevadis has announced its MaxiCharger Gen2 range targeting van fleets, comprising eight devices that scale from a 7.4kW AC plug and play home charger to rapid and ultra-rapid DC chargers. The range is available in wall, pillar, post, single, dual or quad configurations for shared, paid or underground parking environments. Each device features Rapid Install technology supported by Sevadis' Installer App, with digital commissioning, remote configuration and integrated CT clamps designed to simplify installation.

Why it matters: The modular range offers procurement teams a single-supplier solution spanning home, depot and public charging with standardised installation processes that may reduce deployment costs and timescales. The SmartDock mounting system, which stores commissioning data for quick unit replacement, addresses a common maintenance pain point for CPOs managing distributed charging networks.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani announced the government is studying a levy on every electric vehicle sold to finance public chargers, citing RM3.3 billion in forgone EV taxes and the shortfall against a 10,000 charge point target by end 2025. As of May 2026, Malaysia had installed 6,416 charge points, including just 240 across Sabah and Sarawak, with a revised target of 30,000 by 2030. The opinion piece argues the proposal misidentifies the problem, noting that energy companies, utilities and specialised operators such as ChargeSini, Gentari by PETRONAS, TNB Electron, Time Charge n Go and Shell Recharge dominate the network, not vehicle manufacturers.

Why it matters: A per-vehicle levy would create a dedicated funding stream for public charging procurement, potentially reshaping tender pipelines and competitive dynamics for CPOs and contractors in Malaysia. The policy debate highlights government frustration with deployment pace and may signal direct public procurement or subsidies that favour established energy and utility operators over automaker-led networks.

Investment, trade and industry minister Johari Ghani told the Dewan Negara that Malaysia may impose a levy on every electric vehicle sold to create a dedicated fund for building public charging stations. The government granted four years of tax exemptions on completely built up EVs, resulting in RM3.3 billion in lost revenue, but charging infrastructure investment from industry players fell short of expectations. Tax exemptions for imported EVs will not be extended, though incentives for locally assembled completely knocked down EVs remain until December.

Why it matters: The proposed levy signals a shift from manufacturer-led to government-funded charging rollout in Malaysia, potentially creating a stable procurement pipeline for CPOs and contractors. The policy change follows disappointment with private sector infrastructure investment despite years of vehicle tax breaks.

Automotive supplier MAHLE has launched a range extender system for heavy-duty electric trucks that replaces approximately one third of battery capacity with a compact diesel engine and generator unit. The self-contained assembly delivers 110 kW continuous power (130 kW peak) and reduces total vehicle weight by around 600 kg while cutting rear axle load by 400 kg. MAHLE also introduced a Contactless Transmitter electric motor for commercial vehicle drive axles that eliminates permanent magnets, saving up to 3 kg of rare earth materials per vehicle and achieving 10% lower weight than permanent magnet synchronous motors.

Why it matters: The range extender offers fleet operators a lighter, potentially lower cost alternative to full battery electric trucks for long haul applications, while the rare earth free motor addresses supply chain risks and material cost volatility in commercial EV procurement. Both technologies target the heavy duty segment where charging infrastructure gaps and payload constraints remain barriers to electrification.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani told the launch of Proton's first plug in hybrid electric vehicle production line in Tanjong Malim that Malaysia currently operates around 1,000 public EV chargers, far short of the national target of 30,000 units. He said charging infrastructure is a key challenge to EV adoption and will require collaboration between Tenaga Nasional Bhd, local authorities and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Johari noted that Malaysia has forgone RM3.3 billion in tax revenue through a four year duty free period for EVs.

Why it matters: The 30 fold gap between installed and target charger numbers signals major procurement opportunities for charge point operators and infrastructure suppliers in Malaysia. The minister's call for multi stakeholder collaboration points to upcoming tenders and public private partnerships to close the infrastructure shortfall.

Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating in Assam, India, driven by daily cost savings rather than state incentives, according to drivers and experts. E-autorickshaw driver Tasem Ali covers almost 100 kilometres per charge and reports lower running costs than diesel alternatives, though monthly instalments on vehicles costing around Rs 4 lakh remain a burden. Assam's 2021 EV policy promised subsidies, tax waivers and registration fee exemptions, but several owners report not receiving subsidies or lacking clarity on benefits, while poor charging infrastructure, limited financing and range anxiety continue to slow adoption, especially for four-wheelers.

Why it matters: The gap between EV uptake and policy delivery in Assam signals that organic demand from total cost of ownership is outrunning public infrastructure and incentive programmes, a pattern that may inform procurement priorities and financing models for charge point operators entering similar emerging markets. The reliance on home charging and the 100 kilometre daily range of three-wheelers also highlight where public charging investment may lag real user behaviour.

Portuguese infrastructure provider i-charging has begun commercial deliveries of its MAX charging platform, which scales from 50 kW to 1.6 MW in a single cabinet and supports CCS, NACS, GB/T and MCS standards. The platform uses power modules from SOLUM, a Samsung Electro-Mechanics spin-off founded in 2015, and features dynamic power allocation across up to eight vehicles simultaneously. Following initial installations in Portugal, i-charging has received orders from Germany and Switzerland for European expansion.

Why it matters: The arrival of a commercially available 1.6 MW platform signals growing procurement options for depot and corridor charging aimed at heavy-duty fleets, with multi-standard compatibility reducing infrastructure lock-in. Orders from Germany and Switzerland indicate near-term pipeline activity for megawatt-class charging across Europe.

Driventic has launched the VEDS 2.2, a 275 kg integrated electric drive system for medium to heavy duty commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses and coaches. The system combines a high speed EVO 390 motor, inverter and single stage planetary gear unit into one unit, designed for both new builds and retrofit projects. The drive unit is compatible with existing diesel vehicle rear axles without modification, reducing retrofit investment requirements.

Why it matters: The system's compatibility with conventional axles and simplified integration interfaces lower the technical and capital barriers for fleet operators and OEMs pursuing commercial vehicle electrification or retrofit programmes. Its IP6K9K rating and compact design address durability and space constraints in heavy duty applications.

BMW's iX1 and iX2 are now eligible for the maximum £3,750 discount under the UK government's £1.3 billion electric car grant scheme, making BMW the first premium German manufacturer to qualify for the full amount. The iX1 offers up to 318 miles of range and the iX2 up to 282 miles. Since the scheme launched in July 2025, more than 100,000 drivers have used it, with 17 models now qualifying for the full £3,750 grant and others receiving £1,500 off.

Why it matters: The addition of premium German models to the top grant tier signals broader market accessibility and may influence fleet procurement decisions, particularly for corporate buyers seeking prestige brands with strong incentives. The scheme's uptake of over 100,000 vehicles in its first months demonstrates significant demand that charging infrastructure planners and operators must accommodate.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a six month removal of the 5 per cent VAT on household electricity bills from October, funded by £850 million from scrapping the ID cards scheme. The move will benefit existing EV owners who charge at home but widens the cost gap for the nine million UK households without driveways, who already pay four times more to charge via the public network taxed at 20 per cent VAT. Industry experts warn the measure amplifies the VAT penalty for around a third of UK households reliant on public infrastructure.

Why it matters: The policy deepens the financial divide between home and public charging, potentially dampening demand for public network expansion and making the business case harder for charge point operators targeting kerbside and destination sites. Procurement teams may face weaker utilisation forecasts in areas with high proportions of street parked vehicles.

The Abarth 500e now qualifies for the maximum £3,750 discount under the UK government's £1.3bn electric car grant scheme, bringing the total number of models eligible for the full amount to 15. Other qualifying vehicles include the Alpine A290, Ford Puma Gen-E, Nissan Leaf, and Renault 5 (52kWh), while remaining models receive £1,500 off. More than 100,000 drivers have used the scheme since its launch in July 2025.

Why it matters: The expanding list of grant eligible models, particularly affordable urban EVs like the Abarth 500e with 164 mile range, signals growing consumer incentives that may accelerate fleet electrification and workplace charging demand. CPOs serving retail and commercial sites should monitor uptake patterns as the scheme's £1.3bn budget drives new EV adoption across price segments.

The Fiat 500 Electric now qualifies for the full £3,750 discount under the UK government's £1.3 billion electric car grant scheme, bringing the total number of models eligible for the maximum amount to 12. More than 100,000 drivers have used the scheme since its launch in July 2025, with all other qualifying vehicles receiving a £1,500 discount. The Fiat 500 Electric offers up to 202 miles of range and joins models including the Alpine A290, Citroen e-C5 Aircross Long Range, Ford Puma Gen-E, Kia EV2 Long Range, Nissan Leaf, and Renault 5 (52kWh) on the full discount list.

Why it matters: The expansion of the grant scheme to include popular urban models like the Fiat 500 Electric signals growing government support for accessible EV adoption, which will drive demand for workplace and destination charging infrastructure. With 100,000 drivers already claiming the grant in under a year, charge point operators should anticipate accelerated fleet growth in the small and compact EV segments.

Kapsch TrafficCom's UK and Ireland Sales Director Tim Wray has urged the UK Government to let motorists choose between odometer based and location based pay per mile charging systems. His comments follow ministerial confirmation that UK registered electric vehicles will be charged for overseas mileage under the forthcoming Electric Vehicle Excise Duty framework. The Government stated that excluding overseas driving, which accounts for about 2% of total UK car mileage, would require mandatory location data collection and raise privacy concerns.

Why it matters: The debate over charging system design affects how future road user charging infrastructure will be procured and deployed. For charge point operators and fleet managers, the choice between simple odometer systems and location aware alternatives will shape data requirements, privacy compliance costs and the ability to integrate road pricing with wider transport policy goals.

Cupra has dismissed reports that its Raval electric SUV will be axed, even as parent company VW Group pursues broader product rationalisation. The brand confirmed the model remains in development, countering speculation that it would fall victim to cost cutting measures affecting other group vehicles.

Why it matters: A confirmed Raval launch preserves demand for public charging infrastructure in the compact electric SUV segment, while any VW Group model cancellations could reduce the total addressable market for charge point operators planning network expansion.

Hyundai Motor Group and SK On have begun early production at their joint venture battery facility in Bartow County, Georgia, following trial runs last month. The 3.3 million square foot plant, announced in 2022, is designed to produce 35 gigawatt hours of batteries annually at full capacity, enough for 300,000 electric vehicles, and is expected to create around 3,500 jobs. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that production will scale up gradually, though the timeline to full capacity remains uncertain following the end of the federal tax credit and slower EV sales growth.

Why it matters: The facility represents one of Georgia's largest economic development projects and signals continued commitment to domestic battery supply chains despite market headwinds. For charging infrastructure planners, the plant's eventual 300,000 unit annual capacity underscores the long term need for expanded charging networks to support Hyundai and Kia's EV rollout, even as near term deployment may lag initial projections.

HMRC figures show UK employees receiving a company car benefit reached 920,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, an increase of 80,000 drivers year on year. The growth marks a sustained recovery from a pandemic low of 720,000 in 2020/21 and is attributed to tax incentives for ultra low emission vehicles and salary sacrifice schemes. The data reflects rising EV adoption in fleet contexts, though voluntary payrolling changes since 2016 complicate long term comparisons.

Why it matters: A larger company car fleet skewed toward electric models signals expanding workplace charging demand and potential procurement opportunities at business sites. Fleet electrification at scale also drives requirements for depot and destination charging infrastructure across the UK.