Search: Arriva

JD Power's sixth annual U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study shows DC fast charging satisfaction rose 12 points to 666 on a 1,000 point scale, driven by improvements in charger availability (up 27 points), safety perceptions (up 18 points) and charging cost views (up 18 points). The study also found that the percentage of drivers unable to charge upon arrival fell to its lowest level since tracking began. Public Level 2 charging satisfaction declined 12 points to 595, with ease of payment and ease of charging cited as problem areas.

Why it matters: The widening performance gap between DC fast charging and Level 2 networks signals where procurement budgets and site development efforts are delivering measurable user outcomes, helping CPOs and funders prioritise hardware, location and payment system investments. Lower failure to charge rates at DC sites also reduce operational risk for charge point operators expanding public networks.

A new podcast episode examines three developments in the EV sector: Rivian's market expansion efforts, Chinese tech firm Xiaomi's increased production ambitions, and the potential US arrival of a $14,000 compact electric vehicle. The discussion covers competitive positioning across US and global markets, highlighting the growing diversity of EV offerings from established manufacturers and new entrants alike.

Why it matters: The emergence of ultra-affordable EVs in the US market could accelerate charging infrastructure demand in urban and budget-conscious segments, whilst Rivian's expansion and Xiaomi's scaling signal intensifying competition that may drive CPOs to diversify their network strategies to serve varied vehicle types and price points.

Cape Town has taken delivery of its first electric bus for the MyCiTi public transport network, marking the start of preparations for a broader rollout planned for 2027. The arrival signals the city's move towards electrifying its bus rapid transit system, though specific fleet numbers and procurement details were not disclosed in the 2oceansvibe News report.

Why it matters: The delivery establishes Cape Town as an early mover in South African transit electrification and sets a timeline for municipal bus tenders and charging infrastructure contracts ahead of the 2027 deployment. Operators and suppliers now have a three year window to position for what could become a template procurement for other South African metros.

Bentley has confirmed its inaugural battery electric vehicle will be called the Torcal, signalling the model's arrival is near. The announcement marks a milestone in the luxury marque's electrification strategy, though no technical specifications or production timelines have yet been disclosed. The news comes as premium manufacturers accelerate EV rollouts to meet regulatory deadlines.

Why it matters: High end EV launches typically drive demand for premium charging infrastructure at dealerships, luxury hotels and private estates. Bentley's entry into the battery electric segment may prompt CPOs to upgrade hardware and payment systems to serve ultra luxury customers expecting concierge level charging experiences.

A bus company in Brighton has taken delivery of its first fully electric fleet, according to The Argus. The article marks the arrival of the vehicles but does not specify the number of buses, manufacturer or charging infrastructure details. The milestone was reported as a celebration by the operator.

Why it matters: Fleet electrification by municipal or contracted bus operators signals growing demand for depot charging installations and grid upgrades. The rollout may offer lessons on procurement timelines and infrastructure readiness for other UK local authorities planning zero emission bus schemes.

Chinese automotive group Geely has launched a dedicated electric vehicle dealership in Scorrier, Cornwall, marking a physical retail presence in the UK's southwest. Cornwall Live reports the arrival of Geely electric cars at the new site, though specific model details and opening dates were not disclosed. The move represents Geely's expansion into regional UK markets with a standalone EV sales point.

Why it matters: A new OEM dealership in Cornwall signals growing manufacturer confidence in regional EV adoption and may drive demand for workplace and public charging infrastructure in an area historically underserved by dedicated EV retail. Charge point operators should monitor whether Geely's physical presence accelerates local fleet electrification and destination charging requirements.

Ottawa's OC Transpo transit agency reports its fleet numbers are beginning to stabilise with the arrival of additional electric buses. The development addresses earlier fleet availability challenges. The update was shared by local councillor Glen Gower and covered by regional news outlets.

Why it matters: Transit fleet electrification projects depend on reliable vehicle delivery schedules; stabilising fleet numbers signals that procurement timelines are improving and that charging infrastructure can now support expanded electric operations in a major Canadian city.

Alexander Dennis will supply 164 Enviro200 and Enviro400 low emission buses to Arriva UK Bus, comprising 113 single deckers and 51 double deckers for delivery across 15 depots in England and Wales during summer and autumn 2026. The order follows an earlier 57 bus delivery in early 2025, taking recent deployments to 221 vehicles. All buses will feature SmartPack efficiency technology to qualify for Bus Service Operators Grant incentive payments.

Why it matters: The deal marks the largest single bus order Arriva has placed with Alexander Dennis and signals sustained fleet investment in low emission public transport infrastructure across multiple English and Welsh depots. Procurement teams should note the BSOG qualification criteria and the phased delivery timeline extending into late 2026.

Arriva Group has announced a £340 million UK investment programme covering 809 new buses, depot electrification at eight sites and refurbishment of over 150 vehicles. More than 50% of the new buses will be fully electric, with the remainder low emission, taking Arriva's total zero emission fleet beyond 750 vehicles. The programme allocates £310 million for vehicles and refurbishments and £30 million for property upgrades, with eight depots set for electrification including Thornton Heath, Palmers Green, Dartford, Thurmaston, Blyth, Durham, Darlington and Tamworth.

Why it matters: The eight depot electrification projects represent a substantial charging infrastructure pipeline for contractors and equipment suppliers, particularly at sites transitioning to fully electric operations. The phased rollout, already under way with 50 Alexander Dennis buses in West Yorkshire, signals near term procurement opportunities across multiple regional locations.

Arriva will soon operate 14 additional electric buses on three routes in North East England, according to Chronicle Live. The deployment forms part of the operator's ongoing fleet electrification in the region. No timeline or route details were specified in the available excerpt.

Why it matters: The rollout signals continued UK bus operator investment in zero emission vehicles, relevant to depot charging infrastructure planners and local authority transport decarbonisation targets in the North East.

Kent County Council has announced the arrival of Dover's first fully electric bus fleet, marking a shift to zero emission public transport in the area. The deployment represents a rollout milestone for the council's decarbonisation efforts, though specific fleet size and charging infrastructure details were not disclosed in the available excerpt. The move aligns with broader UK local authority commitments to electrify public transport networks.

Why it matters: The introduction of a fully electric bus fleet in Dover signals growing demand for depot charging infrastructure and associated grid upgrades, creating procurement opportunities for charge point operators and electrical contractors. Local authorities expanding EV bus operations typically require multi year maintenance and energy management contracts, opening pathways for service providers in the public transport electrification sector.

The island of Guernsey has taken delivery of its first electric buses, according to CBW Magazine. The arrival marks the start of electrification for the island's public transport fleet, though the report does not specify the number of vehicles or deployment timeline.

Why it matters: Island jurisdictions often face unique infrastructure and logistics challenges for EV adoption, making Guernsey's first electric bus deployment a test case for similar territories. The rollout may signal upcoming charging infrastructure tenders and operational lessons for CPOs working in constrained grid environments.

Arriva Netherlands has placed orders for new electric buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong and Spanish manufacturer Irizar, according to Bus-News. The procurement will expand the operator's zero-emission fleet in the Netherlands, though specific order volumes and delivery timelines were not disclosed in the available excerpt.

Why it matters: The dual-supplier strategy signals continued European operator confidence in both Asian and domestic electric bus manufacturers, with implications for depot charging infrastructure planning. Arriva's procurement activity provides a demand signal for charge-point operators serving public transport depots in the Netherlands.

CBC reports that Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are exploring entry into the Canadian market, though timelines and pricing remain unclear. The article examines potential arrival dates and cost structures for Chinese EVs in Canada, against a backdrop of evolving trade policy. No specific launch dates, pricing figures or manufacturer commitments were disclosed in the available excerpt.

Why it matters: New entrants from China could reshape competitive dynamics for charging infrastructure deployment in Canada, potentially driving demand for public charging networks if lower priced vehicles expand EV adoption. Procurement teams and site hosts should monitor which brands secure distribution and their charging specifications to inform network planning.