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Battery electric vehicle sales in South Africa grew approximately 230% year on year, according to the latest Naamsa figures, though BEVs still account for less than 1% of the local market. Peter van Binsbergen, writing in a commentary piece, highlights the recent launch of the Charge N3 Roadside ultra-fast charging station at Leeukop farm stall in the Free State as progress in charging infrastructure rollout. He argues that a clear government and industry strategy, alongside expanded charging infrastructure at shopping centres and along highways, is essential to drive higher EV adoption rates in South Africa.

Why it matters: Despite triple digit growth, South Africa's sub 1% BEV market share underscores the chicken and egg challenge facing charge point operators: infrastructure investment depends on adoption, yet adoption hinges on visible, convenient charging networks. The Charge N3 station example signals early corridor buildout, a critical step for CPOs targeting long distance and commercial fleet segments in the region.

Ultra-rapid network Ionity has launched its first urban charging site in London, featuring 12 bays delivering up to 400kW at Greenwich Shopping Park on Bugsby's Way. The site, open to all EVs, marks Ionity's strategic shift from motorway corridors into metropolitan centres, following a similar hub opened in central Birmingham earlier in 2026. Ionity is offering free charging on 21 August 2026 via its app to celebrate the launch.

Why it matters: The move signals a major network operator pivoting from intercity routes to high-footfall urban retail locations, opening new site-acquisition and partnership opportunities in dense metropolitan areas. CPOs and local authorities will watch whether Ionity's 400kW urban model proves commercially viable and sets a benchmark for power and bay count in city centres.

SparkCharge, an American distributed energy network, has announced its expansion into the UK, replicating its US model to provide independent power for autonomous vehicle fleets, construction sites and industrial operations requiring immediate energy access without grid connection. The company already operates across North America, serving commercial fleets, AV operators, data centres, events, ports and railheads. Founder and CEO Joshua Aviv said the demand for immediate, intelligent energy is a global story.

Why it matters: The UK launch addresses a procurement gap for operators deploying EV fleets or infrastructure ahead of grid capacity, offering an alternative energy source for sites needing power before mains connections are available. SparkCharge's model could accelerate rollout timelines for CPOs and fleet operators constrained by grid delays.

EVgo has opened a flagship charging hub in Warren, Michigan, featuring 12 high-power chargers (up to 350 kW) with both CCS and NACS plugs, located in a Meijer car park directly across from GM's Global Technical Center. The site offers canopy cover, pull-through access for towing vehicles, and charging in 15 minutes or less depending on model. EVgo plans to build additional flagship stations across California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan and Texas, each with enhanced lighting and up to 20 stalls to reduce wait times.

Why it matters: The rollout signals a shift toward larger, amenity-adjacent hubs that address dwell time and queue anxiety, key factors in CPO site selection and utilisation rates. Co-location with retail anchors and OEM facilities also points to strategic land partnerships that procurement teams can replicate when siting high-throughput depots.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has called for charging infrastructure to expand beyond major urban centres, telling Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian that provincial coverage and inter-city routes are essential for practical EV use nationwide. The group said limited charging access outside Metro Manila and other cities remains a barrier to long-distance travel and broader adoption. Discussions also covered potential updates to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, to reflect rising EV demand and evolving motorist and industry needs.

Why it matters: The push signals that Philippine procurement and policy may soon prioritise rural and corridor charging, opening tenders beyond the saturated urban core. CPOs eyeing the market should track EVIDA amendments and provincial deployment mandates that could reshape site selection and funding flows.

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has issued Decree No. 24.K/TL.01/MEM.L/2025 setting out a national plan for public EV charging station (SPKLU) deployment through 2030. The decree identifies target locations including shopping centres, office complexes, industrial zones, highway rest areas, petrol stations, tourist sites, hospitals, transport hubs, hotels and seaports, and aims to accelerate rollout through cross stakeholder collaboration and diverse business models. Officials described the decree as the foundational roadmap for charging infrastructure development across the country.

Why it matters: A formal ministerial decree with location categories and a six year horizon gives Indonesian and international charge point operators a clearer pipeline for site acquisition and grid connection planning. The emphasis on business model diversity may open procurement routes beyond traditional concession tenders.

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.

Public charging operator EVgo will deploy more than 500 DC fast charging stalls at 90 shopping centres managed by Brixmor Property Group, with each site receiving up to 12 high power chargers. The rollout, announced in August 2026, will cover locations in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas, bringing EVgo chargers to around 25% of Brixmor's portfolio. EVgo currently operates over 1,200 DC fast charging stations across 47 states.

Why it matters: The deal demonstrates how retail landlords are embedding charging infrastructure at scale to attract EV drivers, creating a pipeline of multi stall sites for charge point operators. For procurement teams, the focus on high power units and clusters of up to 12 stalls per location signals a shift toward destination charging hubs that can handle higher utilisation.

The Union Government told the Rajya Sabha on 7 August that Jammu and Kashmir has 295 electric vehicle charging stations, part of a national total of 52,718 installations as of 29 July 2026. Neighbouring Ladakh has 25 charging points. The Centre does not maintain a centralised record distinguishing fast charging from slow charging facilities, and the establishment of EV charging stations has been de licensed under Ministry of Power guidelines issued on 17 September 2024, allowing private entities to install infrastructure.

Why it matters: The de licensing policy and absence of a central fast versus slow charging register signal an open but data light procurement environment for CPOs expanding in Indian Union Territories. Jammu and Kashmir's 295 points offer a baseline for operators assessing regional rollout pace and site density in emerging markets.

UK battery materials firm Integrals Power will supply hundreds of kilos of manganese-rich lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode material for a £2 million, 30 month UK government-funded programme led by Denchi Group through the Battery Innovation Programme. The material, produced at Integrals Power's multi-tonne facility in Milton Keynes, will be used in pouch and cylindrical cells (21700 and 4695 formats) manufactured at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre in Coventry, then assembled into battery packs at Denchi's Thurso plant for defence and electric vehicle applications. Integrals Power's LMFP has 80% manganese content and delivers up to 20% greater energy density than conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) while eliminating reliance on cobalt and nickel.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates UK public investment in domestic battery supply chains and alternative chemistries that reduce dependence on critical minerals, with potential cost and sourcing advantages for EV battery procurement. Higher energy density LMFP could offer fleet operators and charge point operators improved vehicle range without the material cost volatility of nickel and cobalt based cells.

SM Supermalls has launched a free electric vehicle charging station at SM City Consolacion in the Philippines, completing EV charging coverage across all its Cebu shopping centres. The facility was inaugurated by local officials including Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado and SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head Ana Kristin Therese M. Seno, with VinFast Cebu Central participating in the ribbon cutting and first public charging demonstration.

Why it matters: The rollout demonstrates a property owner achieving full site coverage within a regional cluster, offering a replicable model for retail landlords seeking to deploy charging infrastructure systematically. Free access may influence utilisation rates and tenant appeal, relevant for CPOs evaluating partnership or concession terms with shopping centre operators.

Pakistan Observer has published a comprehensive list of public EV charging stations in the country's three largest cities, revealing significant regional disparities. Islamabad offers the highest charging density with stations across Blue Area, Centaurus Mall and multiple sectors including F-6, F-8, I-8, I-9, I-10, G-6 and the Defence Complex. Lahore has built one of the country's largest networks spanning DHA, Gulberg, Cantt, Johar Town, Bedian Road, MM Alam Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Packages Mall and Emporium Mall, with several DHA Phase 6 and Gulberg sites featuring solar canopies for operation during power outages. Karachi, despite being Pakistan's largest city, has the fewest public charging stations among the three metropolitan centres.

Why it matters: The mapping exercise highlights where infrastructure gaps remain in Pakistan's emerging EV market, signalling where CPOs and equipment suppliers may find the strongest near term deployment opportunities. Lahore's solar canopy installations demonstrate a localised solution to grid reliability challenges that could inform procurement specifications in other markets with intermittent power supply.

Travel centre operator Pilot, automaker General Motors and charging provider EVgo have opened more than 300 fast-charging sites with 1,300 stalls across 40 US states since launching the network in 2022. The rollout covers approximately 75% of the contiguous US, spanning over 2.2 million square miles, and marks the halfway point towards a target of up to 2,000 stalls at up to 500 locations nationwide.

Why it matters: The milestone demonstrates the pace at which a major multi-party charging deployment can scale across a continental market, offering procurement teams a benchmark for large-scale rollout timelines. The partnership model between a fuel retailer, OEM and CPO also highlights how site access and capital can combine to accelerate network density.

Charge point operator Allego, backed by infrastructure investor Meridiam, will invest €100 million to deploy up to 1,400 new ultra fast charging points across the UK by 2030. The rollout targets motorway corridors, major A roads and urban centres, with London a key priority, and is expected to create jobs in site acquisition, construction, engineering and network management. Allego entered the UK market in 2017 and views Britain as one of Europe's most attractive opportunities for EV charging investment.

Why it matters: The €100 million commitment signals sustained confidence in UK public charging demand and will intensify competition for high traffic sites along strategic corridors. Procurement teams and landowners can expect increased activity from Allego across motorway services, urban hubs and A road locations over the next six years.

EVgo and Brixmor Property Group have expanded their partnership, first established in 2016, to install more than 500 new DC fast charging stalls across at least 90 Brixmor shopping centres in the United States. Once complete, over 25 per cent of Brixmor shopping centres will host EVgo fast chargers, adding to EVgo's existing network of over 5,200 chargers at more than 1,200 locations.

Why it matters: The rollout represents a major retail property commitment to EV infrastructure and signals sustained demand for turnkey charging partnerships at high footfall sites. For CPOs and contractors, the scale of the deployment offers a benchmark for multi site retail programmes and underscores the commercial viability of shopping centre charging hubs.

India recorded 10,023,396 registered electric vehicles as of July 2026, more than 11 times the FY20 figure, while public charging infrastructure stood at 52,718 stations as of March 2026, according to Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in a Lok Sabha reply. EV penetration rose from 0.71% in FY20 to 8.26% in FY26, but the charging network now serves roughly 190 vehicles per public station. The Centre is backing infrastructure expansion through FAME II and PM E DRIVE schemes.

Why it matters: The 190 to 1 vehicle to charger ratio signals a widening infrastructure gap that CPOs and site hosts must address to sustain India's EV growth trajectory. Procurement teams can expect accelerated tender activity under FAME II and PM E DRIVE as the government seeks to close the charging shortfall.

GridCars is upgrading its South African public charging network with new generation 120kW dual connection DC fast chargers that support vehicle architectures from 150V to 1,000V. The company will modernise selected sites to accommodate larger commercial vehicles with longer bays, wider turning areas and improved cable reach, and deploy new chargers at additional locations to strengthen route coverage between major economic centres. The phased programme will replace first generation DC chargers that currently fill an average battery electric vehicle in approximately two hours, though GridCars has not disclosed charging time improvements for the new equipment.

Why it matters: The upgrade signals growing commercial vehicle demand in South Africa's charging infrastructure market, with site design specifications now prioritising fleet and logistics operators. Procurement teams should note the shift to higher voltage compatibility and dual connection hardware as baseline specifications for new network tenders.

Wrexham Council is installing additional charging points in rural areas as part of a wider expansion that has already delivered more than 60 public charging locations across the county borough. The network includes chargers ranging from 7.4kW fast units to 240kW ultra-rapid chargers, deployed in city centre sites, residential areas, country parks and leisure centres across communities including Chirk, Overton, Holt, Rossett and Ruabon. Future plans focus on improving access for residents without off-street parking.

Why it matters: The rollout demonstrates a local authority combining urban and rural deployment with a mix of power ratings, offering procurement insight into how councils are addressing range anxiety and supporting the transition for residents without home charging. The emphasis on accessibility for those without driveways signals a policy priority that may shape future tender requirements.

PPC Blue, Greece's largest public EV charging network, has reached its fifth anniversary operating approximately 3,200 publicly accessible charging points nationwide. The network spans cities, islands, highways, shopping centres, airports and ports, including hundreds of fast and ultra-fast DC chargers. The company has invested in digital services via its mobile app for locating chargers, reserving points, trip planning and payments, and has expanded the PPC Blue brand into Romania as part of PPC Group's regional strategy.

Why it matters: At 3,200 public points, PPC Blue represents the scale benchmark for national network rollouts in smaller European markets, offering procurement teams a reference for density targets and multi-site deployment timelines. The combination of highway corridors, island coverage and digital reservation tools highlights the operational and software integration requirements that CPOs must meet to serve diverse geographies and user needs.

Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation plans to deploy 100 electric vehicle charging stations across 20 locations in the city before winter, with work already underway at 13 junctions including Rajendra Nagar, Bus Adda, and Rajnagar Extension. The initiative aims to reduce pollution in Ghaziabad, which was identified as the most polluted city last winter by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, with the city targeting to lower its average AQI from 176 in 2025 to 163 in 2026. Municipal commissioner Vikramaditya Malik confirmed the rollout timeline in a statement to local media.

Why it matters: The 100 station deployment represents a significant municipal procurement opportunity in a city of 3 million people with 2,774 kilometres of road network, signalling India's tier two cities are accelerating EV infrastructure investment. Contractors and charge point operators should note the compressed timeline to year end and the focus on high traffic junctions as potential tender criteria.

Spanish renewable energy company Acciona Energía has opened a 42 bay public charging station at the El Faro shopping centre in Badajoz, Extremadura, with 2,000 kW of contracted power. The site features four 240 kW ultra fast chargers serving eight bays, ten 80 kW fast chargers serving 20 bays and seven 22 kW chargers serving 14 bays, using Circutor infrastructure. The station was built in partnership with Castellana Properties, a Spanish real estate investment company.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates how retail partnerships can unlock large scale charging hubs, with Spain's public network exceeding 50,000 operational points at the end of 2025 despite grid connection and administration delays slowing rollout. The project offers a procurement model for CPOs targeting high footfall retail locations with mixed power offerings.

Pilot Company installed 50 electric vehicle charging sites across 25 states during the first six months of 2026, expanding its coast to coast EV programme to a presence in 40 states, according to Scott Hundley, director of light duty EV and infrastructure at Pilot. The announcement comes as new electric car sales in the US are expected to slow in 2026, with EVs making up 10% of cars on the road in 2025 according to International Energy Agency data, while some convenience store and travel centre operators have pulled back on charging rollouts.

Why it matters: The continued expansion by Pilot signals that some major site operators remain committed to building charging infrastructure despite slower EV adoption and federal targets falling short, offering procurement teams a view of which networks are still actively tendering for equipment and construction.

Tesla has registered in Argentina and signed a cooperation agreement with state energy firm YPF to install 17 Supercharger stations at YPF service stations, according to Bloomberg. The ultra-fast DC chargers, which can add up to 320 kilometres of range in 15 minutes, will connect major urban centres and form the backbone of Tesla's charging network before the company launches vehicle sales in Argentina in 2027. Tesla already appointed a country manager for Argentina and Uruguay, where sales began in July.

Why it matters: The rollout shows Tesla prioritising charging infrastructure before vehicle availability, a sequencing that reduces range anxiety and creates early procurement opportunities for site hosts and electrical contractors. The YPF partnership offers a template for how automakers and national energy companies can co-develop fast charging networks in emerging EV markets.

Pilot has expanded its coast to coast EV charging network to more than 300 fast-charging locations, adding 50 new DC fast-charging sites during the first half of 2026 across 25 states. The network, developed in partnership with EVgo, now includes more than 1,300 individual charging stalls at travel centres along major interstate highways, representing a more than 50% increase from roughly 200 sites less than a year ago. Each location is equipped with 350 kW EVgo DC fast chargers featuring dual cable dispensers.

Why it matters: The rollout demonstrates the scale and pace at which travel centre operators are deploying high power charging infrastructure, with Pilot now offering EV charging at more than one third of its locations. The partnership model with EVgo and the strategic highway placement provide a reference case for CPOs and site hosts planning similar corridor networks.

Kenneth Gibson MSP has endorsed plans by Greenwheel Electric for a solar powered ultra rapid charging hub at Hunterston Port and Resource Centre in Cunninghame North. The developer proposes around 16 ultra rapid charging bays powered entirely by renewable energy, targeting private motorists, local businesses and HGV operators at the former coal terminal site off the A78 near the Firth of Clyde. Greenwheel Electric is deploying a UK wide network of integrated charging hubs using on site generation and certified green grid power.

Why it matters: The project signals growing interest in renewable powered charging infrastructure at strategic transport corridors and repurposed industrial sites. Political backing and dedicated HGV provision may accelerate procurement timelines for operators seeking green energy charging solutions in Scotland.

The Centre has approved Rs 40.50 crore under the PM E-DRIVE scheme to deploy 170 public charging sites with 688 chargers and four battery swapping stations across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Angul, Jajpur and Balasore. The State Transport Authority will act as nodal agency, installing infrastructure at government offices, major roads, parking areas, railway stations, hospitals, educational institutions and police stations. Odisha recorded a 17 per cent EV market share in June, the highest among Indian states.

Why it matters: The grant opens a 170 site tender pipeline in six Odisha cities, with funding covering upstream electrical works and charging equipment. Operators must integrate with the national unified hub and meet operational standards set by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia reached more than 30,000 units in June, representing one in every four new cars sold nationwide, according to Carloop founder Riz Akhtar. The country now sells in a quarter what it used to sell in a year, with annual sales previously around 90,000 to 100,000 units. Charging infrastructure has expanded across urban areas, appearing in fast food car parks, shopping centres, and residential streets.

Why it matters: The surge in EV adoption to 25 per cent market share creates immediate demand for expanded charging networks across retail, hospitality, and residential locations. Procurement teams and charge point operators face accelerating infrastructure requirements as quarterly sales volumes now match previous annual totals.

Electric vehicle owners using public charging stations across South Africa's Eastern Cape now pay R7.50 per kilowatt hour, up from R7.00, following a 50 cent increase introduced on 1 July by the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape. The operator said the adjustment reflects anticipated national electricity tariff changes and aims to sustain the province's charging network as EV demand grows, with the new rate applying at stations in Makhanda, Port Alfred, Komani, Gqeberha and other towns.

Why it matters: The tariff rise signals how electricity cost pressures are feeding through to charge point operators in emerging markets, a factor procurement teams must model when evaluating long term concession bids. AIDC EC's province wide pricing also shows coordinated network operators can adjust tariffs uniformly, affecting revenue assumptions for any private partners or future tender respondents.

Wrexham County Borough Council has installed 243 public EV charging points across urban and rural communities, with further investment planned for 2026 to extend infrastructure into more rural areas. The rollout supports the Welsh Government's target of a net zero public sector by 2030 and aims to reduce transport emissions, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Wales. The Council is working with partners to expand the network across town centres, residential areas, visitor destinations and rural communities.

Why it matters: The 243-point milestone demonstrates sustained municipal procurement in a Welsh local authority, with the 2026 rural phase signalling continued tender opportunities for suppliers able to serve lower density areas. Wrexham's alignment with the 2030 net zero public sector target indicates a pipeline of further charging infrastructure contracts across Welsh councils.