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Major Chinese manufacturers including BYD, CATL, Dongfeng, Changan and Chery are advancing solid-state battery technology, with BYD and CATL planning small-scale production in 2027 after capturing over 55% of global EV battery sales last year. Dongfeng has tested a 350 Wh/kg prototype delivering over 620 miles CLTC range, while Changan's 400 Wh/kg battery claims 932 miles and Chery's 600 Wh/kg unit also targets 932 miles, with trial installations beginning in 2026 to 2027. The technology represents a shift from laboratory development to real-world vehicle testing across multiple manufacturers.

Why it matters: Higher energy density batteries will enable longer range EVs that require less frequent charging, potentially reducing the density of charging infrastructure needed per vehicle and reshaping demand forecasts for public charging networks. Procurement teams should monitor how solid-state adoption timelines affect fleet electrification plans and charging site utilisation assumptions from 2027 onward.

Family-owned dealer group JCT600 launched a Changan franchise on 9 March at its Priory Tec Park site in Hessle, Hull, focusing on the Deepal electric vehicle range including the S07 SUV and S05 compact SUV. The dealership forms part of a wider redevelopment to create a multi-brand electric vehicle hub for the Humber region. Executive chairman John Tordoff said the shared EV location will provide long-term growth foundations while offering customers access to new electric vehicles entering the UK market.

Why it matters: The creation of a multi-brand EV hub signals a shift in dealer infrastructure strategy that could influence charging site planning and co-location opportunities in regional markets. Dealer groups consolidating multiple EV brands at shared sites may drive demand for higher-capacity charging installations to support sales, servicing and customer convenience.

Charles Hurst has signed deals with Chinese automakers Geely and Changan to open new Belfast showrooms on Boucher Road. The Changan dealership will feature the fully electric Deepal S07 and S05 compact SUVs, while the Geely showroom will sell the electric EX5 SUV and hybrid Starray EM-I. Geely, which owns Volvo and Lotus and ranks as the world's seventh largest automotive maker, entered the UK market last year and plans to launch 10 new models over the next three years as part of a strategy to sell 100,000 cars annually.

Why it matters: The expansion of Chinese EV brands into Northern Ireland signals growing competition in the UK market and potential demand for charging infrastructure to support new electric models. With BYD already operating dealerships in Derry and Belfast, and Geely targeting 100,000 annual UK sales, charge point operators may see increased installation opportunities at dealership sites and across the region.