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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.

A prospective Kia Niro buyer asked the r/ElectricVehicles subreddit whether free workplace charging could replace a home setup, also querying insurance costs and the safety of using an existing 240 volt outlet on a 50 amp breaker. Commenters noted that insurance may cost more due to repair expenses for cameras and sensors rather than the electric powertrain itself. The discussion underscores how access to workplace infrastructure can lower the barrier to EV ownership when home charging is uncertain.

Why it matters: For charge point operators and site hosts, the thread confirms that reliable workplace charging remains a key demand driver, particularly among buyers without dedicated home infrastructure. It also signals that employers offering free or subsidised charging can directly influence purchase decisions and reduce reliance on residential installations.

Zeekr Malaysia has announced plans to establish 30 Zeekr Power charging stations nationwide over the next three years, working with local charge point operator DC Handal. Federation of Malaysia Electric Vehicle Associations president Jason Lee and transport expert Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said the private sector initiative could help narrow Malaysia's EV infrastructure gap, with Wan Agyl advocating for automaker collaboration with established operators rather than separate branded networks.

Why it matters: The announcement highlights a potential procurement model in which automakers invest directly in charging infrastructure through partnerships with existing CPOs, rather than building standalone networks. For charge point operators, such collaborations could accelerate rollout velocity while leveraging automaker capital and strategic site selection.

A study by Wolf River Electric has placed Portsmouth 56th out of 56 UK cities and towns for electric vehicle ownership, with an overall score of 16.47. While the city records 49 charging points per 1,000 EVs, one of the stronger infrastructure scores, it is held back by low EV uptake at just 10 EVs per 10,000 people and the highest electricity costs in the study with a normalised score of 56. The research assessed factors including charging infrastructure, electricity costs, EV adoption, property access, repair services and local emissions.

Why it matters: The findings highlight that charging infrastructure alone does not guarantee a strong EV market, with electricity costs and adoption rates playing critical roles in shaping demand for charge point operators. Portsmouth's weak performance despite decent infrastructure may signal limited near term growth opportunities for CPOs in the area unless broader economic and adoption barriers are addressed.

A free webinar on cable in conduit systems for EV charging projects will take place on 27 August 2026 at 12pm EDT, covering installation best practices, reliability considerations, and project efficiency. The session will draw on lessons from utility, industrial, and EV infrastructure deployments, aiming to help attendees reduce field issues and improve execution. A separate virtual conference is scheduled for 14 to 17 September 2026.

Why it matters: Cable in conduit design affects both upfront installation costs and long term maintenance for charge point operators, making practical guidance on specification and deployment directly relevant to procurement teams planning multi site rollouts.

Maryland now has nearly 1,700 charging stations serving more than 150,000 registered EVs and plug-in hybrids, up from fewer than 300 stations statewide in 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The state government has made widespread EV adoption a climate priority. The median EV range has tripled since 2014, though infrastructure gaps remain in some areas.

Why it matters: The sixfold growth in Maryland's charging network since 2014 signals sustained procurement opportunities as the state pursues climate-driven EV targets. CPOs and contractors should note that infrastructure gaps persist despite overall expansion, pointing to potential site development needs in underserved regions.

The Penang state government has launched ONEMAP+, a digital platform that maps electric vehicle charging stations, CCTV cameras and automated external defibrillators across the state. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow unveiled the platform during the Penang2030 Festival Lite KOMTAR 2026, describing it as bringing together technology, public safety, healthcare and mobility information. Developed by PLANMalaysia Penang and the state Information and Communications Technology Division, the platform incorporates data from the Penang Green Council, Penang Island City Council, Seberang Perai City Council and Penang Health Department.

Why it matters: The platform improves public visibility of existing EV charging infrastructure in Penang, potentially driving utilisation rates and informing future site selection for charge point operators. The launch coincided with a new EV charging station at McDonald's in Batu Kawan, signalling continued expansion of the state's charging network.

Slough Borough Council has begun a one-year trial of cross-pavement charging channels for residents without driveways, funded by £130,000 from the Department for Transport's Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant. The scheme will install 20 Kerbo Charge cable gullies, with residents paying £399 towards installation costs, potentially saving them around £4,000 per year compared to public charging. The Kerbo Charge system is the only approved method for running a charging cable across a public footway in the UK.

Why it matters: The trial addresses a key barrier to home charging for on-street parkers and tests a scalable model that could inform wider local authority procurement of pavement channel solutions. The £399 resident contribution and £130,000 grant structure offers a replicable funding approach for councils seeking to expand residential charging access.

The City of Santa Barbara has completed a public EV charging project at Eastside Library featuring four 400 kilowatt DC fast chargers, described as among the fastest on California's Central Coast. The installation received more than 500,000 dollars from the California Energy Commission, California Transportation Commission and Senate Bill 1 Road Repair funding, with power supplied by 100 percent carbon free electricity through Santa Barbara Clean Energy. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on 26 August at the Montecito Street site.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates how state grant programmes can fund high power public charging infrastructure, with combined California Energy Commission and transportation funds exceeding half a million dollars for a single four bay installation. For CPOs and contractors, the 400 kW specification and multi agency funding model offer a template for fast charging rollouts in mid sized California municipalities.

The district transport office in Nalanda, India, has submitted a proposal for 16 electric vehicle charging station locations in the first phase, to be developed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) under the central government's PM E-DRIVE scheme. A BHEL technical team recently surveyed four sites, including Biharsharif Government Bus Stand, NH-20's 17 Number Mor, Rajgir Bus Stand and land near Surajpur petrol pump, and approved three locations for charging infrastructure. The Transport and Road Construction departments jointly identified the land for the proposed stations across the district.

Why it matters: The proposal signals a structured rollout of public charging infrastructure in a tier two Indian district, with BHEL as the designated charge point operator under a national scheme. Procurement teams and site developers can track which of the 16 proposed locations receive final departmental approval and construction timelines.

Maryland's transportation department has conditionally awarded five public fast-charging projects under Round 3 of its NEVI Programme, covering Prince George's, Frederick, Montgomery, Charles and Baltimore counties. The awards total approximately 3.7 million dollars in federal funding, supported by around 918,000 dollars in private-sector matching funds, with conditional awardees including Tesla, ElectraStop and Universal EV. Maryland launched its NEVI Programme in 2024 and has since made 70 fast-charging ports available to the public, with another 104 ports from Rounds 1 and 2 in development.

Why it matters: The conditional awards signal new procurement opportunities along Maryland's major travel corridors, with named suppliers Tesla, ElectraStop and Universal EV now positioned to deliver infrastructure. For CPOs and contractors, the state's phased rollout demonstrates sustained NEVI pipeline activity, with 174 ports already live or under construction and further rounds likely as Maryland addresses remaining charging gaps.

Milton Keynes placed seventh among 30 major UK cities for electric car charging infrastructure, with 1,005 public chargers as of 1 April 2026, equivalent to 329 per 100,000 people, according to analysis by Recharge Renewable using Department for Transport and Zapmap data. The city ranked second nationally for rapid and ultra-rapid charging density at 107 units per 100,000 people, behind only Dundee's 119 and nearly four times London's 27. Despite strong totals, the network shrank during the first quarter of 2026 as operators removed or reclassified more chargers than they added, affecting its overall score in a ranking topped by Dundee and concluded by Southampton.

Why it matters: The study highlights Milton Keynes as a high density charging market where rapid infrastructure is well established, yet first quarter network contraction signals potential rationalisation or reliability challenges that CPOs and local authorities must address. For procurement teams, the city's 329 chargers per 100,000 people, nearly double the UK average of 172, suggests competitive pressure and possible saturation in certain segments, requiring careful site selection and differentiation strategies.

The UK government has launched a consultation to review legally binding electric vehicle sales targets under the ZEV mandate, responding to automotive sector pressure. The Department for Transport, OZEV and the Department for Business and Trade are jointly evaluating whether existing annual manufacturer targets remain appropriate, citing slower than expected consumer demand, energy price increases and international competition. The 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel cars and the 2035 fully zero emission requirement for all new cars and vans remain in place.

Why it matters: Any softening of annual ZEV sales targets could slow the pace at which fleets electrify and reduce near term demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure. Procurement teams and CPOs planning network expansion will need to monitor whether revised manufacturer obligations alter the volume and timing of EV rollout across the UK market.

New York City's Department of Citywide Administrative Services and NYC Public Schools have opened the city's first solar canopy EV charging station at the Michael J. Petrides School on Staten Island, featuring six Level 2 charging ports. The project, funded with more than 250,000 dollars in sustainable fleet infrastructure investment, is the first completed under Local Law 63 enacted in 2024, which mandates solar canopy pilot programmes in city controlled parking lots across all five boroughs. The installation expands the city's municipal EV charging network to more than 2,600 individual charging ports, supporting a fleet of 5,970 electric vehicles, the largest municipal network in the state.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates how US municipalities are combining solar infrastructure with EV charging mandates to scale public fleet electrification, offering a procurement model for other cities seeking to meet decarbonisation targets. With New York City now operating the state's largest municipal charging network, the solar canopy rollout under Local Law 63 signals sustained capital deployment and replicable site opportunities for charging and solar contractors across the five boroughs.

Pulse Energy has become one of the first certified technology enablers for Unified Bharat eCharge (UBC), a nationwide interoperable EV charging network launched by India's Ministry of Heavy Industries, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and the National Payments Corporation of India. The system allows EV users to discover participating charging stations and pay via UPI through the BHIM app by scanning a QR code, removing the need for separate operator accounts or prepaid wallets. Pulse Energy will support charge point operators in integrating existing infrastructure and help application providers connect to the UBC network, with the initial rollout covering cities and national highways.

Why it matters: The integration of over 10,000 chargers into a single interoperable payment platform addresses fragmentation in India's EV charging market, potentially simplifying procurement decisions for CPOs by standardising payment infrastructure. Operators can retain existing hardware while gaining access to a unified national network, reducing barriers to participation in government backed charging schemes.

Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) plans to roll out Proton-branded public DC fast chargers in Malaysia this year, separate from existing dealership installations, according to chief branding officer Salawati Mohd Yusoff. The carmaker has invested RM40 million in its telematics service provider ecosystem and RM4 million in a live charging map application, with current charging partners covering more than 600 high-rise locations at rates from RM0.63 per kWh for Proton eMas owners. The announcement was made on the Jangan Kecam podcast in August 2026.

Why it matters: A major automotive OEM entering public charging infrastructure signals vertical integration in Southeast Asian EV markets, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics for independent CPOs. The RM44 million combined investment in charging and software infrastructure demonstrates manufacturer commitment to addressing range anxiety in high-rise dominated urban markets where 24% of Proton PHEV buyers reside.

The Florida Department of Transportation is reallocating 200 million dollars originally earmarked for car charging stations to build 32 landing pads with charging infrastructure for electric aircraft carrying two to four passengers, at 5.6 million dollars each. The funds come from the Federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme, which typically covers 80 per cent of charging infrastructure costs, with Florida offering to cover the remaining 20 per cent for participating flying car companies. Planned locations include airports, luxury apartments, golf courses and military bases, with Florida joining seven other US states in real world testing of advanced air mobility systems.

Why it matters: The decision removes a substantial pool of federal NEVI funding from ground based EV charging deployment in a major US state, potentially slowing network expansion and altering competitive dynamics for charge point operators and installers who had anticipated access to those dollars. It also signals a policy shift where states may prioritise emerging transport modes over conventional EV infrastructure, creating uncertainty for procurement pipelines tied to federal programmes.

A Comptroller and Auditor General report tabled in Parliament found five original equipment manufacturers received 467.96 crore rupees in demand incentives under India's FAME scheme despite violating localisation norms under the Phased Manufacturing Programme. Three OEMs may have circumvented the 1.5 lakh rupee price cap for e-2-wheelers by selling onboard chargers separately, receiving 1,418.62 crore rupees in incentives for those models. The audit also uncovered portal inconsistencies that prevented verification of FAME-I subsidy payments, with conflicting figures showing claims ranging from 201.84 crore rupees to negative 423.28 crore rupees.

Why it matters: The findings expose weak compliance checks in India's flagship EV subsidy programme, raising questions about due diligence for public procurement and OEM eligibility. For charging operators, the report notes only 148 of 2,877 approved FAME-II charging stations have been delivered, signalling persistent infrastructure rollout delays.

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.

Warwickshire County Council has secured £3.295 million from the Department for Transport alongside approximately £15 million in private investment to expand its EV charging network. The contract will see EZO install at least 73 rapid charge point sockets and Connected Kerb provide 2,100 additional lower powered charge point sockets across the county. Warwickshire was part of a consortium of councils supported by Midlands Connect that secured the deals to improve EV charging infrastructure.

Why it matters: The mixed deployment model combining rapid and on street charging demonstrates how local authorities are using blended public and private funding to meet diverse charging needs. The consortium approach through Midlands Connect may offer a template for other regional authorities seeking to scale infrastructure delivery.

RoadGrid India has secured ₹13 crore from the Technology Development Board under India's Department of Science and Technology to complete a ₹27.5 crore project building a manufacturing facility for its patented Universal EV Charger. The plant will produce 2,000 units annually from March 2027, with each charger integrating a 140 kW dual DC system supporting CCS2 and Type 6 connectors plus AC charging across two wheelers, three wheelers, passenger and commercial vehicles. The project includes ₹18 crore for manufacturing infrastructure and will create over 100 direct jobs.

Why it matters: A single interoperable platform serving multiple vehicle segments could simplify procurement and reduce site complexity for charge point operators deploying mixed fleets. Government backed local manufacturing also signals potential cost advantages and supply chain resilience for Indian infrastructure tenders from 2027.

The New South Wales Government and Electric Vehicle Council have launched the EV Friendly Towns program to assess and recognise regional communities preparing for electric vehicle visitors. Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles reached a record 36 per cent of Australian passenger car sales in June 2026. The scheme aims to help towns attract EV drivers who spend time at local businesses during charging stops.

Why it matters: Regional charging infrastructure becomes a competitive advantage for towns seeking visitor revenue, while the program may signal future procurement frameworks or grant criteria for public charging projects in NSW. CPOs and site hosts can use the assessment criteria to align deployments with state recognition and local economic development goals.

The Maryland Department of Transportation has released the state's first Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, mapping EV charging needs through 2031 and coordinating deployment across counties, utilities and private partners. The plan includes a new Maryland EV Charging Suitability Tool that identifies existing public chargers and priority expansion areas, and builds on the state's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme, which will invest approximately 63 million dollars in federal funding along corridors and within communities. MDOT will update the plan every three years.

Why it matters: The statewide plan and interactive mapping tool give CPOs and contractors clear visibility of priority deployment zones and public funding flows, helping target bids and site selection. The 63 million dollar NEVI allocation signals sustained procurement activity across Maryland over the next five years.

The UK public EV charging network stood at 122,724 chargers by end July 2026, up 9.5% year on year, with 1,553 net new units added in the month including 359 rapid and ultra-rapid devices, according to Zapmap data. Moto Charge launched its third Super Hub at Tamworth services on the M42, installing 12 ultra-rapid bays rated up to 400kW alongside 24 Gridserve bays and eight HGV-dedicated points for a total of 44 ultra-rapid bays at the site. Allego separately announced plans to invest £85 million to deploy up to 1,400 ultra-rapid chargers in the UK by 2030, targeting retail and hospitality partnerships in high-traffic locations.

Why it matters: The sustained monthly rollout and year-on-year growth signal ongoing procurement opportunities for hardware suppliers and construction firms, while the Moto and Allego commitments point to large-scale tenders in motorway and retail environments through the end of the decade. CPOs and site hosts can benchmark the 9.5% annual expansion and the shift toward ultra-rapid infrastructure when planning capacity and partnership strategies.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has allocated $4 million through its Zero-Emission Vehicle Rebate and Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure programmes, with $400,000 supporting 55 battery-electric vehicles for 14 municipalities and $3.6 million funding 74 Level 2 charging ports and 24 fast chargers across 23 municipalities statewide. In the Finger Lakes region, Tompkins County received $22,500 for three battery-electric vehicles, the Town of Victor received $7,500 for one vehicle, and the Village of Naples received $18,490 to install four Level 2 charging ports. Since 2016, the Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Rebate Programme has awarded more than $2.25 million, supporting 286 electric vehicles and 115 plug-in hybrids.

Why it matters: The $3.6 million infrastructure allocation represents a significant procurement opportunity for CPOs and installers targeting municipal contracts in New York, with 98 charging ports being deployed across 23 communities. The programme's track record of awarding over $2.25 million since 2016 signals sustained state commitment to municipal fleet electrification and charging infrastructure expansion.

The Government of New Brunswick announced nearly $64 million for 72 Climate Change Fund projects, with over $6 million dedicated to EV charging infrastructure. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will spend $955,000 creating regional charging hubs in Miramichi, Moncton, and Saint John to support the province's expanding EV fleet, alongside single port charging stations at strategic fleet housing locations for buses and light vehicles.

Why it matters: The provincial procurement signals a structured fleet electrification programme with dedicated hub infrastructure in three urban centres, creating potential supply and installation contracts. The focus on fleet housing locations for buses and light vehicles indicates a shift towards depot charging models that may favour turnkey solutions from CPOs experienced in public sector deployments.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced in July that it awarded approximately 2.7 million dollars in Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust grant funding for 22 electric vehicle charging units across eight sites statewide, with the nearest to Northeast Tennessee located in Clairborne County. The funding is part of the Fast Charge TN Network, a partnership between TDEC and Tennessee Valley Authority, which had 10 charging stations northeast of Knoxville as of July 2026, representing about 22 per cent of the state network. Some projects from the first funding round announced in 2022 remain in development.

Why it matters: The 2.7 million dollar allocation demonstrates continued state investment in highway charging infrastructure through settlement funds, though the geographic distribution leaves gaps in Northeast Tennessee. Procurement teams and CPOs should note that earlier 2022 awards are still being built out, signalling potential delays in project timelines for state funded networks.

Devon County Council and Torbay Council have appointed Believ, char.gy and Wenea to deploy almost 3,000 public EV charging points across the region. The rollout, set to begin within the next few months, combines £8 million from the UK Department for Transport's LEVI fund with around £30 million in private investment from the three charge point operators. Wenea will install rapid and fast chargers in public car parks managed by seven district and borough councils, Believ will deploy standard on-street units and community car park chargers, and char.gy will integrate charging infrastructure into existing lamp columns.

Why it matters: This multi-operator framework demonstrates how local authorities are leveraging LEVI funding to attract significant private capital, with the £8 million public investment unlocking nearly four times that amount in operator commitments. The project offers a procurement model for other councils seeking to deploy mixed charging solutions across on-street, car park and lamp column sites at scale.

RoadGrid India has received ₹13 crore in financial assistance from the Technology Development Board under India's Department of Science and Technology, forming part of a ₹27.5 crore project to commercialise its patented Universal EV Charger. The new manufacturing and assembly facility is expected to begin commercial production by March 2027 with an annual capacity of 2,000 units, creating more than 100 direct jobs. The Universal EV Charger is a 140 kW dual DC system supporting CCS2 and Type 6 connectors plus AC charging, designed as a single platform for two wheelers, three wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial EVs.

Why it matters: The project signals India's push for localised EV charging manufacturing and offers procurement teams a domestically produced multi vehicle charging solution. With production starting in 2027, the 2,000 unit annual capacity and government backing may influence tender specifications and supply chain planning for Indian CPOs and fleet operators.

India's production linked incentive scheme for automobiles and components has attracted Rs 443,260 mn in investments by 31 March 2026, exceeding the Rs 425,000 mn target set for March 2027, the Ministry of Heavy Industries reported. The scheme, approved in September 2021 with a Rs 259,380 mn outlay, aims to boost domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technology products. Separately, under FAME-II, oil marketing companies have made 463 of 482 sanctioned public EV charging stations operational in West Bengal as of 1 July 2026, though no adequacy assessment has been conducted.

Why it matters: The investment overshoot signals strong manufacturer commitment to India's automotive supply chain, potentially expanding the domestic EV component base. The 463 operational stations in West Bengal and the absence of an adequacy review highlight both rollout progress and gaps in strategic infrastructure planning for CPOs and public sector bidders.