Search: Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust has published analysis identifying gaps in the UK's public electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The report examines geographic and demographic disparities in chargepoint availability across the country. It was released via the Trust's website and distributed through Google News channels.

Why it matters: Understanding where public charging infrastructure is lacking helps local authorities and charge point operators prioritise deployment to meet government targets and ensure equitable access. The findings may inform future procurement strategies and funding allocation for public charging networks.

Lynton Day Centre in East Linton, Scotland, has taken delivery of a new electric bus funded by a grant from the Energy Savings Trust under its Plugged-In Communities Scheme 25/26. The vehicle will serve the centre's operations across a large rural area in and around East Linton and the Dunpender area.

Why it matters: The award demonstrates how grant schemes are enabling community organisations to electrify transport fleets in rural settings, potentially signalling further demand for charging infrastructure to support similar deployments in underserved areas.

The Scottish Government has announced £17.8 million in funding for 2026 to 2027 to expand public, workplace and home EV charging infrastructure across Scotland. Energy Saving Trust will deliver the schemes, which include targeted support for rural areas, low income households and residents without off street parking. The funding forms part of an £85 million package for EV incentives and charging support announced in the January 2026 to 2027 Scottish Budget.

Why it matters: The multi year commitment signals sustained procurement opportunities for charge point operators and installers across public, workplace and residential segments, with dedicated streams for underserved markets including rural and low income communities. Contractors should prepare bids that address the targeted support criteria to access this substantial public funding pipeline.

The Energy Saving Trust has introduced a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support Service covering England. The programme aims to help local authorities, businesses and other organisations accelerate the rollout of EV charging infrastructure. Details on funding levels, site targets or delivery timelines were not disclosed in the announcement.

Why it matters: A dedicated support service can streamline procurement processes and reduce technical barriers for councils and fleet operators planning charge point installations. Faster project pipelines mean more tender opportunities for CPOs and contractors across England.

E.ON Next has updated its electric vehicle tariffs, maintaining long off-peak windows for home charging. The Next Drive Smart v5.9 tariff offers 8.5p per kWh from midnight to 6am and 30.87p per kWh during the day, delivering annual savings of £117 versus the energy price cap. The Next Drive Fixed v17 tariff charges 9.5p per kWh off-peak and 32.37p per kWh during the day, saving customers £59 per year. Both tariffs include no exit fees, a free one-year Zoom EV subscription for public charging discounts, and a donation to the Woodland Trust.

Why it matters: Competitive overnight rates below 10p per kWh strengthen the business case for domestic charge-point installations and may influence procurement decisions for home charger programmes. The tariff structure underscores the importance of smart charging capabilities in residential CPO offerings to maximise customer savings.

The Department for Transport has announced a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support Service, to be operated by Energy Saving Trust, Cenex and PA Consulting, launching by April 2026. The service will expand support beyond local authorities to include other public sector organisations involved in delivering England's EV charging network over the next three years, covering schemes such as the £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and the Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant. Since March 2022, LEVI funding has enabled local authorities to recruit over 350 specialist EV infrastructure officers in England, with most LEVI local authorities expected to complete their chargepoint operator procurement by March 2026.

Why it matters: The service broadens the pool of public sector bodies able to access technical and procurement support for chargepoint rollout, potentially accelerating tender pipelines and creating new opportunities for CPOs as more organisations beyond traditional local authorities enter the market. With most LEVI authorities nearing procurement completion by March 2026, the expanded service signals a next phase of public sector commissioning activity across England.

The Energy Saving Trust has submitted a response to the UK government's draft public EV charging network implementation plan. The document addresses rollout strategy and infrastructure deployment, though specific recommendations or figures from the submission are not detailed in the available excerpt. The response forms part of the consultation process shaping national charging policy.

Why it matters: Feedback from established advisory bodies like the Energy Saving Trust can influence procurement frameworks, site selection criteria and funding priorities that determine where and how CPOs deploy public charging infrastructure across the UK.