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Bradford Council has granted planning permission for Motor Fuel Group to install six EV charging bays with canopy, plus jet wash and air/vac facilities, at the Morrisons anchored Enterprise 5 retail park. The scheme will remove 42 existing parking spaces. The application cited UK public charging infrastructure reaching 92,141 devices as of 1 April, up 4,345 since January.

Why it matters: The approval shows local authorities balancing EV infrastructure rollout against car park capacity, a trade off that procurement teams and site hosts must navigate when planning charging hubs at retail locations. Motor Fuel Group's multi use format combining charging, car wash and vacuum points may offer a template for maximising revenue per square metre at forecourt and supermarket sites.

EVgo has opened a flagship charging station at a Meijer store in Warren, Michigan, featuring 12 stalls with a mix of CCS and NACS connectors, 350 kilowatt charging capability, and pull-through access for vehicles with trailers. The station is part of EVgo's plan to deploy more than 100 flagship stalls by the end of 2026, supported by General Motors funding to expand EV adoption across the United States. Michigan has seen electric vehicle numbers grow six times between 2021 and 2025, according to EVgo.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates how CPOs are partnering with retail anchors to deliver high power, dual standard infrastructure in markets with rapid EV growth. General Motors' financial backing of EVgo's flagship rollout signals continued OEM investment in public charging to support vehicle sales.

InstaVolt has expanded its partnership with Zapmap, enabling over one million Zapmap users to pay directly for charging at more than 2,500 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers across almost 900 UK locations. The network, which includes sites at McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Booths and motorway service areas, has been named an EV driver recommended network in Zapmap's latest satisfaction rankings. InstaVolt deploys battery storage technology at key sites including its 44-charger Winchester superhub and Welcome Break Corley on the M6, the UK's first motorway services with on-site battery storage connected directly to chargers.

Why it matters: The integration with Zapmap's payment platform, covering over 80,000 chargers across more than 50 networks, signals growing interoperability in the UK charging market that may influence procurement decisions favouring networks with seamless user access. InstaVolt's grid-independent battery storage deployments at high-traffic retail and motorway locations offer a resilience model for CPOs planning infrastructure in constrained grid areas.

Motor Fuel Group has applied to Fylde Council for permission to install eight EV charging bays with canopy, substation and associated infrastructure at the Morrisons supermarket on Amy Johnson Way in Blackpool's Squires Gate area. The proposed hub would occupy approximately 0.13 hectares within the existing customer car park. No decision has yet been made on the application.

Why it matters: The scheme signals continued grocery retail investment in destination charging infrastructure, with Motor Fuel Group expanding its charging footprint beyond traditional forecourt sites. The eight bay configuration represents a mid scale hub that could inform procurement specifications for similar supermarket car park deployments.

Hyundai Motor India Limited has partnered with Jio-bp (Reliance BP Mobility Limited) to integrate their EV charging networks, giving customers access to over 37,000 charging points across India via the myHyundai app. Hyundai's high capacity chargers will also be integrated into the Jio-bp pulse charge pro app. The carmaker says customer concerns are shifting from range anxiety to charging anxiety as its EV product line expands in India.

Why it matters: The deal shows how OEMs are bundling third party charging access to ease adoption, and signals that Jio-bp's network scale (37,000 points) is now large enough to anchor major manufacturer partnerships in the Indian market.

Service stations across Nairobi, Kigali, Cotonou and Johannesburg are bypassing conventional grid tied fast chargers in favour of distributed solar charging and automated battery swapping tailored to motorcycle taxis, auto rickshaws and minibuses. The shift mirrors the mobile telecoms leapfrog of two decades ago, with commercial operators driving demand because drivers on thin margins cannot afford thirty minute dwell times. Energy dispensed on Rubicon's charging network in South Africa rose 142 percent in 2025 to 625 MWh.

Why it matters: Procurement teams targeting African markets must design for commercial light vehicle fleets and off grid solar swap infrastructure rather than replicating Western passenger car DC fast charging models. The 625 MWh figure from one South African network signals rapid commercial uptake and a fundamentally different capex and site design brief.

South Korean vehicle manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group and UK energy intelligence platform Kaluza have agreed to integrate smart charging capabilities into the Kia App and myHyundai App, launching in the UK in August 2026 and Australia shortly after. The partnership will lay the groundwork for vehicle to grid (V2G) services planned from 2027, designed to reduce energy costs by charging when renewable energy is abundant on the grid. Kaluza CEO Stephen Fitzpatrick described the collaboration as setting a new industry standard for EV and energy system integration.

Why it matters: The deal signals a major OEM commitment to managed charging and V2G across two key English speaking markets, potentially shaping grid service procurement and charging infrastructure requirements. CPOs and fleet operators serving Hyundai and Kia drivers may need to align with the new digital ecosystem to offer competitive smart charging propositions from 2026.

The UK government opened a consultation on 14 August to review zero emission vehicle targets, following pressure from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which reports automakers losing billions of pounds on EV discounts to meet mandates. Current rules require EVs to account for 33% of new car sales in 2026, 80% in 2030 and 100% by 2035, but EV market share is expected to reach only 27.4% by year end. The review proposes four alternatives, including three that would retain the 2035 endpoint but cut the 2030 target to as low as 50%, and a fourth that would keep existing targets with added flexibility.

Why it matters: Any softening of the 2030 target could slow the pace of charging infrastructure rollout required to support fleet electrification, affecting procurement timelines and investment decisions for CPOs planning network expansion. The consultation outcome will shape demand forecasts and the business case for charging projects across the UK market.

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.

A Freedom of Information investigation by Close Brothers Motor Finance found that 39 of Hampshire's 157 public chargers are unavailable, with 27 switched off due to low use, while Lancashire, West Sussex, Nottinghamshire and Essex councils hold no fault or reliability data at all. Northumberland leads with 97 per cent uptime across 487 chargers monitored hourly, and Surrey keeps downtime below 3 per cent on 411 sockets. The findings come as 52 per cent of surveyed drivers say they never use public charging, citing cost, availability and reliability concerns.

Why it matters: The data gap in four major counties and Hampshire's 25 per cent outage rate signal procurement and asset management failures that undermine public confidence in the charging network. For CPOs and local authorities tendering new installations, the contrast between best practice digital monitoring in Northumberland and the data black hole elsewhere highlights the operational standards now expected to win and retain contracts.

Walmart and Ionna are rapidly expanding their EV charging networks in the United States with pricing below market averages, according to Chargenomics data. Walmart is deploying 400 kW Alpitronic chargers with both NACS and CCS plugs, offering a 10% discount to Walmart+ members, and has installed hundreds of chargers in recent months. Ionna, backed by eight automakers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, has committed to building 30,000 fast chargers across the United States and Canada by 2030.

Why it matters: The combination of aggressive network expansion and competitive pricing from two major players signals a potential shift in the EV charging market towards price competition, which could influence procurement strategies and site selection for charge point operators. Walmart's rapid rollout demonstrates the viability of retail-anchored charging sites, while Ionna's automaker backing and 30,000-charger target represents significant new supply entering the market.

General Motors is providing free charging at Chevrolet dealerships across Peru for buyers of plug-in models including the Captiva and Spark EUV. The move supports a market where electrified vehicle sales grew more than 86 per cent in the first half of the year, reaching 8,285 plug-in Chevrolets sold in that period. GM is expanding its Latin American EV push following a Cadillac launch in South America's largest car market.

Why it matters: The dealership charging rollout shows how OEMs are using captive networks to support EV adoption in emerging markets with limited public infrastructure. Peru's 86 per cent sales growth signals rising procurement opportunities for charge-point operators and installers serving both private dealership sites and the wider public network.

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.

A poll of 2,000 drivers by Fastned found 87 per cent have or would travel to a staycation destination in an electric vehicle, while 81 per cent of EV motorists are confident the UK's public charging infrastructure can support long distance journeys. Cornwall topped the list of desired destinations, followed by the Cotswolds and the Scottish Highlands, with half of respondents now more inclined to holiday domestically than five years ago.

Why it matters: Rising driver confidence in the UK charging network validates infrastructure investment and signals growing demand for reliable fast charging along tourist routes. CPOs and site hosts in rural and coastal areas may see stronger business cases as EV adoption accelerates domestic leisure travel.

Turntide Technologies has secured UK government grant funding for Project SUPREME, a £17 million matched-funded programme running 18 months to January 2028. The project will automate labour-intensive manufacturing steps for axial flux motors at facilities in Gateshead and Cramlington, Northumberland, aiming to validate the technology for volume production. Axial flux motors offer compact, lightweight designs with higher power density than radial flux alternatives, but have historically faced cost and complexity barriers at scale.

Why it matters: The programme signals public investment in advanced motor manufacturing infrastructure that could lower unit costs and expand supply options for EV and equipment OEMs. Successful automation may open axial flux technology to mid-volume vehicle programmes, widening the competitive landscape for traction motor procurement.

V-Green Indonesia and property developer PT HK Realtindo have signed a cooperation agreement to build an integrated EV charging hub on an 8,747 square metre site in Jakarta's Kemayoran district. The hub, scheduled to open in October 2026, will feature 36 EV chargers and 20 battery swapping stations for electric motorbikes, with capacity to serve 56 EVs and 220 electric motorbikes simultaneously. The site will include rooftop solar panels, food outlets, cafes, and dedicated parking for commercial fleets.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates a land lease model that allows property owners to monetise assets while CPOs expand networks, and the mixed use format combining charging, battery swaps, solar generation and amenities offers a blueprint for integrated hubs serving both light vehicles and two wheelers in Southeast Asian markets.

Testing by Germany's ADAC motoring club on five EV models (Tesla Model Y, Mercedes CLA 350 EQ, Volkswagen ID.7, Renault R5 E-Tech and Volvo EX30) found that charging from a standard 2.3kW home power point wasted between 12.7 per cent and 24.2 per cent of electricity, with the Mercedes recording the highest loss. Installing an 11kW wall box cut wastage to between 5.1 per cent and 7.0 per cent across all models. The results are relevant to Australian drivers because residential electricity supply matches Germany's at 230 volts single phase and 400 volts three phase.

Why it matters: The findings highlight a significant efficiency gap in domestic charging infrastructure that could inform procurement specifications for residential charge point installations. CPOs and installers can use the data to demonstrate the cost savings and energy efficiency benefits of wall box installations over standard power points, particularly when advising fleet operators or residential developments.

EVgo and General Motors have launched a new flagship EV charging station in Detroit, United States, marking an expansion of their charging infrastructure partnership. The companies expect to deploy over 100 charging stalls at the site by the end of 2026.

Why it matters: This flagship project signals significant procurement volume for charging hardware and installation services over the next two years. The Detroit location and GM partnership may establish a template for future large scale urban charging hubs in the US market.

Green SM, a Vingroup unit that operates 20,000 electric cars and 60,000 motorbikes across Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India and Kazakhstan, has entered the European market with an electric taxi service in Copenhagen. The company directly owns and manages a fleet of VinFast VF 6 and VF 8 EVs, contrasting with ride-hailing platforms that connect passengers with independent drivers. The announcement was made in August 2026, with Green SM citing Copenhagen's leadership in sustainable urban mobility as the reason for choosing Denmark as its first European market.

Why it matters: A captive fleet of owned and managed EVs entering a mature European city signals potential charging infrastructure demand from a single operator, offering procurement teams a clearer counterparty than fragmented gig-driver networks. Green SM's existing scale across six Asian markets suggests the Copenhagen rollout may be a template for further European expansion, creating multi-site opportunities for charge point operators.

The Maharashtra government plans to establish EV charging stations at Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation depots and Regional Transport Offices statewide, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced at a Tata Motors electric truck launch in Mumbai. A proposal to add chargers at flyovers under a public private partnership model has been submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for approval. MSRTC aims to convert its entire bus fleet to electric by 2036.

Why it matters: The state depot and RTO rollout creates a predictable pipeline of public sector charging tenders, while the flyover PPP model opens commercial opportunities for operators willing to co invest in high visibility urban sites. The 2036 fleet electrification target signals sustained demand for depot charging infrastructure across Maharashtra's bus network.

Roadchef has opened six new EV charging bays at its Hamilton Services site on the M74 in South Lanarkshire, served by three ultra-rapid chargers offering up to 360kW via CCS connectors. The location sits on a key corridor linking Glasgow, Edinburgh and northern England, where the UK's rapid and ultra-rapid charger network has grown 16 per cent over the past year. The 24/7 site aims to meet rising demand for high-power charging on one of Scotland's busiest motorway routes.

Why it matters: The rollout adds material ultra-rapid capacity on a strategic Scottish trunk route, signalling continued MSA investment in high-power infrastructure. Procurement teams and charge-point operators will note the 360kW specification and the 16 per cent annual network growth figure as benchmarks for corridor planning.

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.

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.

National Highways has opened premarket engagement on a £228m contract to expand electricity network capacity at motorway service areas across England, supporting ultra-rapid EV charging rollout. Developed with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, the scheme targets a subset of 116 MSAs, with individual sites requiring new connection capacity ranging from 5 to 50 MVA at 132kV, 33kV or 11kV. The contract is scheduled to run from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2028, with tender publication expected on 4 January 2027.

Why it matters: This represents one of the UK's largest grid infrastructure procurements dedicated to EV charging, creating opportunities for NERS accredited suppliers to deliver high voltage connection assets. The scale and timeline signal government commitment to removing grid capacity constraints that currently limit rapid charger deployment at strategic motorway locations.

Automotive supplier MAHLE has launched a range extender system for heavy-duty electric trucks that replaces approximately one third of battery capacity with a compact diesel engine and generator unit. The self-contained assembly delivers 110 kW continuous power (130 kW peak) and reduces total vehicle weight by around 600 kg while cutting rear axle load by 400 kg. MAHLE also introduced a Contactless Transmitter electric motor for commercial vehicle drive axles that eliminates permanent magnets, saving up to 3 kg of rare earth materials per vehicle and achieving 10% lower weight than permanent magnet synchronous motors.

Why it matters: The range extender offers fleet operators a lighter, potentially lower cost alternative to full battery electric trucks for long haul applications, while the rare earth free motor addresses supply chain risks and material cost volatility in commercial EV procurement. Both technologies target the heavy duty segment where charging infrastructure gaps and payload constraints remain barriers to electrification.

Jamaica Public Service Company will provide free electric vehicle charging at all its Charge 'n Go stations for 24 hours on Emancipation Day (1 August) and Independence Day (6 August). JPS has partnered with ATL Automotive, Stewarts Automotive Group and Flash Motors since 2025 to offer new EV owners electricity bill discounts, alongside fuel cost savings of 30 to 50 per cent compared to traditional vehicles.

Why it matters: The promotion demonstrates how utilities can use holiday incentives to drive EV adoption and public charging utilisation, while ongoing dealer partnerships and bill discounts address upfront cost barriers in emerging markets.

On 29 July, Dongfeng Motor Corporation launched prototypes of a 1,500 kW per gun ultra high power charging pile using silicon carbide semiconductors, entering a megawatt class race previously led by BYD and CATL. The charger requires a 1,000 volt vehicle drawing 1,500 amperes to deliver full power; current 800 volt EVs, including Dongfeng's own models, are limited to 1,200 kW. The split cabinet design includes a 1.2 MW host unit housing core power electronics.

Why it matters: State owned Dongfeng's entry signals widening competition in ultra high power charging infrastructure, though deployment timelines depend on matching vehicle platforms reaching production. Procurement teams evaluating megawatt class hardware now face a broader supplier field, but must assess vehicle compatibility and grid integration before specifying 1,000 volt capable systems.

New electric car sales in Africa increased from roughly 4,000 in 2023 to about 25,000 in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency, with Egypt, Morocco and South Africa accounting for nearly 70% of 2025 sales. Public chargers are spreading beyond major cities, battery swapping networks are scaling for electric motorcycles, and solar powered stations are emerging where electricity grids remain constrained. The infrastructure is developing differently from Europe, China or the United States, shaped by millions of motorcycles and commercial vehicles, large distances between cities, uneven electricity access and limited private parking.

Why it matters: The sixfold sales increase in two years signals a nascent but accelerating market for charging operators and equipment suppliers willing to adapt to African conditions, including solar integration and battery swapping for two and three wheelers. Procurement teams and CPOs will need to consider multiple deployment models rather than replicating Western hub and spoke networks, particularly in markets with weak grid infrastructure.

General Motors has integrated ChargePoint into its Energy Pass service, allowing drivers to locate, start and pay for charging through myChevrolet, myGMC and myCadillac apps. The addition gives access to ChargePoint's DC fast charging and Level 2 stations, with GM stating Energy Pass is expected to reach approximately 70 per cent of all US DC fast chargers and 60 per cent of public Level 2 chargers as further network integrations are completed. Many ChargePoint stations available through Energy Pass support Plug and Charge functionality.

Why it matters: The integration consolidates driver access across multiple networks through a single OEM platform, potentially shifting procurement leverage towards manufacturers that can aggregate demand and simplify billing for fleet or retail customers. GM's stated coverage targets signal a competitive push in roaming interoperability, which may influence how CPOs negotiate access agreements and prioritise software integration work.