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Uttar Pradesh has placed 10th nationally in NITI Aayog's India Electric Mobility Index 2024, scoring above the national average, yet faces significant gaps in charging readiness and incentives. The state's UP EVMMP 2022 policy, effective until October 2027, targets a 3 km by 3 km charging grid in cities and stations every 25 km on expressways and highways, though progress toward these infrastructure goals remains slow. Lucknow aims for 100 per cent electric public transport by 2030.

Why it matters: Uttar Pradesh's ambitious grid targets and public transport electrification deadline signal substantial future procurement opportunities, but the slow rollout of charging infrastructure highlights execution risk for CPOs and suppliers bidding on state tenders. The policy framework offers a clear roadmap for network deployment, yet limited private uptake and incentive gaps may constrain near term demand and project viability.

A policy dialogue hosted by Indus Consortium in Pakistan has called for a stable long term electric vehicle framework and expanded charging infrastructure to support the country's New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025 to 2030. The policy targets 30% electrification of all new vehicle sales by 2030, with a specific 50% electrification target for two wheelers, three wheelers and buses. Speakers emphasised that charging and battery swapping infrastructure must extend beyond highways into cities, residential areas and rural regions, and that the national grid requires upgrading and stronger integration with renewable energy.

Why it matters: The dialogue highlights infrastructure gaps that charging point operators and grid planners must address to meet Pakistan's ambitious 2030 electrification targets, particularly the need for urban and rural charging networks beyond highway corridors. A stable policy framework is critical for private sector investment in charging infrastructure and for financial institutions backing EV deployment.

A policy dialogue hosted by Indus Consortium in Pakistan has called for a stable long term electric vehicle framework and expanded charging infrastructure to support the country's New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025 to 2030. The policy targets 30% electrification of all new vehicle sales by 2030, with a specific 50% electrification target for two wheelers, three wheelers and buses. Speakers emphasised that charging and battery swapping infrastructure must extend beyond highways into cities, residential areas and rural regions, and that the national grid requires upgrading and stronger integration with renewable energy.

Why it matters: The dialogue highlights infrastructure gaps that charging point operators and grid planners must address to meet Pakistan's ambitious 2030 electrification targets, particularly the need for urban and rural charging networks beyond existing highway corridors. A stable policy framework is critical for private sector investment in charging infrastructure and for financial institutions backing EV deployment.

Lancaster City Council's proposal for a solar canopy at Auction Mart Car Park in Thurnham Street is expected to receive approval, creating eight EV charging bays funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and DEFRA Air Quality Grant. The hub will generate on site electricity to power charge points directly, store energy or export surplus to the National Grid, with discounted tariffs for taxi drivers and residents. The council notes 45% of district households lack off street parking, making home charging installation impossible for many residents.

Why it matters: The scheme addresses a key barrier to EV adoption by targeting the 45% of households without off street parking through subsidised public charging infrastructure. Solar generation with battery storage may reduce operating costs for charge point operators while offering a replicable model for local authority procurement teams seeking grant funded deployments.

Municipalities and electricity utilities in South Africa are investing in EV charging infrastructure, with at least 145 public charging stations now verified nationwide, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation. City Power has opened a 10 station, 20 connector solar hub in Johannesburg, while state utility Eskom installed 10 chargers across five sites in August 2024 and announced plans in September 2025 to roll out 55 public stations over two years. Off-grid solar charging is also emerging along routes with limited grid capacity, with Zero Carbon Charge deploying renewable-powered stations in constrained corridors.

Why it matters: The entry of municipal and utility players signals a shift from purely private rollout to public sector infrastructure investment in South Africa, potentially opening procurement opportunities for CPOs and equipment suppliers. Off-grid solar deployments address grid constraints and offer a model for charging expansion in capacity-limited regions.

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.

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.

The Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Egat, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) to create a Thailand EV Roaming Hub. The platform will connect data across charging networks, build a national database of station locations and real-time status, and help government agencies forecast electricity demand to avoid grid overloads. OR, Egat and PEA are already among Thailand's top five EV charging providers.

Why it matters: A unified roaming hub and national database will streamline procurement planning for public and private operators, reduce fragmentation in Thailand's charging market, and improve grid coordination as EV adoption scales. Standardised data on station availability and pricing addresses recurring app and payment failures that undermine driver confidence and network utilisation.

Eversource and National Grid are integrating vehicle to grid capable EVs into their ConnectedSolutions demand flexibility programme in Massachusetts, working with EnergyHub, Sunrun's grid services arm, and The Mobility House. The programme currently orchestrates more than 280,000 distributed energy resources and over 800MW of flexible capacity across five US states, using thermostats, battery storage, and commercial and industrial resources to reduce grid strain. Customers with qualifying V2G devices will receive incentives for adjusting usage patterns during peak demand periods.

Why it matters: The integration of V2G into an established 800MW demand response programme signals growing utility confidence in bidirectional charging as a grid asset, potentially creating new revenue streams for fleet operators and expanding the business case for V2G capable charging infrastructure. For CPOs and installers, this validates investment in bidirectional hardware and positions V2G as a scalable solution beyond pilot projects.

The International Transport Forum has published a report calling on governments to take a more proactive role in planning and regulating publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure. The report notes that electric vehicles now account for more than 20% of new vehicle sales globally, and the stock of publicly accessible chargers nearly doubled between 2022 and 2024 as governments shifted from market led to policy driven deployment. The ITF recommends integrating charging infrastructure into transport, energy and urban planning from the outset, reserving land and strengthening grid capacity ahead of demand, and using concession models with competitive tenders for private operators.

Why it matters: The report signals a shift towards coordinated government planning for charging networks, which could reshape procurement strategies and create more structured tender opportunities for charge point operators. Early land reservation and grid capacity planning may reduce deployment risks and accelerate project timelines for infrastructure providers.

Axle Energy, a British energy flexibility platform that aggregates EV chargers, batteries and heat pumps for grid balancing, has closed a €21 million Series A led by Energize Capital, with Accel, Picus Capital and Eka Ventures participating. The company will use the funds to expand across the UK and international markets, connecting more distributed energy assets and deepening partnerships with OEMs, utilities and fleet operators. CEO Karl Bach said virtual power plants can bring flexible capacity online in weeks rather than years, reducing reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants when demand spikes.

Why it matters: For charge point operators and fleet managers, Axle's platform offers a revenue stream by turning idle EV chargers into grid services, while procurement teams at utilities and OEMs gain a partner to monetise flexibility and meet rising electricity demand from electrification and data centres. The Series A signals growing investor confidence in software that unlocks value from existing charging infrastructure without new capital expenditure on generation or grid upgrades.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is holding an engagement event on 1 July at Sandy Park Stadium in Exeter and online to gather business and community input on its next electricity distribution price control period, covering 2028 to 2033. Participants will be asked about network support for communities, connection enablement, flexible energy solutions and customer value. Sarah Jeffery, head of engagement and insights, said the sessions will show how earlier feedback is shaping plans and allow further input to ensure the company gets it right for customers and communities.

Why it matters: The consultation directly informs National Grid's investment and operational priorities for the South West over a five year regulatory period, shaping the pace and scale of grid capacity available for EV charging infrastructure and other electrification projects. Businesses involved in charging deployment can influence network planning assumptions and connection policies that will affect project timelines and costs through 2033.

National Highways and Galliford Try are using a hydrogen fuel cell generator to power the construction compound for a £7 million pedestrian crossing project at the A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road and Park Lane crossroads in Netherton, Bootle. The system has supplied electricity to three site offices, toilets, a kitchen, a drying room and two EV charging points since work began in November, with completion due by 12 June. Chief operating officer Duncan Smith described it as a pilot project that could become standard practice as the technology becomes more affordable compared to diesel generators or grid connections.

Why it matters: The trial demonstrates how hydrogen fuel cells can support EV charging infrastructure on construction sites where grid connections are unavailable or impractical. If adopted more widely by National Highways and its supply chain, the approach could create demand for mobile hydrogen generation alongside temporary EV charging installations on major road projects.

Transport for Wales has rolled out ChargePoint Navigator to all 22 local authorities in Wales at no cost, marking the first national deployment of the site selection tool outside England. Developed by Field Dynamics, Cenex, ZapMap and UK Power Networks, the platform provides councils with data on grid capacity, pavement widths, parking availability and connection costs to streamline chargepoint installation. Previously adopted by 133 councils mainly in London and South East England, the tool now gives every Welsh authority a common evidence base to support the Wales Electric Vehicle Charging Action Plan.

Why it matters: A unified planning tool across an entire nation reduces procurement fragmentation and helps councils justify site choices with transparent data, potentially accelerating tender pipelines and lowering connection cost surprises for CPOs bidding Welsh projects. The precedent may prompt other devolved administrations to adopt similar national frameworks, shaping how public sector EV infrastructure work is scoped and awarded.

The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation has released a report titled Rolling out Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Advice for Local Authorities, offering practical guidance on strategy, planning, delivery and long term operation of public charging networks. The report, developed through national evidence, expert workshops and engagement with councils, industry partners and user groups, argues that early public provision unlocks private investment and builds confidence in EV uptake, and calls for chargepoint access to be treated as a public service meeting or exceeding PAS 1899 accessibility standards. It also highlights ongoing challenges including grid capacity limits and power upgrade delays.

Why it matters: The guidance gives local authorities a structured framework for procuring and deploying public charging infrastructure at scale, emphasising that public sector leadership can de-risk private investment. For CPOs and contractors, the report's focus on accessibility standards and long term operational contracts signals clearer specification requirements in upcoming council tenders.

Australia's national science agency has launched a AU$3 million upgrade to its Renewable Energy Integration Facility in Newcastle, adding capabilities to test vehicle to grid technology, simulate microgrids and validate inverter performance under real world conditions. The facility can run large scale experiments combining solar, batteries and electric vehicles, with demonstrations showing EVs storing excess solar energy and returning power to the grid during peak periods. The expansion follows the Electric Vehicle Council's recent call for AU$3,000 government rebates on V2G chargers, which it estimates could reduce electricity bills by more than AU$4,500 over five years.

Why it matters: The lab gives Australian V2G hardware and software suppliers a domestic testbed to validate products before commercial rollout, potentially accelerating procurement timelines for fleet operators and charge point operators exploring bidirectional charging. It also signals public sector commitment to V2G infrastructure at a time when subsidy proposals are under consideration, which could shape tender specifications and business cases for depot charging projects.

National Express is working with grid connection specialist SQE and battery storage firm Zenobē to source power for its UK bus depots as it electrifies its fleet. The collaboration aims to navigate grid capacity constraints and accelerate depot infrastructure readiness. No specific site numbers or timelines were disclosed in the announcement.

Why it matters: Grid connection delays remain a critical bottleneck for fleet electrification, and this partnership signals how major operators are turning to specialist advisers and energy storage to unlock depot charging capacity. The approach may offer a template for other bus and fleet operators facing similar infrastructure challenges.

Two electric motorcycle operators in Kenya, Spiro and ARC Ride, have raised fresh capital from global climate and development financiers including Nithio (debt) and the IFC (equity), marking a shift from venture capital pilots to infrastructure led financing. The investment focuses on battery swapping networks that function as decentralized utility grids, with structured debt allowing fleet and infrastructure scaling without ownership dilution. Kenya launched a national EV policy earlier this month and introduced green font EV license plates in early 2026 to track vehicles and enable potential traffic privileges or tax incentives.

Why it matters: The move from experimental pilots to institutional infrastructure financing signals that battery swapping networks for commercial fleets are now viewed as bankable, utility scale assets. For charging operators and procurement teams, the structured debt model and policy support in Kenya may offer a template for scaling commercial EV infrastructure in emerging markets without heavy equity dilution.

National Grid has converted 1,000 company vehicles to electric models under a contract hire arrangement, marking a significant fleet electrification move by the UK energy infrastructure operator. The shift forms part of the company's broader decarbonisation strategy and represents one of the larger corporate EV fleet deployments in the British energy sector. Energy Live News reported the transition, though specific timelines and charging infrastructure plans were not detailed in the available excerpt.

Why it matters: A 1,000 vehicle corporate fleet conversion signals sustained demand for workplace and depot charging infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities for charge point operators and installers serving large enterprise clients. The move by a major utility also demonstrates the scale at which energy sector employers are now committing to EV adoption, potentially influencing supply chain and service contract standards.

National Grid Electricity Distribution has partnered with Ayvens to transition its fleet of 1,000 vehicles from ownership to contract hire electric vehicles. The distribution network operator, which covers the South West, Midlands and South Wales, expects the move to save 4,474 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Ayvens supported the changeover by waiving early termination fees and providing consultancy on funding structures, vehicle selection and driver engagement.

Why it matters: A 1,000 vehicle fleet electrification by a major UK distribution network operator signals sustained demand for workplace charging infrastructure and fleet leasing models. The partnership demonstrates how leasing providers are structuring deals to overcome ownership barriers, a procurement approach likely to be replicated by other utilities and large fleet operators.

National Grid is investigating wireless power transmission technology as a potential alternative to traditional overhead cables and pylons, according to Engineering and Technology Magazine. The research forms part of efforts to modernise the UK's electricity infrastructure and address public concerns about visual impact of transmission infrastructure. No specific deployment timelines or investment figures were disclosed in the report.

Why it matters: If proven viable at scale, wireless transmission could reshape grid connection strategies for large EV charging hubs and reduce infrastructure costs in areas where cable installation or pylon construction faces planning opposition. The technology may offer faster deployment routes for charging networks in locations currently constrained by grid connection challenges.

Pakistan's National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and the Malik Group have unveiled an approved roadmap to establish 3,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the country, according to state-run Associated Press of Pakistan. The announcement addresses the limited and unevenly distributed charging infrastructure currently concentrated in major cities, with progress constrained by regulatory approvals, grid connectivity issues and coordination challenges among utilities, regulators and fuel retailers.

Why it matters: A 3,000-station rollout represents a significant procurement opportunity in a nascent market where the absence of a nationwide charging network has slowed EV adoption. CPOs and suppliers will need to navigate regulatory approvals and grid connectivity challenges to deliver infrastructure that meets Pakistan's climate and energy efficiency goals.