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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.

JD Power's sixth annual U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study shows DC fast charging satisfaction rose 12 points to 666 on a 1,000 point scale, driven by improvements in charger availability (up 27 points), safety perceptions (up 18 points) and charging cost views (up 18 points). The study also found that the percentage of drivers unable to charge upon arrival fell to its lowest level since tracking began. Public Level 2 charging satisfaction declined 12 points to 595, with ease of payment and ease of charging cited as problem areas.

Why it matters: The widening performance gap between DC fast charging and Level 2 networks signals where procurement budgets and site development efforts are delivering measurable user outcomes, helping CPOs and funders prioritise hardware, location and payment system investments. Lower failure to charge rates at DC sites also reduce operational risk for charge point operators expanding public networks.

Bayside City Council has switched on a pole-mounted EVX charger on Brixton Road in Cheltenham, the first kerbside unit in the municipality and part of a 24 month trial that costs the council nothing to install or operate. The dual 22 kW AC charger, delivered through a partnership between RACV and EVX, targets residents without off-street parking, including renters and apartment dwellers. Charge times range from three to nine hours depending on battery size, positioning the unit for overnight or workday sessions rather than rapid top-ups.

Why it matters: The zero-cost trial model removes upfront capital barriers for councils exploring on-street charging, while the pole-mount approach avoids footpath clutter and dedicated bay requirements. For CPOs and equipment suppliers, the RACV and EVX rollout demonstrates a scalable template for residential charging in areas where home installation is not feasible.

The UK government has launched a 10-week consultation running until 23 October 2026 to review the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, proposing to ease annual electric vehicle sales targets for cars and vans between 2027 and 2035. While the 100% zero-emission target for 2035 remains fixed, the review considers lowering 2030 targets amid industry concerns over market demand and compliance costs. The consultation, conducted jointly by the UK, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments, seeks views on whether existing annual targets remain appropriate and on the effectiveness of current compliance flexibilities.

Why it matters: The consultation outcome will directly affect procurement timelines and compliance costs for fleet operators and charge point operators planning infrastructure rollouts to meet original 2030 targets. Any relaxation of interim targets could reduce near-term charging demand forecasts, influencing investment decisions and site development schedules across the UK.

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.

Transport for Greater Manchester has appointed VEV Services Limited to design and build Tranche 5+ of its bus depot electrification programme, covering sites at Wigan and Wythenshawe. The contract value is £60m against a tender estimate of £65m. The award forms part of a multi-tranche delivery programme, with Tranche 6 expected to follow.

Why it matters: The £60m award signals continued public investment in depot charging infrastructure and opens supply-chain opportunities beneath the lead contractor on a multi-site delivery. Tracking the variance between tender and award values, plus the timing of Tranche 6, will help CPOs and suppliers position for upcoming Greater Manchester depot work.

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.

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.

A UK homeowner with rooftop solar, a Tesla Powerwall and an electric vehicle reported on the r/Powerwall subreddit that their system was exporting solar electricity to the grid while the EV charged below its expected rate, raising questions about how the solar array, battery, charger and grid connection interact. The owner concluded that solar generation was reducing household load in an unexpected way, though the exact cause remained unclear after discussion with other users. The case highlights how small charging mismatches in multi-asset home energy systems can affect export income and overall energy bills.

Why it matters: For charge point operators and installers working on domestic smart charging, the interaction between home batteries, solar inverters and EV chargers can create unintended export behaviour that erodes the financial case for solar and storage. Understanding these edge cases is essential when designing or commissioning integrated home energy systems that promise optimised self-consumption and export revenue.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Energy Minister Simeon Brown have announced a second funding round of zero-interest loans for EV charging infrastructure, awarding contracts to ChargeNet and Meridian Energy to deliver 2,574 new charge points. The loans cover up to 50% of project capital costs at zero interest over terms of up to 13 years, assessed through open procurement. New Zealand aims to install 10,000 public chargers by 2030, requiring roughly 174 installations per month, with a target ratio of one public charger for every 40 EVs.

Why it matters: The concessionary loan model demonstrates how governments can unlock private sector investment in charging infrastructure without direct subsidies, offering a replicable procurement framework for other markets. For CPOs, the 50% capital cost coverage and 13 year zero-interest terms present a compelling risk-sharing structure that could accelerate deployment timelines in underdeveloped networks.

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.

Pennsylvania is set to receive $171 million from a $5 billion federal programme created under the Biden administration to build EV charging stations. This latest funding round focuses on local communities rather than interstates, with towns hoping the chargers will attract visitors to downtown areas. SEDA-COG, covering eight central Pennsylvania counties, has spent the past year surveying locations and working with chambers of commerce to position the chargers as economic assets.

Why it matters: The shift from highway corridors to community locations opens procurement opportunities for CPOs targeting destination charging in smaller markets. Towns viewing chargers as visitor attractions may prioritise visible downtown sites and partner with local businesses, influencing site selection and revenue models.

Sunderland City Council has provisionally awarded a £10.1 million contract to Meldrum Construction Services Group for the Houghton fleet depot, which includes EV charging infrastructure alongside fleet garages and facilities. The award was announced on 6 August 2026 and remains subject to standstill. The charging element forms part of the broader depot build, with the main contractor likely to procure EV suppliers through its own supply chain.

Why it matters: The contract highlights how depot electrification work typically flows through construction firms rather than direct tenders, meaning charging suppliers must target the main contractor's subcontracting pipeline. At over £10 million, the project reflects growing municipal investment in electrified fleet infrastructure, though the charging portion represents only a fraction of the total spend.

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.

Pakistan Observer has published a comprehensive list of public EV charging stations in the country's three largest cities, revealing significant regional disparities. Islamabad offers the highest charging density with stations across Blue Area, Centaurus Mall and multiple sectors including F-6, F-8, I-8, I-9, I-10, G-6 and the Defence Complex. Lahore has built one of the country's largest networks spanning DHA, Gulberg, Cantt, Johar Town, Bedian Road, MM Alam Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Packages Mall and Emporium Mall, with several DHA Phase 6 and Gulberg sites featuring solar canopies for operation during power outages. Karachi, despite being Pakistan's largest city, has the fewest public charging stations among the three metropolitan centres.

Why it matters: The mapping exercise highlights where infrastructure gaps remain in Pakistan's emerging EV market, signalling where CPOs and equipment suppliers may find the strongest near term deployment opportunities. Lahore's solar canopy installations demonstrate a localised solution to grid reliability challenges that could inform procurement specifications in other markets with intermittent power supply.

Cyprus has set a target of 85,000 electric vehicles by 2030, up from around 8,200 today, requiring roughly 15,000 new registrations annually. The country currently operates approximately 250 public charging stations, including ten 100kW fast chargers funded with over €1 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility under a five-year public contract. The European Alternative Fuels Observatory notes low recharging power per vehicle, and industry estimates place rural coverage gaps at 15 to 20 per cent of the territory.

Why it matters: A tenfold fleet increase in four and a half years will test whether Cyprus can scale charging infrastructure fast enough to support demand, particularly in rural areas where coverage remains patchy. The reliance on EU recovery funds and new building mandates signals procurement opportunities for CPOs able to deliver higher power and wider geographic reach.

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.

A new owner of a 2015 Fiat 500e asked on Reddit whether the vehicle could use Tesla chargers, prompting a community explanation of its charging constraints. Commenters confirmed the 2015 model supports only AC level 2 charging via J1772 connectors and Tesla destination chargers with an adapter, but cannot use DC fast chargers at all. The exchange serves as a practical guide for buyers evaluating older electric vehicles and their compatibility with existing charging infrastructure.

Why it matters: The discussion underscores the importance of backward compatibility and connector standards for charge point operators serving a growing secondhand EV market. Procurement teams planning public or workplace networks must account for older vehicles limited to AC charging, ensuring J1772 availability alongside newer CCS and NACS ports.

India's electric mobility market is transitioning from a policy led phase to a capital intensive infrastructure opportunity, attracting utilities, oil marketing companies, fleet operators, private equity funds, infrastructure investors and global charging firms. The shift reflects rising demand for charging networks as the country's EV adoption gathers pace.

Why it matters: The influx of diverse investor types signals maturing procurement opportunities and competitive tender activity across India's charging sector. CPOs and equipment suppliers can expect increased RFP volume as both public and private capital flows into network buildouts.

Walmart has deployed 100 DC fast-charging locations with 838 individual stalls across the United States, doubling its network from 50 sites in May 2026 to 100 by mid-July 2026. The retailer may reach 200 stations by the end of 2026 if the current expansion rate continues, according to network tracker Landon West.

Why it matters: The rapid deployment pace demonstrates a scalable retail-anchored charging model that CPOs and site hosts can benchmark. Walmart's acceleration signals growing confidence in the business case for high-volume, destination-based DC fast-charging infrastructure.

A NSW Legislative Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure report, released on Thursday, cautions that allowing the state's three major electricity distributors (Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy) to lead the EV charging rollout risks creating a monopoly that would raise power bills for all consumers, not just EV owners. The committee heard from dozens of witnesses across five hearings, with RACQ and charger company EVSE both warning that distributor dominance would stifle competition, deter private investment and distort the market.

Why it matters: The findings signal potential regulatory barriers to utility ownership of charging assets in New South Wales, shaping procurement strategies for CPOs and infrastructure investors. If adopted, the recommendations could preserve a competitive market for independent charge point operators and equipment suppliers across Australia's most populous state.

Blackburn with Darwen Council trialled cross-pavement EV charging infrastructure with ACO, targeting roughly 15,462 homes (26% of borough properties) without off-street parking. Council highways teams flagged metal theft risk and usability concerns, prompting ACO to replace metal covers with interlocking recycled rubber sections that residents can lift as one piece. The redesign simplified cable management for users and reduced installation complexity for contractors.

Why it matters: The case shows how early operator feedback during trials can reshape product design before wider rollout, cutting future maintenance and theft risk. For CPOs and councils procuring on-street solutions, it highlights the value of piloting hardware in varied street conditions rather than deploying off the shelf.

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.

Trevor Taylor received a £90 parking charge notice after spending 16 minutes charging his electric vehicle at a Lidl car park in Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire, at around 6pm on 12 July, outside the store's opening hours. Lidl had introduced out of hours parking restrictions due to anti social behaviour concerns, but the retailer has now cancelled the ticket and is reviewing its EV charging policy at sites with car park restrictions. The BBC reports that Taylor's stay exceeded the car park's consideration and grace periods, which allow drivers time to read signs and decide whether to stay.

Why it matters: The case highlights a policy gap affecting charge point operators and retailers: EV drivers expect 24 hour access to public chargers, yet site owners may impose time restrictions for other reasons. Lidl's policy review could influence how other supermarkets and CPOs balance security concerns with the operational expectation of round the clock charging availability.

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.

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.

Belfast Harbour has appointed NATPOWER MARINE UK LIMITED as lead partner for a £12 million shore power infrastructure project under the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure 2: Electric Power scheme. The project will coordinate applications for electric power infrastructure enabling vessels to connect to grid electricity whilst docked. Shore power infrastructure shares technical overlap with high power EV charging systems, involving similar grid connection, power electronics and electrical infrastructure capabilities.

Why it matters: The £12 million contract demonstrates how shore power represents an adjacent market for EV charging suppliers, with the technology overlap creating potential crossover opportunities for established charging infrastructure providers seeking to diversify their portfolios.

The UK had 119,080 public EV chargers as of April 2026, with more than 3,000 added in the first quarter, according to Department for Transport statistics. Half of all public chargers are standard (slow charging), with less than a quarter rapid or ultra rapid. Standard charging costs 54p per kWh on average, while ultra rapid charging costs around 83.5p per kWh, according to RAC Fuel Watch and Zapmap Price Index figures.

Why it matters: The data provides a benchmark for UK charging infrastructure density and pricing as operators plan network expansion, with the cost differential between standard and ultra rapid charging highlighting the commercial considerations for CPOs deploying different charger types. The context of cross border travel underscores the need for interoperable payment systems and consistent service levels across European networks.

RAW Charging has opened a 32 bay EV charging hub at Xscape Milton Keynes in partnership with site owner Landsec. The facility, described as the biggest charging installation in the region, will offer free charging from 11 to 13 August to mark its launch. RAW Charging positions the site as serving local households without off street parking and visitors to Xscape's leisure attractions, noting that 72% of journeys in Milton Keynes are made by car.

Why it matters: The partnership between a destination charging operator and a major property owner demonstrates the commercial model for large format hubs at high footfall leisure sites. The scale and location target both resident and visitor demand in a car dependent city, a template for similar retail and entertainment venue deployments.