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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.

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.

India's Ministry of Heavy Industries approved projects covering 4,874 EV chargers with a financial outlay of INR 503.86 crore as of May 2026, spanning eight states and three public sector oil marketing companies including HPCL, IOCL and BPCL. By June 2026, total approvals reached 6,562 chargers with INR 689 crore allocated, supported by a broader INR 2,000 crore fund under PM E-DRIVE for public fast charging infrastructure. Karnataka received the largest allocation with 1,243 chargers approved, while global projects in the UK, US and Australia are also advancing with charging capacities extending to 120 kW, 240 kW and 400 kW.

Why it matters: The scale of Indian government funding and the shift toward higher power outputs signal growing procurement opportunities for CPOs and suppliers across multiple vehicle categories, from two wheelers to trucks. State level approvals and oil company involvement indicate structured, large scale tender pipelines for fast charging deployment.

Octopus Energy US has launched Octopus Charge, a map-based app providing information on 211,221 EV chargers across the United States, including charging speed, connection type and station operator details. The platform builds on Octopus' Electroverse charging map in Europe, which launched in 2020 and now covers more than one million EV chargers across the continent through collaborations with multiple chargepoint operators.

Why it matters: The database aggregates public charging infrastructure data into a single platform, potentially influencing how drivers discover and access CPO networks. For operators, inclusion in such aggregation platforms is becoming a competitive necessity to maintain visibility in an increasingly fragmented US charging market.

Octopus Energy US has introduced Octopus Charge, a single app offering access to tens of thousands of charging stations across the United States and Canada. The programme builds on the success of the company's Electroverse platform in the UK and Europe, which since 2020 has grown to provide access to more than one million public charge points across more than 40 countries. Notable networks including Tesla, Electrify America, IONNA and Walmart are not yet listed among participating charge point operators.

Why it matters: A unified payment and access platform could simplify procurement decisions for fleet operators managing multi network charging needs and reduce driver friction at public infrastructure. The absence of major US networks limits immediate utility, but the model's European scale suggests potential for broader North American interoperability if adoption grows.

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 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.

Peterborough City Council has granted final planning permission for a 10-bay EV charging hub at Parkway Sports and Social Club, replacing a hand car wash. Moreco Investments Ltd secured approval in August after resubmitting plans in June with design changes including revised layout, updated charging equipment specifications, a new power cabinet, and removal of inter-bay landscaping and canopies. The site will feature five charging units serving 10 bays, including two PAS-compliant accessible bays, with 24/7 operation and pedestrian links to Boulevard Retail Park.

Why it matters: The approval demonstrates how brownfield sites can be repurposed for charging infrastructure, while the design revisions highlight the iterative planning process CPOs face when optimising hub layouts for operational efficiency. The inclusion of two accessible bays and retail park connectivity shows attention to accessibility standards and destination charging demand.

Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) in California has approved a $1.2 million project to install multiple EV charging stations at 50 N. Gay St. in Historic Uptown Susanville. The project will be funded by approximately $883,000 from California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program and a $300,000 Carl Moyer Program grant from Lassen County Air Pollution Control District. The LMUD Board of Directors approved the infrastructure proposal and quote during its 28 July meeting.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates how US municipal utilities can leverage state environmental programmes to fund public charging infrastructure without ratepayer burden. The combination of LCFS revenue and air quality grants offers a replicable funding model for smaller districts seeking to expand EV charging access in underserved areas.

Arnold Clark Charge, which operates over 400 chargers at 60 locations across the UK, has partnered with Octopus Electroverse to offer a monthly subscription giving drivers a 29% discount on DC fast charging compared to standard rates. The scheme aims to address the cost gap between public and home charging, which has been widened by the UK's VAT levy on public charging. Arnold Clark's Group Sustainability Manager Pablo Levi said the partnership supports affordability and accessibility as the UK transitions to electric vehicles.

Why it matters: The subscription model may influence how other charge point operators price access to their networks, particularly for drivers without home charging who face higher public tariffs. For procurement teams, the partnership demonstrates how dealership networks with existing charging infrastructure can leverage aggregator platforms to drive utilisation and customer loyalty.

Peterborough City Council has granted final planning permission for a 10-bay EV charging hub at Parkway Sports and Social Club, following a revised application by Moreco Investments Ltd in June. The scheme features five charging units serving 10 bays, including two PAS-compliant accessible bays, with officers approving the updated design in August after initial approval in November last year. The 24/7 facility will connect to Boulevard Retail Park and supports the council's Net Zero commitments and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority's regional charging strategy.

Why it matters: The approval clears the way for construction of a mid-sized hub in a retail catchment area, offering accessible charging infrastructure that aligns with local and regional decarbonisation targets. For CPOs and installers, the project demonstrates how design refinements such as removing canopies and landscaping can streamline planning approvals while maintaining accessibility standards.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved tax waivers for almost 4,000 electric vehicles imported in the first half of 2026, marking the first batch processed under a new initiative to promote cleaner transport through tax incentives and local assembly programmes. The move is part of Nigeria's 2022 Energy Transition Plan, which targets electric vehicles accounting for 60 per cent of the country's vehicle fleet by 2050, though the country faces persistent electricity shortages and inadequate charging infrastructure.

Why it matters: The tax waiver programme signals government commitment to EV adoption in Nigeria, potentially creating early demand for charging infrastructure despite current grid limitations. Procurement teams and charge point operators should monitor how local assembly requirements and fleet electrification targets shape infrastructure tender opportunities in West Africa's largest economy.

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 YouTube creator drove a Chevrolet Blazer EV from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Oklahoma City and back using exclusively Walmart EV charging stations, with eight locations available along the route. The oldest charger had been open for only nine weeks at the time of the test. The family chose Walmart over Tesla Supercharging for access to amenities including bathrooms, food, baby supplies and air conditioned indoor space during charging stops.

Why it matters: The successful road trip demonstrates that Walmart's fast growing non Tesla charging network is already viable for long distance travel, offering CPOs a model that combines charging infrastructure with retail amenities. The test highlights how site selection with customer facilities can differentiate charging networks in competitive procurement decisions.

Amara Raja Energy & Mobility has approved ₹5.5 billion (approximately $57.64 million) in additional investments to accelerate its battery manufacturing infrastructure in India. The majority, ₹5 billion, will go to subsidiary Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies for its Divitipally, Telangana gigafactory, bringing total approved investment to ₹25 billion and targeting 16 GWh capacity for lithium ion cells and battery packs. A further ₹500 million has been allocated to Amara Raja Power Systems, doubling its approved investment to ₹1 billion, to support EV charging product manufacturing and operations.

Why it matters: The investment signals growing domestic manufacturing capacity for both batteries and charging infrastructure in India, potentially creating new procurement opportunities for CPOs seeking locally produced equipment. With 16 GWh of planned cell production and dedicated funding for charging solutions, Amara Raja is positioning itself as an integrated supplier in the Indian EV ecosystem.

Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin has signed a Council of Ministers resolution to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Belarus. The decision formalises government support for network growth, though specific deployment targets and timelines were not disclosed in the announcement.

Why it matters: The ministerial resolution signals state backing for charging rollout in Belarus, potentially opening procurement opportunities for equipment suppliers and network operators in an emerging Eastern European market.

Hertsmere Borough Council is funding upgrades to Newberries Car Park that include new electric vehicle charging bays, full resurfacing, and improved CCTV and signage. Installation of the EV charging bays is scheduled to begin in the week starting 3 August 2026, with resurfacing work planned for early September 2026. The construction period will reduce available parking spaces, though the council has committed to minimising disruption through traffic management measures and advance notices.

Why it matters: The project signals continued local authority investment in public charging infrastructure, with a clear timeline for procurement and installation teams working on council funded schemes. The phased delivery schedule and planned traffic management offer a template for minimising operational disruption during car park charging rollouts.

The Government of Delhi has officially notified the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026, offering a 100% road tax waiver for EVs priced up to ₹30 lakh and allocating over ₹70 billion in incentives. The policy introduces a phased ban on new registrations of ICE two wheelers, three wheelers and vehicles under 3.5 tonnes starting in 2027 to 2028, and targets the installation of more than 30,000 public EV charging points by 2030. The framework aims to reduce vehicular emissions, improve air quality and position Delhi as a leading electric mobility capital.

Why it matters: The 30,000 charging point target by 2030 represents a major infrastructure procurement opportunity for charge point operators and equipment suppliers in India's capital. The phased ICE bans will accelerate fleet electrification, driving demand for commercial charging networks and creating urgency for CPOs to secure sites and contracts ahead of the 2027 to 2028 deadlines.

Arnold Clark Charge has partnered with Octopus Electroverse to offer a subscription service priced at £8.99 per month, giving EV drivers access to ultra-rapid charging at 39p per kWh across the Arnold Clark network. The rate represents a 29% saving on standard pricing and is aimed at drivers without home charging or those who frequently use public infrastructure.

Why it matters: The subscription model signals a shift towards membership-based pricing in the UK ultra-rapid segment, potentially influencing how CPOs structure tariffs to retain high-volume users. For procurement teams, it highlights competitive pressure on public charging rates and the growing role of aggregator platforms like Electroverse in driving network utilisation.

Charged EVs published a sponsored white paper on 3 August 2026 from Churod Electronics describing how flexible printed circuit board (FPC) based cell contacting systems are replacing discrete wiring in battery pack manufacturing. The paper argues that FPC systems lower pack manufacturing costs and improve reliability of temperature and voltage data collection for battery management systems, enabling safer increases in energy density.

Why it matters: Procurement teams evaluating battery pack suppliers or cell monitoring technology can use the white paper to understand cost and reliability trade offs between legacy discrete wiring and newer FPC architectures. The shift to integrated FPC solutions may influence supplier selection criteria and bill of materials negotiations for EV battery projects.

GridCars is upgrading its South African public charging network with new generation 120kW dual connection DC fast chargers that support vehicle architectures from 150V to 1,000V. The company will modernise selected sites to accommodate larger commercial vehicles with longer bays, wider turning areas and improved cable reach, and deploy new chargers at additional locations to strengthen route coverage between major economic centres. The phased programme will replace first generation DC chargers that currently fill an average battery electric vehicle in approximately two hours, though GridCars has not disclosed charging time improvements for the new equipment.

Why it matters: The upgrade signals growing commercial vehicle demand in South Africa's charging infrastructure market, with site design specifications now prioritising fleet and logistics operators. Procurement teams should note the shift to higher voltage compatibility and dual connection hardware as baseline specifications for new network tenders.

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.

Devon County Council has partnered with on-street charge point operator char.gy to install 30 kerbside EV chargers in a trial expected to begin in early to mid August 2025. The project is an early delivery under the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, with funding released per charge point, and aims to improve residential charging access for drivers without off-street parking. The trial will inform how on-street charging can be expanded across the county ahead of a wider rollout.

Why it matters: The trial demonstrates how local authorities in historically underserved rural regions are using LEVI funding to test scalable on-street charging models before committing to larger procurements. For CPOs and suppliers, per-charge-point funding structures under LEVI create opportunities to prove operational models in challenging rural geographies like Devon.

China's National Energy Administration reports the country's EV charging network grew 43% year on year to 23.1 million outlets by the end of June 2026. Private charging points drove the expansion, rising 50% to 18 million units with 155 million kilovolt-amperes of combined capacity, while fast-charging installations increased to meet owner demand. The growth supports government efforts to accelerate new energy vehicle adoption, even as NEV sales fell 13% to 5.09 million units in the first half of 2026, still capturing over 51% of the passenger car market.

Why it matters: The 7 million unit annual increase underscores the scale and pace at which Chinese infrastructure is being deployed, setting a benchmark for procurement volumes and network density that Western markets are still working to match. The 50% surge in private installations also signals a shift in charging business models, with implications for public CPO strategies and hardware suppliers targeting residential or workplace segments.

Wokingham Borough Council has approved updated plans for a solar powered EV charging scheme at Mereoak Park and Ride near M4 junction 11, south of Reading. The project includes solar canopies expected to generate enough electricity annually to power more than 440 homes or provide 150,000 EV charges, alongside a battery energy storage system and a mix of rapid and standard chargers. A procurement process is under way to appoint a contractor, with construction expected to begin towards the end of 2025.

Why it matters: The 600 space park and ride site represents a significant solar integrated charging deployment on a strategic motorway corridor, with phased construction planned to keep the facility operational. Contractors bidding for the work will need to deliver both solar canopy infrastructure and battery storage alongside the charging hardware.

The Full EV, an OZEV approved home charger installer with over 1,500 completed installations, has formed its first formal automotive partnership in England with Drive Green, the UK's largest specialist EV dealership. The deal will see The Full EV serve Drive Green customers across Bristol and the South West, one of the fastest growing regions for EV adoption in the UK, offering home installs, commercial charging and solar integration.

Why it matters: The partnership signals a scalable installer to dealership model entering a region where accredited installer supply has not kept pace with EV sales growth. For procurement teams and CPOs, it highlights how automotive retail channels are formalising installer referral networks to capture the home charging market.

Scott Allison drove nearly 50 extra miles through California on Highway 395 rather than take Nevada's Highway 95, the most direct north to south route, because charging stations are more frequent across the state line and offer backup options if one fails. His six day road trip across Nevada tested whether the state's EV charging network can support long distance travel, revealing single points of failure on key corridors where a single broken charger can disrupt journeys. The experience underscores infrastructure challenges as EV adoption accelerates across Nevada and the Mountain West.

Why it matters: The detour exposes critical reliability and redundancy gaps in Nevada's charging network that procurement teams and CPOs must address to support corridor travel. Single points of failure on major routes like Highway 95 signal urgent need for denser station deployment and uptime guarantees in rural and inter city corridors.

The Centre has approved Rs 40.50 crore under the PM E-DRIVE scheme to deploy 170 public charging sites with 688 chargers and four battery swapping stations across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Angul, Jajpur and Balasore. The State Transport Authority will act as nodal agency, installing infrastructure at government offices, major roads, parking areas, railway stations, hospitals, educational institutions and police stations. Odisha recorded a 17 per cent EV market share in June, the highest among Indian states.

Why it matters: The grant opens a 170 site tender pipeline in six Odisha cities, with funding covering upstream electrical works and charging equipment. Operators must integrate with the national unified hub and meet operational standards set by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Uttar Pradesh is deploying 238 public EV charging stations equipped with 714 charging points in the first phase of an expansion under the PM e-Drive Scheme and the state's EV Policy 2022, according to senior IAS officer Awanish K. Awasthi. The stations will be sited at key public locations to improve accessibility and support electric vehicle adoption. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government aims to position the state as a leading hub for EV manufacturing and sustainable mobility in India.

Why it matters: The 238 station rollout represents a significant public procurement opportunity for charge point operators and equipment suppliers targeting India's most populous state. Uttar Pradesh's coordinated policy and infrastructure push may accelerate tender activity and set benchmarks for other Indian states expanding their charging networks.