Search: SWITCH

EVA England, EVA Cymru, EVA Northern Ireland and EVA Scotland have opened a nationwide survey asking all UK drivers to share views on electric vehicle cost, charging infrastructure and readiness to switch. The initiative follows last year's EVA England survey showing 66 per cent of petrol and diesel drivers actively considering an EV, and comes as Government reviews manufacturer sales targets and prepares to introduce eVED tax on electric vehicles from 2028. Findings will be shared with policymakers and stakeholders to shape transport policy on charging infrastructure and EV affordability.

Why it matters: The survey results will provide procurement teams and charge point operators with evidence based insight into driver demand and infrastructure gaps at a time when policy on sales mandates and taxation is under review. Understanding regional attitudes and barriers to adoption can help CPOs prioritise site selection and service design to meet untapped demand.

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.

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.

Commercial EV charging specialist JET Charge reports that a 100 vehicle heavy fleet in Australia could save as much as 4.5 million dollars annually by electrifying, with depot charging delivering over 70 per cent cost reduction versus diesel. The company notes fleet electrification plans are being compressed from five years to 18 months as fuel price volatility drives adoption. In June 2026, one in four new passenger vehicles sold in Australia was an EV, a monthly sales record.

Why it matters: The compressed 18 month timelines and depot charging economics create urgent demand for charging infrastructure procurement and installation capacity. Fleet operators face a mismatch risk if charging infrastructure cannot be deployed as quickly as vehicle orders are fulfilled.

BTC Power surveyed over 200 commercial decision makers deploying charging across retail, fleet, hospitality, corporate campuses, fueling stations and multi-family housing in the United States. The study found that 94% consider EV charging essential to operations and competitiveness, while 97% plan to increase investment. Performance and reliability have overtaken cost as the primary reasons operators switch vendors, according to Chief Revenue Officer SJ Oh, signalling market maturation beyond a lowest price mindset.

Why it matters: The shift from price to performance as the key vendor selection criterion indicates that procurement teams must now prioritise uptime and reliability metrics over initial capital cost when evaluating charging suppliers. With near universal plans to expand investment, CPOs and site hosts can expect sustained demand but face pressure to demonstrate operational track records rather than compete solely on hardware pricing.

The Australian federal government has committed AU$40.5 million (US$26.7 million) to Australia Post to electrify more than 100 delivery vehicles, including vans, light and heavy rigid trucks and prime movers, with funding delivered in the 2026 to 2027 financial year. The investment covers depot charging infrastructure and electrical upgrades at selected sites, including switchboard enhancements, new distribution boards and load management controls. Australia Post already operates more than 5,000 EVs nationally, covering over 29 million kilometres per year, and the additional vehicles are expected to reduce diesel consumption by approximately one million litres annually, equivalent to around 2.3% of total fuel use.

Why it matters: The programme extends beyond last mile delivery vehicles and demonstrates government backed fleet electrification at scale, creating depot charging infrastructure opportunities across multiple sites. The investment signals growing demand for heavy duty charging solutions and electrical upgrade work as commercial fleets transition from diesel to electric.

Damian Hinds MP has urged policymakers not to disadvantage rural drivers transitioning to electric vehicles, according to the Liphook Herald. The MP highlighted concerns that inadequate charging infrastructure in countryside areas could penalise residents making the switch to EVs. The intervention comes as the UK government faces pressure to ensure equitable rollout of public charging networks beyond urban centres.

Why it matters: The statement underscores growing political attention on rural charging gaps, which may influence future funding allocations and procurement priorities for charge point operators targeting underserved areas. Addressing rural infrastructure deficits is critical for meeting national EV adoption targets and ensuring fair access to charging.

Jaguar Land Rover has moved its in-vehicle charging service away from Plugsurfing to DCS (Digital Charging Solutions). The switch affects JLR drivers globally who access public charging networks through the vehicle's integrated payment and roaming platform.

Why it matters: The move signals a shift in OEM roaming partnerships and may influence which charge point operators prioritise integration with DCS to retain access to JLR's customer base. Procurement teams should monitor whether similar manufacturer migrations follow, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for eMSP platforms.

The government will introduce an Electric Vehicle Excise Duty system from April 2028, charging EV drivers 3p per mile and plug-in hybrids 1.5p per mile based on annual odometer readings. Following a consultation with over 5,000 responses, the scheme will apply to electric cars but exempt electric vans, with rates set at roughly half the equivalent fuel duty paid by petrol drivers. The mileage-based charge will run alongside existing road tax to replace fuel duty revenue as motorists switch to electric vehicles.

Why it matters: The new tax structure will affect total cost of ownership calculations for fleet operators and workplace charging schemes from 2028, potentially influencing procurement decisions for electric vehicles and the business case for charging infrastructure investments. CPOs serving commercial fleets may need to adjust pricing models and customer communications as operating costs for electric vehicles shift from fuel savings to mileage-based taxation.

Indian manufacturer JBM Electric Vehicles has entered into a memorandum of understanding with electric commercial vehicle leasing platform DRIVN for the supply of 500 electric buses, with deployment scheduled over the next year. The deal comes as India's electric bus market grew 40% year on year, with 2,944 units registered in the first half of 2026. JBM Group recorded 804 electric bus registrations in H1 2026, representing a 27.3% market share, close behind market leader Switch Mobility's 28.2%.

Why it matters: The leasing focused partnership signals growing demand for electric bus financing models in India's expanding public transport electrification market. With JBM securing ₹750 crore in June 2026 to deploy around 2,000 electric buses, this 500 unit order demonstrates the scale of procurement opportunities emerging through leasing platforms.

The Victorian government in Australia has launched fully funded training places for EV charger installation through Solar Victoria, delivered in partnership with TAFE Gippsland, Holmesglen, and NECA Education and Careers. The state projects its EV charging workforce will grow fourfold to 14,300 workers by 2030 under a AU$5 million (US$3.47 million), three year Electrification Skills Program running through 2026 to 2027. The training forms part of the broader Victorian Energy Jobs Plan and runs alongside courses in switchboard upgrades, heat pump installation, and commercial solar PV support, with new minimum energy efficiency standards for buildings taking effect from January and March 2027.

Why it matters: A state backed pipeline of 14,300 trained installers by 2030 signals accelerating procurement volumes and tighter quality standards for CPOs tendering Victorian projects. Free accredited training through established technical colleges reduces contractor risk and may compress installation costs as the skilled labour pool expands ahead of 2027 building efficiency mandates.

SWITCH Mobility, part of the Hinduja Group, has launched the SWITCH EiV9, a 9 metre electric bus, at Prawaas 5.0, India's flagship multimodal transport exhibition. The model targets city bus services, employee transport and school operations as public transport agencies, private fleet operators and educational institutions increase investment in zero emission vehicles. The launch accompanies a new campaign encouraging businesses and fleet owners to adopt electric mobility.

Why it matters: India's electric bus market is among the world's fastest growing, driven by government programmes including the PM eBus Sewa Scheme and FAME initiatives, creating procurement opportunities for manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers. Strong growth is expected in the second half of this decade as cities prioritise air quality improvements and lower operating costs.

Electric coaches are deploying dynamic stops as a strategy to encourage car drivers to switch to public transport. The approach allows coaches to pick up passengers at flexible locations rather than fixed terminals, improving convenience. No specific deployment figures or operator names were provided in the source material.

Why it matters: Dynamic routing may increase utilisation rates for electric coach fleets, potentially raising demand for depot and en route charging infrastructure as operators expand flexible service models.

First WATT Renewable Limited and MTN Nigeria have announced a strategic partnership to deploy approximately 34 MWp of solar photovoltaic capacity and 40 MWh of battery energy storage across MTN facilities nationwide, alongside renewable energy infrastructure to power 60 kW EV charging stations at eight MTN sites in Ikoyi, Matori, Ojota, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Kano and Ibadan. The Energy as a Service programme targets data centres, switch facilities, cable landing stations, customer service centres and other network critical locations to reduce diesel dependence and lower operating emissions.

Why it matters: The partnership demonstrates how telecom operators with extensive property portfolios can anchor renewable powered EV charging rollouts, creating procurement opportunities for solar, battery storage and charging hardware suppliers. Eight confirmed charging locations across major Nigerian cities signal a scalable model for integrating EV infrastructure into existing commercial real estate.

Aldi has moved its 1,200 EV chargers across 250 UK stores to new operator Drax and installed new units at more than 30 locations including Diss, Eastbourne, Durham and Yate. The supermarket will add chargers to 20 new stores annually, each with two AC fast chargers serving four bays up to 22 kW and up to two DC rapid chargers serving four bays up to 160 kW. Pricing is set at 40p per kWh for fast charging and 62p per kWh for rapid charging, with no subscription required.

Why it matters: The Drax contract consolidates a large existing estate under a single operator and locks in a predictable pipeline of 20 sites per year, offering equipment suppliers and installers a steady stream of work. Aldi's standardised hardware specification and competitive tariffs also set a benchmark for grocery retail charging tenders.

Be.EV is finalising its takeover of Mer UK's public charging network, rebranding 1,600 charge points across 450 sites since the deal was announced in February. Mer UK has notified customers that RFID cards will stop working and its Connect app will be switched off as the transition completes. The acquisition moves Be.EV into the top 10 rapid and ultra-rapid charger providers in the UK, though not yet the overall top 10.

Why it matters: The consolidation adds significant scale to Be.EV's network and removes a competitor from the UK market, potentially reshaping procurement options for local authorities and site hosts working with mid-tier CPOs. Buyers inheriting Mer contracts or hardware will need to plan for the operational handover and any changes to service terms.

Electric vehicle owners in Houston told Spectrum News that charging infrastructure remains uneven, with fast chargers available near the city centre but sparse coverage and congestion in outlying areas. Rising fuel costs linked to conflict with Iran have prompted some Texans to reconsider switching to EVs. Non-profit Evolve Houston is promoting EV adoption to improve air quality across the state.

Why it matters: Unmet charging demand in suburban and rural Texas highlights network gaps that CPOs and site hosts must address to capture drivers switching from petrol. Geopolitical fuel price shocks can accelerate EV uptake and create urgent procurement windows for rapid charger rollouts.

Bangkok Post reports that Thailand is deploying transition funds to encourage motorists to switch to electric vehicles. The policy aims to accelerate EV adoption through financial incentives, though specific subsidy amounts and timelines are not detailed in the excerpt. The initiative forms part of Thailand's broader push to establish itself as a regional EV manufacturing and adoption hub.

Why it matters: Government incentive schemes directly influence fleet procurement decisions and charging infrastructure demand. For CPOs and contractors, understanding subsidy structures helps forecast where charging capacity will be needed as adoption accelerates in Southeast Asian markets.

Easee and EVX Charging Solutions will install more than 90 electric vehicle chargers across 13 schools in the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust in Buckinghamshire. The project is funded by the Government's Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded educational institutions and a private sustainability fund. Chiltern Hills Academy has already received 16 Easee chargers to support staff, visitors and an incoming electric minibus, with the switch expected to save 7,000kg of CO2 annually.

Why it matters: The rollout demonstrates how public sector education sites are using Government workplace charging grants to deploy multi-unit installations, creating a procurement model that combines state funding with private sustainability capital. For charge point operators and installers, school estates represent a growing segment where fleet electrification and staff charging converge at scale.

Research by Octopus Electroverse and Autotrader shows 85 per cent of EV drivers are satisfied with their vehicles, with 48 per cent extremely satisfied, compared to 31 per cent of petrol drivers. The study found 88 per cent of fuel drivers want more information before switching, with a fifth citing lack of knowledge as a barrier. EV owners save an average of £860 annually on home charging with specialist tariffs, and new electric cars are now cheaper than petrol on average for the first time, according to recent Autotrader data.

Why it matters: The satisfaction gap and information deficit highlight an opportunity for charge point operators and fleet managers to address misconceptions about EV running costs and reliability through targeted education. The £860 annual saving on home charging underscores the business case for workplace and residential charging infrastructure investment.

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) in Virginia is reversing its electric school bus strategy in favour of propane vehicles, according to the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The district has not disclosed the number of electric buses affected or the timeline for the switch. The move reflects ongoing debates in US school districts over total cost of ownership and charging infrastructure for electric fleets.

Why it matters: The decision signals potential headwinds for school bus electrification programmes and depot charging projects, particularly where upfront costs or grid capacity remain unresolved. Procurement teams and charge point operators targeting education fleets may face renewed scrutiny over business cases and operational reliability.

Electric vehicle charging company ReadySteadyPlug has secured $1.51 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under the Driving the Nation Program to roll out its Charging as a Service model in apartment and strata buildings. The grant will support installation of up to 428 charge points, with total project funding reaching $3.49 million including customer and company contributions. ReadySteadyPlug's platform uses standard power outlets with smartphone access control, cloud metering and dynamic load management to avoid switchboard upgrades.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates a funded pathway to address multi dwelling unit charging barriers through a pay as you go model that removes upfront capital costs for owners corporations. For CPOs and installers, the ARENA backed rollout signals growing procurement opportunities in the residential strata sector using Level 1 infrastructure that sidesteps expensive electrical upgrades.

PURPLE BUS has introduced 14 electric buses manufactured by Switch Mobility on the Pune to Mumbai shuttle route, marking the first privately operated electric intercity service in Maharashtra. The fleet was flagged off by Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Urban Development. PURPLE BUS currently operates over 1,500 buses across India.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates private sector entry into electric intercity transport and signals potential charging infrastructure demand along the high traffic Pune to Mumbai corridor. Operators and CPOs may see opportunities to support similar private fleet electrification as the model scales beyond Maharashtra's initial 14 unit rollout.

Birmingham Live has published a consumer piece urging drivers to switch to electric vehicles in order to access an off-peak charging tariff priced at 1.8 pence per kilowatt hour. The article, appearing in UK regional media, frames the low rate as a financial incentive for prospective EV buyers. No details on the tariff provider, eligibility or duration were included in the excerpt.

Why it matters: Ultra-low residential tariffs below 2p per kWh can reduce home charging costs enough to shift demand away from public networks, affecting utilisation forecasts for roadside and depot infrastructure. Regional press coverage also signals growing consumer awareness of time-of-use pricing, which may influence the business case for smart charging hardware and grid services.

A study from Oxford warns that electrification is essential to shield industry from future energy crises, according to Engineering and Technology Magazine. The research highlights the vulnerability of sectors reliant on fossil fuels and argues that switching to electric systems offers greater resilience. The findings are relevant to UK industrial and infrastructure planning.

Why it matters: For CPOs and procurement teams, the study reinforces the strategic case for electrification infrastructure investment, particularly as industrial clients seek energy security. It may influence policy support and funding for commercial charging networks tied to industrial electrification.

The New York Times published a consumer guide highlighting 11 electric vehicle models in response to rising fuel costs in the United States. The article appears aimed at motorists considering a switch from petrol vehicles amid higher pump prices. No specific vehicle models, pricing or charging infrastructure details were disclosed in the available excerpt.

Why it matters: Mainstream media coverage linking EV adoption to fuel price volatility can accelerate fleet and private buyer interest, potentially increasing demand for workplace and public charging infrastructure from CPOs and site hosts.

Mercedes has revealed the interior of its first electric only C-Class ahead of its official launch on Monday, 20 April, in South Korea. The sixth generation model features a 39.1 inch MBUX Hyperscreen spanning the dashboard, rides on the 800V MB.EA platform shared with the electric GLC, and promises over 450 miles of range. The cabin is the world's second Vegan Society certified car interior and includes largely buttonless controls with tactile switches below the screen.

Why it matters: The electric C-Class's 450 mile plus range and 800V architecture signal Mercedes' push into the high volume executive EV segment, potentially driving demand for faster charging infrastructure at workplace and destination sites. Fleet operators and charge point operators serving premium segments should note the vehicle's April launch timeline for capacity planning.

Seventy per cent of petrol drivers say fuel price volatility is pushing them to consider switching to electric vehicles, according to Air Quality News. The report highlights cost uncertainty at the pump as a key driver of EV interest among current combustion engine owners. No specific survey size or date range was provided in the excerpt.

Why it matters: Rising EV consideration among petrol drivers signals growing demand for charging infrastructure, particularly home and workplace installations. Procurement teams and charge point operators should prepare for increased uptake as fuel cost concerns accelerate the transition from forecourts to plug in networks.

Switch Mobility has completed delivery of 100 EiV12 electric buses to the Government of Mauritius, marking India's largest electric bus export to date. The final batch of 90 units was handed over by India's External Affairs Minister to Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, with the fleet supplied as a donation from the Government of India through an open tender conducted by Convergence Energy Services Ltd. The buses, which seat up to 45 passengers and feature Switch iON telematics for real-time monitoring, will be operated by National Transport Corporation, Mauritius' state-owned public transport operator.

Why it matters: This government to government deal demonstrates how international procurement frameworks can unlock large scale fleet electrification opportunities, particularly for manufacturers seeking export markets. The inclusion of proprietary telematics infrastructure signals growing demand for integrated charging and fleet management solutions in emerging public transport electrification projects.

The UK Government will increase its electric vehicle charger grant from £350 to £500 starting 1 April 2026, targeting renters, flat owners, landlords, homeowners without driveways and businesses. The grant typically covers around 42 per cent of installation costs, including cross pavement chargers, with home charging costing approximately 2p per mile. The Federation of Small Businesses reports that 51 per cent of small businesses cite more charging infrastructure as key to switching to electric vehicles, while the National Residential Landlords Association says nearly nine in 10 landlords would install charge points if tenants requested them.

Why it matters: The expanded grant addresses a major barrier to EV adoption among the estimated millions of UK residents without off street parking, potentially unlocking significant demand for residential charge point installations. For installers and charge point operators, the policy creates clearer commercial opportunities in the underserved rented and flatted property sectors from April 2026.