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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.

Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is installing 80 charging stations across Himachal Pradesh at a cost of ₹122 crore to support its electric bus operations. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri confirmed that 34 stations are already operational, 21 more will be completed within a month, and work is underway at the remaining 25 sites. The network will feature 99 charging points equipped with 180 kilowatt fast CCS 2 chargers at HRTC bus stands and workshops statewide.

Why it matters: This state backed rollout demonstrates how public transport operators are building dedicated charging infrastructure to de risk electric bus deployments, creating a potential template for similar transit electrification projects. The ₹122 crore investment and focus on 180 kilowatt fast charging at operational depots signals procurement priorities for high power chargers in fleet applications.

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.

Milton Keynes placed seventh among 30 major UK cities for electric car charging infrastructure, with 1,005 public chargers as of 1 April 2026, equivalent to 329 per 100,000 people, according to analysis by Recharge Renewable using Department for Transport and Zapmap data. The city ranked second nationally for rapid and ultra-rapid charging density at 107 units per 100,000 people, behind only Dundee's 119 and nearly four times London's 27. Despite strong totals, the network shrank during the first quarter of 2026 as operators removed or reclassified more chargers than they added, affecting its overall score in a ranking topped by Dundee and concluded by Southampton.

Why it matters: The study highlights Milton Keynes as a high density charging market where rapid infrastructure is well established, yet first quarter network contraction signals potential rationalisation or reliability challenges that CPOs and local authorities must address. For procurement teams, the city's 329 chargers per 100,000 people, nearly double the UK average of 172, suggests competitive pressure and possible saturation in certain segments, requiring careful site selection and differentiation strategies.

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.

Devon County Council and Torbay Council have appointed Believ, char.gy and Wenea to deploy almost 3,000 public EV charging points across the region. The rollout, set to begin within the next few months, combines £8 million from the UK Department for Transport's LEVI fund with around £30 million in private investment from the three charge point operators. Wenea will install rapid and fast chargers in public car parks managed by seven district and borough councils, Believ will deploy standard on-street units and community car park chargers, and char.gy will integrate charging infrastructure into existing lamp columns.

Why it matters: This multi-operator framework demonstrates how local authorities are leveraging LEVI funding to attract significant private capital, with the £8 million public investment unlocking nearly four times that amount in operator commitments. The project offers a procurement model for other councils seeking to deploy mixed charging solutions across on-street, car park and lamp column sites at scale.

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.

The UK Workplace Charging Scheme and EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets have funded 75,638 sockets worth £33.9 million since launch, according to Department for Transport data compiled by Dawsongroup vans. After annual voucher redemptions fell from a 2022 peak of 13,293 to 6,634 in 2024, businesses redeemed 7,506 vouchers in 2025, a 13.14% year on year increase. Both schemes, which offer up to £20,000 per site for chargers and enabling works, close to new applications in March 2027.

Why it matters: The rebound signals fleet operators are accelerating on site charging plans to meet ZEV mandate targets, but the fixed 2027 deadline creates a narrow window for businesses to secure capital support for depot infrastructure. CPOs and installers should expect a final surge in workplace project tenders before the schemes expire.

The Climate Change Committee has called on UK homeowners with private EV chargers to share them with neighbours and the public to address growing charging demand. The recommendation comes as the advisory body warns that the current pace of public charging infrastructure rollout may not keep up with the rising number of electric vehicles on British roads. The Times reports the proposal as part of broader guidance on meeting net zero transport targets.

Why it matters: The policy signal suggests government may explore regulatory or incentive frameworks to unlock private residential charge points for wider use, potentially creating new business models for charge point operators and affecting procurement strategies for public networks.

ChargePoint has enhanced its Navigator digital planning tool, which now combines site selection, planning intelligence, rollout monitoring and connections guidance with real-time dashboards and visualisation tools. The platform provides local authorities with insight on connection costs, eligibility and timelines for individual chargers. Currently 108 local authorities use ChargePoint Navigator, up from 82 in May 2025, with 94% customer satisfaction reported. The solution is free and available to all 133 local authorities in UK Power Networks' licence area, and is also used by SP Energy Networks, Transport for Wales and Northern Ireland Electricity Networks.

Why it matters: The upgraded tool addresses a critical planning bottleneck for local authorities deploying public charging infrastructure, offering integrated site assessment and grid connection intelligence in one platform. With adoption growing from 82 to 108 councils in recent months, Navigator is becoming a de facto standard for UK public charging procurement and rollout management.

Department for Transport statistics show 2,148,000 licensed zero emission vehicles on UK roads at the end of March 2026, up 29.6% from March 2025, now representing 5.1% of all licensed vehicles. First quarter 2026 saw 150,000 new zero emission vehicle registrations, a 12.9% rise on the same period in 2025, while electricity consumption by road vehicles jumped 28.1% in the quarter. The AA attributes growth partly to sustained high petrol and diesel prices, with petrol averaging 151.4p per litre and diesel 165.2p.

Why it matters: A near 30% annual increase in the zero emission fleet signals accelerating demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure across the UK. Rising electricity consumption by EVs underscores the urgency for charge point operators and grid planners to scale capacity ahead of continued fleet expansion.

ITS UK has welcomed the government's confirmation that electric vehicle excise duty (eVED) will operate on an opt-in basis, allowing EV drivers to choose when to begin paying the new tax. The organisation, which represents intelligent transport systems stakeholders, is now calling for a review of location-based charging options as part of the broader road-pricing framework. The statement follows recent government announcements on the implementation timeline for eVED.

Why it matters: The opt-in structure may influence EV adoption rates and fleet electrification decisions, while any shift toward location-based charging could reshape infrastructure investment priorities for charge point operators planning network expansion.

McGill's Buses, owned by Sandy and James Easdale, has filed a legal challenge with the Competition Appeal Tribunal after the Scottish Government rejected its £4.3 million funding application for 33 zero-emission electric buses from Alexander Dennis. In March 2026, Transport Scotland awarded £45 million from the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund Phase 3 to Ember, Stagecoach, Rock Road, Lothian and First Bus, with Ember receiving the largest share of £13 million for 100 Chinese electric coaches. McGill's alleges the government breached the UK Subsidy Control Act 2022 by failing to conduct a separate subsidy control assessment and by funding new competing routes rather than fleet upgrades.

Why it matters: The tribunal case could reshape how Scottish zero-emission bus subsidies are allocated and scored, potentially affecting future procurement rounds and the balance between incumbent operators upgrading fleets and new entrants launching services. The challenge also highlights tensions over domestic manufacturing support, with McGill's proposing Alexander Dennis vehicles while the largest award went to Chinese coaches.

Falcon Buses has introduced electric buses into service in Surrey, marking a rollout in the UK region. The deployment represents the operator's move toward electrified public transport, though specific fleet numbers and charging infrastructure details were not disclosed in the announcement.

Why it matters: The Surrey rollout signals growing demand for depot charging solutions as regional bus operators electrify fleets, creating procurement opportunities for charge point operators and infrastructure suppliers in the UK public transport sector.

The UK's public EV charging network stood at 121,171 chargers as of 1 July 2026, including 28,887 rapid or ultra rapid units rated 50 kW and above, according to Department for Transport data sourced from Zapmap. The network added 3,028 chargers in the first quarter of 2026 following 13,281 installations during 2025. However, battery electric van registrations captured only 9.9 per cent market share in the first half of 2026, up from 8.6 per cent a year earlier, well short of the government mandated 24 per cent target, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported.

Why it matters: The widening gap between charging rollout pace and commercial fleet adoption signals that infrastructure alone may not drive van electrification, prompting CPOs and fleet operators to reassess depot charging strategies and total cost of ownership models. Procurement teams face pressure to meet compliance targets while navigating a market where public network growth has not yet translated into sufficient light commercial vehicle demand.

The Department for Transport has opened a consultation on proposals requiring all road vehicles in Great Britain to maintain emissions control systems to their original approval standards throughout their lifetime. Research cited shows fewer than one in 10 passenger cars tested met official nitrogen oxide limits, with around two thirds of Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel cars emitting more than three times the permitted level. The government notes road transport remains the UK's largest source of nitrogen oxides and a major contributor to particulate pollution, with petrol and diesel vehicles expected on roads for many years despite the EV transition.

Why it matters: Stricter enforcement of in-use emissions standards may accelerate fleet operators' shift to electric vehicles to avoid compliance costs and legal risks, potentially increasing demand for charging infrastructure. The policy underscores the government's focus on air quality improvements, reinforcing the business case for electrification in commercial and public sector fleets.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association's 2026 Road to Zero Report Card reveals the UK's shift to zero emission transport is progressing at different speeds across vehicle types and market segments. Cars are outpacing vans, fleet adoption leads private retail, and home charging infrastructure is ahead of public networks. The report highlights that vans face the sharpest challenges, with operators confronting limited vehicle choice, a significant cost gap compared to diesel, and inadequate charging infrastructure.

Why it matters: The findings signal that charging infrastructure investment must shift beyond the established company car and home charging segments to support commercial van fleets, where operators face both vehicle cost barriers and network gaps that threaten transition timelines.

Transport for London has achieved a fleet of 3,000 electric buses, representing a significant milestone in the UK's transition to zero emission public transport. The deployment offers practical lessons on charging infrastructure requirements, grid integration and operational planning for large scale electric bus rollouts. TfL's experience provides a reference point for other UK cities and transport operators planning similar transitions.

Why it matters: The 3,000 bus milestone demonstrates proven demand for depot charging infrastructure at scale and validates business models for heavy duty EV charging. TfL's procurement patterns and infrastructure partnerships set benchmarks that charge point operators and equipment suppliers can reference when bidding for similar municipal contracts across the UK.

Transport & Environment has published an analysis challenging arguments from Britain's automotive sector to dilute the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. The campaign group contends that industry claims for relaxing the policy do not hold up under scrutiny. The piece appears amid ongoing debate over the UK's regulatory framework requiring manufacturers to meet rising EV sales quotas.

Why it matters: A firm ZEV Mandate sustains demand forecasts that underpin charging infrastructure investment and site acquisition timelines. Any policy weakening could slow the rollout pace that CPOs and local authorities are planning for.

Dr Andy Palmer, former Nissan executive who launched the Leaf, has criticised reported plans by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dilute the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate to a 50% electric vehicle penetration target by 2030. Writing in Transport + Energy, Palmer argues the original mandate underpinned major commitments including Nissan's investment in new Leaf and Juke EV production at Sunderland, Chery's UK plans, and battery projects in Sunderland and Somerset. He warns that repeated policy reversals erode investor confidence across vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure, battery supply and energy sectors.

Why it matters: A weakened ZEV Mandate could slow the rollout of charging networks by reducing the certainty that infrastructure investors and charge point operators need to commit capital. The policy shift threatens the regulatory stability that has driven billions in UK supply chain and manufacturing investment tied to EV adoption forecasts.

A report by LCP Delta, commissioned by ChargeUK, projects the UK EV charging industry will contribute £15.5 billion in direct economic value by 2035, rising from a largely pre-profit position today to £2.5 billion in annual value. The analysis links this growth to supportive legislation and notes the sector underpins a wider £385 billion transport electrification opportunity, with the UK now operating over 120,000 public chargers supporting two million EVs.

Why it matters: The £15.5 billion forecast signals sustained procurement and infrastructure investment over the next decade, provided policy remains predictable. For CPOs and contractors, the shift from pre-profit to £2.5 billion annual value underscores the maturing commercial case for network expansion and long term project pipelines.

UK haulier ET Morris has put a Volvo FM Electric into service for steel transportation work. The deployment marks the company's adoption of battery electric heavy goods vehicles in its fleet operations. The Energyst reported the move as part of the firm's electrification strategy.

Why it matters: The case demonstrates real world uptake of electric HGVs in heavy industrial logistics, signalling growing depot charging demand and potential for fleet operators in metals and construction supply chains to follow suit.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated an electric bus depot in Panipat and flagged off 80 electric city buses for deployment across Haryana, with 40 allocated to Panipat, 15 to Yamunanagar, 10 each to Kurukshetra and Sonipat, and 5 to Panchkula. The state-of-the-art depot was developed at a cost of approximately ₹7 crore, and electric bus depots with modern charging facilities are under construction in 8 other districts across Haryana. The rollout forms part of the state government's push to strengthen public transport and align with national green mobility and net zero goals.

Why it matters: The ₹7 crore Panipat depot and the pipeline of 8 additional district depots signal sustained procurement and infrastructure investment for electric bus charging across Haryana. Operators and charging providers should track the multi-district rollout for depot construction and fleet electrification opportunities in the state's tier-two cities.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has opened the application period for the next allocation of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme grants. The announcement was made through Urban Milwaukee, though the notice does not specify funding amounts, deadlines or eligible project types for this round.

Why it matters: NEVI funding rounds shape where charging infrastructure is built along designated corridors, creating procurement opportunities for charge point operators and equipment suppliers targeting federally supported deployment in Wisconsin.

Zest has launched a rapid EV charging facility at a Farmfoods store in Bradford, according to TransportXtra. The installation adds to the charge point operator's growing network of retail site partnerships in the UK.

Why it matters: Retail forecourt deployments like this signal continued demand for rapid charging infrastructure at convenience locations, offering procurement teams a model for co-locating chargers with high footfall retail anchors.

Nottingham City Transport has ordered five Yutong U11DD double-deck and seven E12 single-deck electric buses through UK partner Pelican Bus & Coach, announced at the ALBUM Conference 2026. The 12 buses will enter service in April 2027, following 19 electric double-deckers due in late 2026, with funding support from the Mayor of the East Midlands and the East Midlands Combined County Authority via Nottinghamshire County Council. Once delivered, NCT's zero-emission fleet will reach 93 vehicles, representing one-third of its total fleet.

Why it matters: The order signals sustained procurement momentum in the East Midlands, with combined authority funding enabling a phased rollout that will require charging infrastructure for 31 new electric buses across two delivery windows. Pelican's 40% UK value-add model and the scale of NCT's electrification offer a template for other regional operators pursuing zero-emission transitions with public funding.

Emma Andrews, partner at Burges Salmon, argues that freight and fleet operators can use private wire connections and on-site generation to sidestep grid capacity constraints when installing EV charging infrastructure. The article notes that UK domestic transport accounted for 29% of total domestic emissions in 2023, making it the highest emitting sector, and that CO2 must fall by more than 3% per year to 2030 to meet net zero by 2050 targets under the Climate Change Act 2008.

Why it matters: Fleet operators facing long grid connection waits can explore alternative contracting structures to accelerate depot electrification. Private wire and power purchase agreements offer procurement pathways that reduce reliance on Distribution Network Operator timelines.

A poll reported by BusinessGreen found that UK voters are calling for increased deployment of EV charge points in response to soaring petrol prices. The survey reflects public demand for expanded charging infrastructure as fuel costs climb. The findings were published in the context of ongoing policy discussions around transport electrification.

Why it matters: Public pressure for more charge points can influence local authority procurement priorities and accelerate site acquisition timelines. CPOs may see stronger political backing for planning applications and grid connection requests as voter sentiment shifts.

The Department for Transport reports that 2,012,000 electric vehicles were licensed in the UK as of December 2025, doubling the fleet in two years after taking 14 years to reach the first million. Octopus Electric Vehicles recorded a 177 per cent year on year increase in demand, while petrol and diesel prices reached 158.31p and 191.54p per litre respectively. The RAC called for VAT cuts at public chargers to match domestic electricity rates, noting that drivers without home charging still pay a significant premium.

Why it matters: A 2 million vehicle fleet signals sustained demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure, particularly as the RAC highlights cost disparities that may drive procurement of more accessible on street and destination charging to serve drivers without home access. The 177 per cent demand surge suggests CPOs and site hosts should prepare for accelerated installation pipelines through 2025 and beyond.

Nottingham City Transport has placed an order for six Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner battery electric double deck buses. The procurement adds to the operator's growing zero emission fleet, with the vehicles expected to enter service on city routes. The order was reported by Route One, a UK bus and coach industry publication.

Why it matters: The order signals continued municipal investment in electric double deck buses and provides a reference point for operators evaluating Wrightbus battery electric platforms. It also reflects ongoing demand for depot charging infrastructure to support expanding zero emission fleets in UK cities.