This week's briefing highlights continued investment in EV charging infrastructure, fleet electrification and public transport, alongside funding activity spanning energy software and space technology.
Market developments
Tesco adds Clubcard rewards to Be.EV charging network
Tesco has extended its Clubcard loyalty program through a partnership with Be.EV, allowing EV drivers to earn one Clubcard point for every £1 spent charging at participating locations. The scheme covers more than 600 charging sites and thousands of charging bays across the UK. Customers can link their Clubcard accounts to the Be.EV app, with points awarded automatically after eligible charging sessions. Rewards can then be converted into Tesco vouchers or redeemed through partner offers. The initiative reflects the growing integration of EV charging into everyday consumer services and coincides with continued expansion of Be.EV's network, including locations at selected Tesco Express stores.
Leicester moves closer to a fully electric bus network
Leicester has secured up to £5m in grant funding to accelerate the transition of its bus network to battery-electric vehicles. The funding will cover up to 75% of the additional cost of purchasing electric buses and associated charging infrastructure compared with diesel alternatives. The scheme could support up to 30 additional zero-emission buses. Around 190 electric buses already operate across the city, representing roughly three-quarters of the network, with a further 60 expected by March 2027. The funding supports Leicester City Council's One Network strategy, which aims to deliver a fully electric bus network by 2027.
Infrastructure & policy
Chaevi expands South Korea's highway charging network
Chaevi has been selected as the preferred bidder for a government-backed program to expand fast-charging infrastructure at highway rest stops across South Korea. The project will install 131 chargers at 29 service areas, including 118 high-power 200kW chargers and 13 multi-chargers along key transport corridors linking Seoul and other major regions. A significant share of the rollout will feature NACS connectors, improving convenience for Tesla drivers and supporting broader adoption of the standard. Combined with earlier awards, Chaevi expects to deploy 167 NACS-equipped chargers nationwide. The company currently manages around 10,000 fast-charging spaces and continues investing in megawatt charging, AI-driven services and autonomous charging technologies.
University at Buffalo begins transition to fully electric transit fleet
The University at Buffalo has introduced eight battery-electric buses into its Stampede campus transit network, marking the first replacement of diesel vehicles within the fleet. The university's shuttle service carries around 16,000 passengers daily and forms a key part of its sustainability strategy. The deployment begins a four-year transition away from diesel and is expected to support the institution's goal of achieving a zero-emissions campus by 2030. Officials estimate that full fleet electrification will avoid nearly 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and reduce greenhouse-gas output by more than 55%. Supporting infrastructure includes 10 charging stations installed at the fleet depot.
Deals
Light raises $46m to expand embedded energy platform
Texas-based energy software company Light has secured $46m in Series A funding led by Matrix, with participation from Activate Capital and existing investors. The company provides a white-label platform that enables businesses to offer branded electricity plans while managing compliance, energy procurement, billing, customer support and grid integration behind the scenes. The new capital will support expansion beyond Texas into the PJM electricity market, strengthen regulatory and procurement capabilities, scale software infrastructure and accelerate business development. Light is also targeting opportunities in the data center sector as electricity demand and interest in embedded energy services continue to grow.
InspeCity secures $12m to advance satellite servicing technologies
Indian space technology startup InspeCity has raised approximately $12m in Series A funding to accelerate development of its in-orbit satellite servicing platform. The company's VEDA system is designed to autonomously inspect, repair, refuel and de-orbit satellites using robotic manipulation, docking technologies and advanced propulsion systems. The funding will support initial servicing missions, expansion of engineering and robotics teams, development of a dedicated R&D facility and access to grants through India's iDEX program. With the number of satellites in orbit continuing to increase, the company is focused on extending spacecraft life, reducing orbital debris and lowering operating costs for commercial and defense space assets.
See you next week!