Charging networks are scaling alongside battery storage, hydrogen portfolios are consolidating around viable projects, and capital is flowing into the automation and mobility platforms that will sit underneath it all.
Market developments
Lidl introduces sustainably sourced rice under SRP standard Lidl has launched the UK's first own label rice range certified under the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standard, aimed at improving environmental and social outcomes in rice production. The certification promotes reduced water use, lower methane emissions and enhanced farming efficiency while supporting farmer livelihoods. Traceability from farm to shelf ensures transparency for consumers. The product is now available across UK stores and forms part of Lidl's broader responsible sourcing strategy, following progress against 2025 raw material targets and ongoing supply chain assessments.
Victoria launches integrated community battery and EV charging hub Victoria (in Australia) has introduced its 1st combined community battery and EV charging hub, linking local energy storage directly with transport infrastructure. The system captures excess renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar, and stores it for later use, including EV charging. By integrating storage with charging, the hub reduces grid strain, smooths demand peaks and improves access to clean energy for users without private charging or solar installations. The project also enhances resilience by supplying stored energy during high usage periods. As a pilot, it is intended to demonstrate how neighborhood scale batteries can support both energy systems and low carbon transport.
InstaVolt secures £250m to expand rapid charging network A £250m debt facility will support the continued expansion of InstaVolt's rapid EV charging network across the UK and Ireland. Backed by a consortium of 9 lenders, the financing ranks among the largest in the European charge point sector. InstaVolt currently operates around 2,600 chargers across 900 sites, with a further 1,100 in construction. The funding will be used to grow the network, maintain existing infrastructure and deploy advanced technologies, including battery energy storage systems. Thus, these systems help manage grid demand, improve reliability and support more efficient operation as EV adoption continues to rise.
BYD overtakes Tesla in Hungary EV sales BYD has taken the lead in Hungary's EV market, surpassing Tesla in fully electric sales during the first four months of 2026. The company sold 1,190 vehicles between January and April, including 790 fully electric units, thus giving it a 17.1% share of the BEV segment. Sales increased by c.80% YoY, supported by a broad portfolio of 8 EVs and 5 plug in hybrids, with the SEAL U DM i SUV emerging as a key model. BYD plans to double its dealer network to 30 sites in 2026 while expanding its European presence through new models and charging technologies.
Infrastructure & policy
Protium expands UK hydrogen portfolio with Cromarty acquisition Protium has acquired the UK government backed 15MW Cromarty green hydrogen project from Storegga as part of a broader portfolio transfer. Originally developed with Scottish Power, the project had faced delays due to limited commercial demand but retains support under the UK's (first) Hydrogen Allocation Round. Protium also acquired a separate 70MW Scottish hydrogen project that encountered planning challenges. While no capacity expansion is planned at Cromarty, the deal strengthens Protium's UK portfolio alongside existing operational and near operational sites. The transfer reflects ongoing consolidation in the sector as developers reposition projects amid evolving market conditions.
VinFast expands global EV after sales network through partnerships VinFast has signed a memorandum of understanding with 29 international service partners to accelerate the rollout of its global EV after sales network. Announced at its 2026 Global Business Conference, the agreements span North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The company will support partners with standardized training, certification, operational processes and quality control systems, alongside improved logistics aimed at delivering common spare parts within 24 hours in key markets. VinFast plans to grow its network to more than 1,100 workshops in 2026, up from nearly 800, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen customer support and enable global scaling.
Deals
Mind Robotics raises $400m to scale industrial AI automation Mind Robotics has raised $400m in a funding round led by Kleiner Perkins, thus bringing total funding to over $1bn within a year. The Rivian spinout develops AI driven robotic systems designed to handle complex and variable manufacturing tasks that traditional automation struggles to address. Its full stack platform combines AI models, custom hardware and deployment infrastructure, with Rivian's facilities providing a real world training environment. The capital will support expanded deployment, accelerated product development and operational scaling as demand for advanced automation grows amid labor shortages and efficiency pressures.
Rapido secures $240m to expand multi modal mobility platform Rapido has raised $240m in a funding round led by Prosus, valuing the Indian mobility platform at $3bn (post-money). Operating in more than 400 cities, Rapido offers services including bike taxis, auto rickshaws, cabs and parcel delivery, with a focus on underserved tier 2 and tier 3 markets. The funding will be used to expand service coverage, increase supply density and enhance its multi modal network. Investment will also target technology and operational improvements aimed at efficiency gains and more predictable driver earnings, supporting continued growth across India's transport and digital services ecosystem.
See you next week!