Hackney accelerates rapid‑charging deployment
Hackney has expanded its EV infrastructure with 9 new rapid chargers, contributing to a broader program to install more than 50 by 2030. Delivered with ESB Energy, the units provide up to 100kW charging, enabling a 30-minute recharge. They run on 100% renewable electricity and have been positioned in existing parking bays designed to support larger and accessible vehicles. Residents with EV permits can access discounted tariffs through the Hackney Light and Power scheme, including reduced overnight rates. With over 1,500 chargers now installed, the borough is halfway to its target of 3,000 by 2030, reinforcing local climate ambitions and improving clean transport access for both residents and businesses.
Keswick and Windermere strengthen appeal for EV‑based tourism
Keswick and Windermere have emerged as two of the Lake District’s most EV-friendly destinations, supported by strong public charging availability across the region. Their infrastructure aligns with rising demand for low-carbon travel, offering visitors reliable access to both rapid and standard chargers while exploring local walking routes, lakeside attractions, and outdoor activities. The broader Lake District network has expanded significantly in recent years, reducing range concerns for EV drivers and encouraging longer, lower-emission stays. The combination of established tourism appeal and robust charging coverage positions both towns as leading options for environmentally conscious holidaymakers.
UK Power Networks streamlines V2G connection approvals
UK Power Networks has introduced an automatic approval process for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charger connections, significantly reducing installation times. Developed with Octopus Energy, the system enables instant approval for compatible devices, an improvement on the manual assessments previously required. The company already achieves an 80% automatic approval rate for low-carbon technologies such as EV chargers and solar panels, compared with a national average of around 11%, and this capability now extends to V2G systems. The new approach supports ongoing trials and aims to simplify installations for manufacturers, installers, and consumers. By enabling faster, safer connections, it positions parked EVs as a flexible energy resource that can help reduce peak-time strain and improve overall grid efficiency.
Deals
BusRight raises $30m to scale school‑transport technology
BusRight has secured $30M to expand its platform for school bus operations, which helps districts plan routes, track vehicles in real time, and communicate with families. The funding will support product development, hiring, and wider US rollout. The system is designed to improve safety and efficiency by addressing issues such as driver shortages, outdated routing processes, and limited visibility into daily operations. Its mobile tools provide parents with accurate arrival notifications and allow transportation staff to adjust routes based on real-time conditions. Several districts already use the platform, and the new investment is expected to accelerate national adoption.
Zenobe enters the US electric‑truck market with Revolv acquisition
Zenobe has expanded into the US commercial electric truck sector through the acquisition of a California-based Revolv, adding more than 100 electric trucks and 13 operational sites across the state. The deal complements Zenobe’s existing North American work in school bus and transit fleet electrification across Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, and Ontario. Revolv’s turnkey model, covering vehicles, charging, financing, and operational services, aligns with Zenobe’s global approach, while integrating its team ensures continuity for customers. Zenobe now supports over 3,400 EVs across 122 depots worldwide. The acquisition comes amid rapid US zero-emission truck growth, with more than 59,000 units deployed nationally and over 10,600 in California.
Candela secures €30m to expand electric‑ferry production
Candela has raised €30M in its largest funding round to date, bringing total capital to €129M. The investment, supported by existing backers and the International Finance Corporation, will finance a second manufacturing facility in Poland to accelerate production of the P-12 electric ferry. The vessel reduces energy consumption by up to 80% through a computer-controlled hydrofoil system that lifts the hull above the water to cut drag. The P-12 is already operating in several Scandinavian transport networks and has more than 65 confirmed orders, with deployments planned in Mumbai, the Maldives, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, and Thailand from 2026. A Mumbai fleet of ten P-12 ferries is expected to reduce airport-to-city travel times from around 2 hours to 35 minutes.