This Week in EV Charging: 26 October 2026

Here is our round-up of the EV charging news that matters to UK hotels, leisure venues and workplaces this week. It was a quieter week, so it is a shorter round-up than usual. One date to note from last week's round-up: the second window of the Depot Charging Scheme is expected to open on Wednesday 28 October.

New covered car parks in England could need charge points, not just cables

The building regulations consultation published on 21 October goes further than it first appeared. Covered car parks, both enclosed and open-sided, currently only need cable routes, and the government is considering requiring actual charge points in new covered car parks and those undergoing major renovation. It is also reviewing the £3,600 cap on connection costs to take account of inflation since 2021, and asking about minimum standards such as load management. Responses close at 11:59pm on 16 December 2026 (gov.uk).

Why it matters: if you are planning a hotel extension, an undercroft or multi-storey car park, or a major refurbishment in England, budget for charge points in the design now rather than retrofitting later. Scotland sets its own building standards, so this consultation does not change the rules there.

ZEV mandate review: consultation closed, review due by early 2027

The consultation on the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate closed at 11:59pm on 23 October, and the government says it is analysing the feedback. It covers the yearly targets for selling zero emission cars and vans and the flexibilities manufacturers can use. Most of it was run jointly with the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure, and the government has committed to reviewing the rules by early 2027 (gov.uk).

Why it matters: base your charging plans on the electric cars already arriving at your site, not on headline targets. Phasing your chargers, with power and cabling allowed for later, means you can follow demand whatever the outcome.

Scotland asks island residents and businesses about EVs

People who live or work on a Scottish island are being asked to take part in a short survey on electric vehicles. The research is being carried out by Urban Foresight, commissioned by ClimateXChange on behalf of the Scottish Government, and covers access to charging, the cost of buying and servicing EVs, and whether they meet everyday travel needs. The findings will help shape future policy (Shetland News, 16 October).

Why it matters: island hotels, attractions and employers know better than anyone where visitors and staff struggle to charge. Responding now puts destination and workplace charging on the record before policy is set.

Workplace Charging Scheme: final year, and an updated charger list

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles updated its list of chargepoint models eligible for its grants on 23 October (gov.uk). The Workplace Charging Scheme, which is open in Scotland as well as the rest of the UK, covers up to 75% of the cost of buying and installing chargepoints, capped at £500 per socket and 40 sockets per applicant. It is open to businesses, charities, public sector organisations and small accommodation businesses, and runs for a final year until 31 March 2027 (GOV.UK Find a grant).

Why it matters: if you want staff or guest parking charging funded by this grant, check that your quoted chargers are on the current list and allow time to apply before March. Our Workplace Charging Scheme application page explains how we help, and our guide to commercial EV charger installation costs shows what the grant sits against.

If any of this week's news has you thinking about charging at your site, book a free consultation and we will talk you through it.