As we come to the end of 2025, Transport + Energy rounds up all the top stories of the year across the sectors.
10)
EV charge point vandalism and theft doubles in 2024
Research has revealed that theft and vandalism targeting EV chargers has more than doubled in 2024 compared to 2023, according to data shared with DeterTech.
The national intelligence portal, that works on behalf of police forces in England and Wales, discovered the findings, and reported that both residential EV chargers and public charging stations were heavily targeted by low level offenders and serious organised gangs alike, particularly in areas like South Yorkshire and the West Midlands.
9)
UK Government to offer discount up to £3,750 on EVs
The UK Government has announced a £650 million electric vehicle (EV) grant scheme, worth up to £3,750 per car at the point of sale, for new eligible EVs priced at or under £37,000.
The move from the Department for Transport, which has been welcomed by the industry after years of calls for more government incentives for private consumers to purchase EVs, was made as part of the government’s commitment to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
8)
Charge point utilisation – watch now
As part of the T+E Explains series, a new webinar in association with Zapmap Insights will take a close look at the issue of charge point utilisation with two of the biggest players in the ultra-rapid charging sector.
Through detailed case studies provided by industry leading firms GRIDSERVE and Fastned, the webinar seeks to explore the critical issues around utilisation at ultra-rapid charging sites, and how charge point operators (CPOs) manage, plan for and respond to the changes in utilisation across their network.
7)
Government accelerates investment in EV sector
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has announced a £55m boost for on-street charging, alongside reports the UK Government is set to support electric vehicle (EV) purchasing too.
The charge point cash will come from the government’s National Wealth Fund (NWF), which will take an equity stake in firm Connected Kerb, and it includes another £10m in investment from Aviva Investors, bringing a total of £65m for delivery.
6)
Ex-Tesla trio secure £60m for urban EV charging
Three former members of Tesla UK’s disbanded Supercharger team have secured £60m to build a portfolio of high-powered urban charging hubs.
The firm, called Hubber, has a leadership team consisting of Harry Fox, Connor Selwood and Hugh Leckie, who oversaw the delivery of more than 100 Tesla Supercharger sites and 1,200 ultra-rapid chargers nationwide.
5)
ZEV Mandate weakened by UK Government
Vehicle manufacturers have been given “greater freedom” on how to hit the 2030 phase out for new petrol and diesel cars, the UK Government has announced.
Alongside the ZEV Mandate changes, it also reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 phase out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. But now smaller manufacturers will be exempt entirely from the rules – and hybrids can be sold until 2035.
4)
Octopus launches new unlimited smart charging service
Octopus Energy has launched a new “unlimited” smart electric vehicle charging service for customers.
Called the Intelligent Drive Pack, the bolt-on service offers charging for £30 a month. The subscription model is designed for drivers on a standard Octopus electricity tariff, with customers requiring a working smart meter, and a compatible EV brand and charger installed.
3)
Great Britain breaks wind power record
Great Britain has broken the maximum wind generation record by producing enough wind to power over 23 million homes across the country.
On 5 December at 5:30pm, wind generated 23,825MW of electricity, beating the maximum generation record of 22,711MW set less than a month ago on 11 November.
2)
Octopus Energy joins forces with BYD on V2G
Energy supplier Octopus Energy has partnered with electric car maker BYD to launch its V2G Power Pack Bundle.
Launched at Octopus’ Energy Tech Summit, the bundle will include a leased V2G-ready BYD Dolphin, a bi-directional Zaptec Pro charger, and access to a smart tariff that offers free home charging.
1)
Budget: Reeves confirms EV ‘pay-per-mile’ from 2028
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has confirmed that the UK Government will introduce ‘pay-per-mile’ rules for electric vehicles (EV) as a result of falling revenue from fuel duty.
Reeves said that the tax charge will raise around £1.2bn as a result of a the new mileage-based charge on electric and plug-in hybrid cars from April 2028, which will be set at around half the fuel duty rate paid by drivers of petrol cars. EVs will also still have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty. Electric vans will be exempt from the rules.
