BYD saw its UK sales soar by an impressive 880% YoY in September, selling 11,271 cars and bringing its 2025 total to over c.35,000. This surge makes the UK BYD’s largest international market outside China, with a 2.2% market share. The brand’s affordable models, such as the Dolphin starting at just over £26,000, have attracted strong consumer interest, especially compared to higher-priced competitors. BYD’s hybrid SEAL U DM-i and electric SEALION 7 were standout performers, dominating UK sales. The company also expanded its UK footprint by opening a battery facility servicing electric buses. Despite being excluded from the UK’s EV grant scheme, BYD’s growth reflects strong demand and strategic pricing. Furthermore, across Europe, BYD’s sales rose over 200% YoY, surpassing Tesla’s performance. This rapid expansion highlights BYD’s growing influence in the global EV market and its successful penetration into Western markets.
Bollinger Innovations has announced it has partnered with Ariel Fleet Holdings to supply 34 commercial EVs for FedEx Independent Service Providers in North Carolina and Virginia. The deal includes 30 Mullen THREE trucks and 4 Mullen ONE cargo vans, aimed at enhancing last-mile delivery operations. These zero-emission vehicles will be deployed by Advanced Logistics Systems (ALS) and Springbok Holdings, both committed to sustainable logistics. The initiative supports FedEx’s broader electrification goals and aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. ALS, a long-time advocate for EV adoption, previously received a Department of Energy grant for fleet electrification. Bollinger’s lineup also includes the Class 4 Bollinger B4 truck, designed for urban delivery. All vehicles meet America’s safety and emissions standards, with certifications from the EPA and CARB. This collaboration marks a significant step towards building a viable, eco-friendly business model for (daily) logistics operations in the mid-Atlantic region.
Hounslow Council has announced it has partnered with Qwello to expand its EV charging infrastructure, aiming to install over 2,000 new fast and rapid charge points across the borough. The rollout, fully funded by charge point operators, will be phased, with initial sites confirmed after checks. Qwello’s AC units offer up to 22 kW charging, enabling full charging in 3–5 hours, and features contactless payment, reservable sessions via app, and 24/7 support. The Council highlighted the initiative’s role in promoting a cleaner, greener borough and attracting private investment. To further improve accessibility, lamp column chargers are planned for residential streets, with a public consultation to shape their locations. Qwello’s approach prioritises uptime, accessibility, and community value. This expansion supports Hounslow's aim to offer residents, businesses, and visitors convenient, affordable EV charging options.
Scania has announced it has launched a new high-floor battery-electric coach platform, marking a major step in its electrification strategy. This platform enables the production of Scania’s first zero-emission coaches, offering a range of up to 600 km and luggage capacity comparable to ICE models. Designed for flexibility, it supports a wide range of applications, from inter-city and airport shuttles to school buses and sightseeing tours. The platform is also suitable for urban environments, paving the way for zero-emission bus rapid transit systems in regions like Africa, Asia, and South America. The platform includes an adaptable e-machine with up to 330 kW output and energy storage of up to 534 kWh. Furthermore, the charging capacity reaches 325 kW, and the system is compatible with various body types. Scania complements this with a full ecosystem of electrification services, including smart charging solutions and access to a public charging network for heavy vehicles.
BYD has announced it has launched its 1st dedicated European battery service centre in the UK, aiming to extend the lifespan of its electric bus batteries. This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Europe, where over 5,000 BYD battery-electric buses are already in operation. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of 3 new left-hand drive models, B12.b LE, B18.b, and B12.b HF, built on BYD’s advanced eBus Platform 3.0. These vehicles incorporate technologies such as Blade batteries integrated into the chassis, hairpin hub motors, and advanced driver assistance systems. The B12.b HF coach, for example, offers a range of up to 650km, 495kWh battery capacity, and flexible charging options, including CCS2 and inverted pantograph. BYD also highlighted its modular chassis design and a new thermal management system that cuts energy use by up to 50%. The company’s Hungarian factory is set to expand to produce 1,000 units annually, reflecting BYD’s growing commitment to the European market and its ambition to lead in sustainable public transport solutions.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council (H&F) has announced it has secured £7.5m from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund to expand its EV charging network. In partnership with 5 other London boroughs, the funding will support the installation of over 240 new charging points, including 16 rapid chargers. The initiative responds to resident feedback, which highlighted a lack of accessible and appropriately paced charge points as barriers to EV adoption. With nearly 2,800 chargers already in place, H&F leads the UK in charge points per capita, ensuring every resident is within 400 metres of a charger. The expansion aims to make EV ownership more viable and convenient, especially as a third of non-EV drivers plan to switch within 2 years. Additionally, the government’s Electric Car Grant offers up to £3,750 off eligible vehicles, helping reduce upfront costs. The council continues to promote sustainable living and cleaner transport across the borough.
Deals
RunBuggy, a Phoenix-based AI-powered automotive logistics platform, has secured $37m in Series B funding led by Centana Growth Partners, with participation from OMI Capital. The investment will be used to enhance RunBuggy’s AI-driven logistics capabilities, bolster cybersecurity, and expand services for both transporters and shippers. RunBuggy’s platform connects car shippers and hauliers, leveraging its AI engine, RunBot, to automate order workflows and predict delivery issues. For shippers, it reduces costs and improves delivery times through integration, while offering transporters a more efficient alternative to traditional load boards and custom software.
Einride, a Swedish freight tech startup, has raised $100m in new funding to accelerate the deployment of its electric and autonomous trucking solutions. The round included existing investors such as EQT Ventures and a strategic investment from IonQ. Einride is known for its futuristic, cab-less autonomous pods and electric big rigs, as well as its freight planning software. The funding comes amid leadership changes, with former CFO Roozbeh Charli stepping in as CEO after co-founder Robert Falck became executive chairman. Einride plans to use the capital to scale its 3 core products and expand operations across Europe, North America, and the UAE. The company already serves clients such as PepsiCo and GE Appliances. Furthermore, Einride remains focused on building a comprehensive freight ecosystem that integrates EVs, autonomy, and logistics software to transform the freight industry.
ElectroFlow Technologies, a lithium battery startup, has raised $10m in venture funding to advance its battery technology aimed at improving energy storage. This funding round, led by Union Square Ventures, will support ElectroFlow’s efforts to scale production, refine its proprietary electrolyte formula, and expand its team. It focuses on developing lithium-metal batteries that offer higher energy density and faster charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The startup’s technology is designed to address key limitations in current battery systems, such as safety risks and limited lifespan, making it attractive for applications in EVs and grid storage. The company is also exploring partnerships with automotive and energy firms to integrate its batteries into real-world applications, positioning itself as a key player in the next generation of clean energy storage.
Jurni Leasing has announced it has acquired UK-based EV leasing company DriveElectric to accelerate fleet electrification. DriveElectric is known for its expertise in EV leasing and fleet management for both businesses and individuals. The acquisition aims to combine Jurni’s national scale and digital capabilities with DriveElectric’s specialist EV knowledge, creating a comprehensive solution for transitioning to electric mobility. Jurni plans to offer practical leasing and salary sacrifice schemes to make EV adoption more affordable and accessible. Mr Neil Fox (Jurni CEO) described the deal as a pivotal moment, enabling a more joined-up, cost-effective, and future-proof approach to electrification. Furthermore, Jurni emphasised that electrification involves more than vehicle choice; it includes charging, cost strategy, and optimisation. The merger will allow DriveElectric to expand its reach and help more UK businesses and drivers embrace sustainable transport.