The UK government has announced a £3bn funding package to help stabilise and improve bus networks across England. This investment aims to protect essential routes, enhance service reliability, and support the transition to greener transport. Local authorities will be able to use the funds for fare reductions, new routes, upgrading stops & interchanges, and purchasing zero-emission buses. The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to make public transport more affordable and sustainable while addressing service cuts that have affected communities. Industry reaction has been largely positive; for example, Unite, the UK’s largest union, welcomed the funding but urged the government to prioritise British-built buses to safeguard domestic manufacturing jobs. The union emphasised that supporting local bus makers such as Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis is vital for economic growth and maintaining skilled employment. This funding package represents a significant step toward improving connectivity, reducing emissions, and ensuring that bus services remain a lifeline for communities across England.
Spain has announced it will invest c.€1.3bn (c.$1.52bn) in 2026 to accelerate its EV rollout and industry. The initiative, announced by PM Pedro Sanchez, aims (rather boldly) to increase the share of EVs sold in Spain to 100% by 2035. The funding will be split across 3 key areas: consumer subsidies to make EVs more affordable, industrial investment through an EU-backed scheme to strengthen domestic production, and expansion of the national charging infrastructure to support growing demand. The plan reflects Spain’s commitment to meeting EU climate targets and positioning itself as a leading EV manufacturing hub. It builds on previous efforts under the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation, which channels European funds into green mobility projects. By improving accessibility and infrastructure, the government hopes to overcome barriers such as high upfront costs and limited charging availability, which have slowed EV adoption. This investment is part of a broader strategy to attract automakers and battery producers, ensuring Spain remains competitive in the global shift toward electrification. The government views these measures as essential for reducing emissions, creating jobs, and securing long-term industrial growth in the automotive sector.
Hounslow Council has announced it has partnered with Zest (a UK charge point operator) to deliver a major expansion of rapid EV charging infrastructure across the borough. This initiative is part of Hounslow’s ambitious plan to install over 2,000 new charge points, creating one of London’s most comprehensive and future-ready EV networks. The rollout, fully funded by charge point operators, ensures no cost burden on residents while providing good value for money. The partnership will add over 100 rapid charging spaces at key locations, making it easier for residents, visitors, and businesses to charge EVs quickly and conveniently. Each Zest charge point will feature high-speed charging, contactless & app-based payment options, and 24/7 customer support. Councillor Katherine Dunne emphasised that expanding the EV network is central to building a cleaner, greener borough, while Zest highlighted the role of these amenities in encouraging EV adoption and revitalising communities. Residents will be invited to participate in consultations to help shape the network, following technical and site surveys. This project reflects Hounslow’s commitment to sustainability and its proactive approach to meeting future transport needs.
VinFast has announced it has committed an additional $500m to expand its plant in Tamil Nadu, India. This investment follows a MoU signed between VinFast and the Tamil Nadu government, which allocates c.200 hectares of land in the SIPCOT Industrial Park for the development of the company’s existing facility. The expansion aims to strengthen VinFast’s production capacity and accelerate its entry into the Indian EV market, one of the fastest-growing globally. The project is part of VinFast’s broader strategy to become a major player in international electric mobility. By increasing its footprint in India, the company seeks to tap into the rising demand for affordable EVs and leverage India’s supportive policies for clean transportation. The investment will also create significant employment opportunities and contribute to Tamil Nadu’s ambition of becoming a leading EV manufacturing hub. VinFast’s move underscores its commitment to global expansion and sustainable transport solutions, positioning the brand competitively against established automakers in Asia. This development reflects growing collaboration between Vietnam and India in green technology and industrial investment, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote electric mobility.
Australia’s 1st Caterpillar 793 XE battery-electric haul trucks have arrived at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara region, thus marking the start of on-site trials. This initiative is a collaboration between BHP, Rio Tinto, and Caterpillar to test zero-emission technology for large-scale mining operations. The trials aim to validate the operational viability of battery-electric trucks as a replacement for ICEs, focusing on performance, productivity, and infrastructure requirements such as charging systems, power management, and supply chain logistics. The 2 Early Learner trucks represent a significant step toward decarbonising mining fleets without compromising efficiency. Data from these trials will guide future deployment strategies and inform processes needed to support low-emission machinery. Both BHP and Rio Tinto will independently assess results to determine scaled integration across their operations. Industry leaders emphasise that achieving zero-emissions haulage requires collaboration and innovation. Caterpillar views this milestone as a critical step for advancing sustainable mining and meeting net-zero commitments by 2050. The project highlights the complexity of replacing ICEs and the need for systemic changes in fleet operations.
Rotherham Council has announced it is set to join a major scheme that could deliver up to 1,500 new EV charging points across the borough. The initiative, funded through the UK Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme, will provide c.£1.6m for public charging facilities, guaranteeing at least 500 new chargers in the short term. Managed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the rollout is expected to begin in late December 2025 or early January 2026, subject to approval by all four South Yorkshire councils. This expansion supports Rotherham’s Public EV Infrastructure Strategy, adopted in March 2024, which aims to ensure most homes are within 800 metres of a public charging point by 2040. The council has already installed over 100 bays with chargers and introduced planning policies requiring EV infrastructure in new developments. However, projections indicate that at least 1,200 public chargers will be needed within 15 years to meet growing demand, as EV adoption accelerates. The scheme aims to address accessibility for households without off-street parking and aligns with Rotherham’s climate goals to achieve borough-wide net zero emissions by 2040.
LG Energy Solution has announced it has signed an additional battery supply contract worth c.$1.4bn with Mercedes-Benz, marking a significant expansion of their partnership. The deal, disclosed in a regulatory filing, will run from March 2028 to June 2035 and will cover battery deliveries for electric vehicles in North America and Europe. This agreement represents about 8% of LG’s previous year’s revenue and is expected to target mid-priced EV models, signalling LG’s deeper entry into the mass-market segment traditionally dominated by Chinese OEMs. The latest contract follows on from 3 earlier agreements, including a 50.5 GWh deal and 2 contracts totalling 107 GWh for Mercedes’ premium EV lineup. These previous deals involved high-energy-density cylindrical batteries designed to boost driving range by around 20%. Historically, Mercedes-Benz relied heavily on Chinese battery makers such as CATL and Farasis Energy due to cost advantages, but LG’s recent wins highlight its growing competitiveness amid tightening carbon regulations and geopolitical risks. This development strengthens LG’s global position and underscores the strategic importance of securing supply chains for EV batteries as automakers accelerate electrification plans.
Stagecoach has been busy this week, making significant investments to modernise and decarbonise its operations across the UK. For example, in Gloucestershire, Stagecoach West, in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, will deploy 42 new electric buses on key routes, including Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Tewkesbury. The c.£20m project, supported by £17m from Stagecoach and £3.5m from the council, includes depot upgrades with solar panels and high-powered chargers. The rollout, expected in H1 26, aims to improve air quality, passenger experience, and sustainability in the region. Meanwhile, Stagecoach South East has opened a new Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) at its Eastbourne depot to enhance heavy vehicle testing capacity in East Sussex. Equipped with advanced technology such as a Vamag brake tester and upgraded inspection pit, the ATF will reduce reliance on external testing and cut waiting times of up to 3 months. It will serve both Stagecoach and third-party operators, improving efficiency and safety while reducing unnecessary travel emissions. Together, these initiatives reflect Stagecoach’s commitment to greener transport and operational resilience, supporting regional sustainability goals while creating opportunities for future partnerships.
Tesla has introduced a lower-cost version of its Model 3 sedan in Europe in an attempt to regain market share amid intensifying competition and slowing EV sales. The new variant, named Standard Range, offers over 300 miles of range but reduces luxury features to keep prices down. It is priced at €37,970 in Germany, with similar pricing in Norway and Sweden, and deliveries are expected in H1 26. Interestingly, this move follows the USA launch of the same model weeks earlier. Europe has become a challenging market for Tesla, with registrations declining despite updates to the Model Y. This may stem from geopolitical reasons alongside increased competition from (Chinese) EV automakers in the region. Consumers are increasingly opting for rivals such as Volkswagen’s ID.3 and affordable Chinese models such as BYD’s Atto 3. Instead of introducing an all-new $25,000 car, Tesla is focusing on reworking existing models to hit lower price points. This strategy is critical as vehicle sales remain Tesla’s primary revenue driver.
Deals
Ultraviolette Automotive, an electric mobility startup, has raised $45m in its ongoing Series E funding round, bringing Zoho Corporation and Lingotto on board as new investors. This round was led by Sridhar, Mani, and Kumar Vembu. The new capital raised will fuel Ultraviolette’s next growth phase, focusing on scaling operations in India and globally. The funds will support its current products, the F77 electric motorcycle and the (newly launched) X-47 crossover, alongside future platforms like Shockwave and Tesseract. Ultraviolette has rapidly expanded to 30 cities in the past year and aims to reach 100 cities by H1 26. Internationally, the company recently introduced the F77 in the UK, extending its presence to 12 European countries. The startup has emphasised that the investment will accelerate manufacturing, R&D, and advancements in battery technology to enhance performance and support upcoming product lines.