{"posts":[{"id":620,"title":"Accelerating the Fleet and Net Zero Transition: EVCharge Live UK 2026 Heads to the NEC","slug":"accelerating-the-fleet-and-net-zero-transition-evcharge-live-uk-2026-heads-to-the-nec","excerpt":"The road to decarbonising the UK's transport network is accelerating, and the definitive hub for this transition is returning this autumn. EVCharge Live UK 2026 will open its doors on 22-24 September 2026 at The NEC Birmingham to address the most critical infrastructure, deployment, and grid challenges facing the electric vehicle ecosystem today.","body":"Crucially, the event is co-located with Solar & Storage Live UK 2026, creating the nation's largest combined marketplace for clean energy, commercial battery storage, and EV deployment. This strategic co-location offers a unique advantage: it bridges the gap between vehicle electrification and the power grid, giving attendees unprecedented, direct access to the entire energy supply chain under one roof.\n\n## Who is the Event For?\n\nThe exhibition floor and conference theatres have been curated for a cross-section of industry leaders, asset owners, and decision-makers, including:\n\n- Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and network specialists shaping charging infrastructure.\n- Fleet Managers and Operations Directors tasked with large-scale depot rollout and fleet decarbonisation.\n- Local Authorities and Regional Planners implementing public charging strategies.\n- Asset Owners and Property Developers looking to source cutting-edge hardware and software.\n\n## Why Attend?\n\nWith over a hundred innovative products and services showcased, EVCharge Live UK is the ultimate sourcing hub for cutting-edge technology. Beyond the exhibition floor, a powerful lineup of 150 expert speakers will lead a world-class conference agenda. Sessions will tackle the sector's most pressing hurdles head-on, delivering actionable insights on overcoming grid bottlenecks, navigating government policy, optimising fleet transit, and securing commercial deployment opportunities.\n\nInnovation is at the heart of the 2026 event. Attendees can explore a dedicated Start-Up Zone featuring disruptive technologies from emerging innovators, engage in strategic industry Roundtables, and experience live interactive features like the Vehicle Display Zone. Combined with extensive networking activities, the event provides the ideal environment to develop vital skills, acquire specialised knowledge, and build the partnerships required to drive business growth.\n\nThe industry is moving forward at an unprecedented pace. Whether you are looking to electrify your fleet, accelerate your charge point rollout, overcome grid constraints, source hardware, or connect with the major players moving the sector forward, EVCharge Live UK 2026 is an unmissable fixture on the green energy calendar.\n\nFind out more: [www.terrapinn.com/EVCLive-UK/DestinationNetZero](https://www.terrapinn.com/EVCLive-UK/DestinationNetZero)\n","publish_date":"2026-06-09T07:06:55+00:00","main_image":5257,"website_id":3,"draft":false,"author_id":14,"external_video_url":"","external_publication":null,"created_at":"2026-06-09T07:11:04+00:00","edited_at":"2026-06-09T07:13:24+00:00","media":{"id":5257,"filename":"3/1780988809634-62416e59-0996-4ee6-bbd3-7ed54e112644.png"}},{"id":619,"title":"How to Plan EV Charger Installation at Your Depot or Business Site","slug":"how-to-plan-ev-charger-installation-at-your-depot-or-business-site","excerpt":"Installing charging infrastructure is one of the most significant practical challenges businesses face when transitioning to electric vans. With more than 120,000 public EV chargers across the UK as of March 2026, infrastructure is growing — but relying on public charging alone is rarely practical for businesses operating fleets at scale.","body":"Installing charging infrastructure is one of the most significant practical challenges businesses face when transitioning to electric vans. While electric vans are becoming more accessible, infrastructure planning remains a major barrier for many fleet operators.\n\nAt the end of March 2026, there were more than 120,000 public EV chargers across the UK, reflecting the pace of infrastructure growth. However, relying on public charging alone is rarely practical for businesses operating fleets at scale.\n\nSimon Ridley, Managing Director at Dawsongroup vans, a nationwide commercial van rental company specialising in long-term fixed-term rental agreements, highlights the importance of early planning.\n\n> \"Charging infrastructure is often where the biggest delays happen,\"\n\nsays Ridley.\n\n> \"The businesses that get ahead are the ones that treat it as part of their fleet strategy, not something to solve later.\"\n\nHere, experts at Dawsongroup vans look at the key considerations fleet managers need to address when planning EV charger installation.\n\n## Start With a Detailed Site Assessment\n\nBefore installation begins, businesses need a clear understanding of how their site operates day to day: Where are vehicles parked overnight? How long do they remain stationary? How many need to charge at once? These factors determine not just how many chargers are required, but how they should be configured.\n\nFor many fleets, overnight depot charging is the most efficient solution. However, sites with limited space or split shifts may need more flexible setups.\n\n> \"A lot of infrastructure challenges can be avoided by understanding how the site actually works,\"\n\nsays Ridley.\n\n> \"Charging should fit around operations, not disrupt them.\"\n\n## Understand Your Power Capacity Early\n\nKnowledge of your site's electrical capacity is crucially important and often overlooked. Not all depots can support multiple high-powered chargers without upgrades. In some cases, grid reinforcement may be required, which can involve long lead times and added cost. Businesses that delay this step often face setbacks when vehicles are ready to deploy.\n\nEngaging with energy providers, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and installation partners early helps establish what is feasible. Load management systems can also help by allowing multiple vehicles to charge without exceeding site capacity.\n\nRidley explains:\n\n> \"Power availability is where plans can come unstuck. The earlier you assess it, the more options you have.\"\n\n## Choose the Right Charger Type\n\nNot all chargers are suited to every fleet.\n\nFor depot-based operations, slower AC chargers are often sufficient, particularly where vehicles are parked overnight. Rapid DC chargers may be needed for faster turnaround, but they come with higher costs and greater power demands.\n\nInstallation costs can range from around £1,500 to £15,000 per charging point depending on site conditions and charger type, as highlighted in UK government EV infrastructure data.\n\nA mixed approach is often the most practical, combining a small number of rapid chargers with standard units.\n\n> \"Businesses don't always need the fastest chargers available,\"\n\nsays Ridley.\n\n> \"It's about choosing the right solution for how your fleet operates.\"\n\n## Plan Installation in Phases\n\nA common mistake is trying to install infrastructure for a fully electric fleet from day one. In reality, most businesses transition gradually. Aligning charger installation with fleet replacement cycles spreads cost and reduces risk. Starting small also allows fleet managers to monitor usage, identify issues and refine their approach before scaling.\n\n> \"The most successful projects tend to be phased,\"\n\nRidley notes.\n\n> \"You learn a lot from early installations that helps shape future decisions.\"\n\nBusinesses can also take advantage of incentives during this process. The government's plug-in van grant offers discounts of up to £2,500 for small vans and £5,000 for larger models, according to official UK government guidance.\n\n## Future-Proof Where It Matters\n\nWhile overbuilding infrastructure can be costly, underestimating future demand can create problems later.\n\nPlanning for scalability, such as installing additional ducting or reserving space for more chargers, makes expansion easier and more cost-effective. As electric vans become a larger part of UK fleets, demand for charging will continue to grow.\n\n> \"Futureproofing doesn't mean installing everything upfront,\"\n\nsays Ridley.\n\n> \"It means making sure your site can evolve as your fleet does.\"\n\n## Building Infrastructure That Supports Fleet Transition\n\nInstalling EV charging infrastructure is not just a technical task, it underpins the success of fleet electrification. From site layout and power capacity to charger selection and long-term planning, each decision affects how effectively electric vans can be integrated into operations.\n\nAs more businesses prepare for a lower-emission future, those taking a structured, data-led approach will be better placed to scale with confidence.\n\nFor many fleet managers, the question is no longer whether to invest in charging, but how to do it in a way that supports both current needs and future growth.\n","publish_date":"2026-06-04T06:59:19+00:00","main_image":5256,"website_id":3,"draft":false,"author_id":14,"external_video_url":"","external_publication":null,"created_at":"2026-06-09T07:01:31+00:00","edited_at":"2026-06-09T07:02:02+00:00","media":{"id":5256,"filename":"3/1780988507450-10ca7f7e-a65b-4750-8b75-2c8616634d3b.png"}},{"id":617,"title":"MB Energy and Lechner Racing Renew Long-Term Partnership to Accelerate Carbon Reduction","slug":"mb-energy-and-lechner-racing-renew-long-term-partnership-to-accelerate-carbon-reduction","excerpt":"MB Energy and Lechner Racing have extended their long-term partnership for a further three years, covering the Porsche Supercup seasons from 2026 to 2028. The renewed agreement builds on a collaboration that has cut ~70 tonnes of CO₂e emissions in 2025 alone — more than double the reduction achieved in 2024 — through the use of Renewable Diesel (HVO 100) and Voluntary Emissions Reduction certificates (VERs).","body":"MB Energy, an independent and integrated energy company, and Lechner Racing, the most successful team in Porsche Supercup history, are proud to announce the extension of their long-term partnership for another three years, covering the Porsche Supercup seasons from 2026 to 2028.\n\nUnder the renewed agreement, MB Energy will continue to provide Renewable Diesel (HVO 100) to power Lechner Racing's transport fleet. This is complemented by the use of Voluntary Emissions Reduction certificates (VERs) to offset any remaining emissions. The partnership, launched in 2023, began with the introduction of Renewable Diesel (HVO 100) in a single truck and has since evolved to encompass broader targets, energy management, and CO₂-reduction strategies, including offsetting measures and efficiency improvements. Through the use of Renewable Diesel (HVO100) a CO₂ emissions reduction of ~70t CO₂e compared to a baseline of 100% fossil fuel usage was achieved in 2025, which is more than double the emission reduction of ~30 tonnes CO₂e in 2024. This progression shows how the partnership has evolved from a logistics-focused initiative into a more holistic carbon reduction approach covering both on-road operations and racing-related activities. Over the coming three years, further expansion of the emissions accounting scope beyond AdBlue consumption and associated transportation emissions, will be introduced.\n\nAndré Cardoso, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing at MB Energy, says:\n\n> \"The extension of our partnership with Lechner Racing is a testament to our dedication to delivering energy solutions while actively reducing the environmental footprint. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change in the logistics sector, balancing operational efficiency with future-oriented alternatives.\"\n\nRobert Lechner, CEO of Lechner Racing, adds:\n\n> \"We are thrilled to continue our valuable partnership with MB Energy, building on three exciting and impactful years together. From supporting MB Energy's rebranding to advancing future-oriented energy solutions within our operations, this collaboration has continuously evolved. Looking ahead, we are excited to further drive carbon reduction initiatives while maintaining our competitive edge and striving for championship success.\"\n\nThe partnership is an excellent example of how two companies can come together to achieve a common goal. Not only does the partnership benefit Lechner Racing by supporting their sustainability efforts, it also enables MB Energy to refine its approach and develop offerings that can be extended to other customers. MB Energy and Lechner Racing are not only advancing their own emission reduction goals but also inspiring the broader motorsport community to embrace more environmentally conscious practices.\n\nTo highlight the benefits and achievements of the partnership, and to demonstrate its ability to support customers and partners in achieving ambitious carbon reduction goals, MB Energy has published a case study on the Lechner Racing partnership, which can be access on the company's website.\n\n## About Lechner Racing\n\nLechner Racing GmbH is a family-owned, 360° motorsport company operating the most successful team in the Porsche Supercup. Since entering the championship in 2003, the Austria-based team has secured 13 team and 10 drivers' titles. Competing at the highest international level of Porsche one-make racing alongside the Formula 1 platform, the company places a strong emphasis on precision, performance and world-class logistics.\n\n## About MB Energy\n\nThe MB Energy Group, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Hamburg, is an independent, integrated energy company with operations across Europe, the United States, and Singapore. The company engages in the import, storage, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products, LPG, chemicals, and biofuels. With decades of industry experience and forward-looking approach, MB Energy plays an active role in the global energy landscape and supports the transition to lower emissions fuels through the development and provision of future-oriented alternatives.","publish_date":"2026-06-03T07:32:00+00:00","main_image":4887,"website_id":3,"draft":false,"author_id":14,"external_video_url":"","external_publication":null,"created_at":"2026-06-03T07:33:15+00:00","edited_at":"2026-06-03T07:34:43+00:00","media":{"id":4887,"filename":"3/1780472061195-ac05f0aa-fc4f-4045-b5ce-ee3a1d85a94f.png"}}],"error":null}