- This week has shown some of the first signs of consolidation within the UK’s public EV charging market, with leading operators absorbing smaller networks and technology assets.
- This ongoing consolidation is taking place in a bid to achieve scale, improve technology, and navigate a tricky economic climate.
- Just this week, we saw multiple acquisitions take place in the UK. Who will be next?
How much further will the UK’s CPO consolidation go?
In the space of just a week, the UK has seen three separate and significant acquisitions within the public charging industry. This included Be.EV’s acquisition of Mer’s UK public charging arm, Connected Kerb’s purchase of Trojan Energy, and ubitricity’s takeover of FM Conway’s SureCharge network.
Be.EV bolsters its national footprint
Manchester-based Be.EV has completed its acquisition of Mer’s UK public charging network, integrating another 1,600 charging bays across over 450 sites into its own infrastructure. The deal is set to significantly expand Be.EV’s UK presence, moving the company into the top ten of UK charging networks in terms of rapid and ultra-rapid capacity.
Mer will continue to operate public charging networks across mainland Europe, but in the UK, will retain operation of its fleet charging network – which spans around 500 workspace chargers.
Connected Kerb saves Trojan Energy from administration
In a similar move within the on-street charging segment, Connected Kerb this week acquired Trojan Energy’s assets and technology after the latter had earlier entered administration. Trojan’s network—comprising roughly 1,500 on-street charging points designed for residential neighbourhoods—will now be maintained and operated under the Connected Kerb umbrella, with all staff transferring as part of the transaction.
ubitricity expands in London with SureCharge acquisition
Meanwhile, ubitricity has broadened its already large public charging footprint with the acquisition of FM Conway’s SureCharge network. This move will add another 2,400-plus lamppost-based charge points in London to its Shell Recharge portfolio.
Who’s next?
These three announcements mark a significant shift for the state of the UK’s public charging industry, with significant consolidation now evidently taking place. Be.EV’s own CEO, Asif Ghafoor, recently told The Guardian that he expects the number of CPOs in the UK to continue to decrease from as many as 150 to just five or six key players.
For EV drivers, this possible consolidation could bring a more consistent charging experience and improved coverage, but it also raises the question of reduced competition, particularly around pricing. 2026 could see more mergers and acquisitions take place within the UK’s charging sector.
