Automation, electrification and mobility-as-a-service are reshaping transport and logistics in 2026. From robo-taxi trials to EV-ready hubs and micro-mobility schemes, the shift is real – but not without hurdles. Businesses that anticipate regulatory, infrastructure and cost challenges now will lead the next chapter in mobility this year and beyond.

Published 16 January 2026

Automation: Progress with caveats

Automation will continue to drive change across mobility, logistics and manufacturing this year. London is at the centre of the shift to autonomous driving, with robo-taxi trials from innovators like Waymo and Wayve already on city streets. For now, these vehicles still have supervisors on board, but the ambition is clear: fully autonomous taxis by the end of 2026.

That timeline, however, isn’t without hurdles. London’s roads are some of the most complex in the world. Narrow streets, constant roadworks and a surge in cyclists and scooters create challenges that cities like San Francisco simply don’t face. These realities mean progress will be measured, not instant.

In logistics, self-driving lorries are set to become a core part of supply chains, working alongside electrified fleets and direct-to-consumer delivery models. Automated racking systems and robot fleets are also now mainstream, enabling one operator to manage tasks that once needed dozens. The biggest constraint to this is the sheer power it takes to achieve it. Self-driving passenger cars can readily be charged using existing power infrastructure, but it will need a high-power public charging network specifically designed for electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) for eHGVs to break into the mainstream.

With grid demands starting to rival those of data centres, a careful balancing act between ambition and embracing electrification will need to be negotiated to fully embrace automation. Despite this, there is a growing sense of optimism as the second half of 2025 saw the delivery of public eHGV charging hubs as part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.

Electrification: Beyond technology

Electrification in 2026 will be less about technology and more about the financial and practical realities shaping its future. As government incentives fade and the spectre of the Autumn budget’s “per-mile charging” looms, consumers face a new cost dynamic that many will underestimate until bills land, echoing the unpredictability of energy costs.

Beyond personal mobility, electrification is transforming logistics: from Amazon’s EV-ready hubs to fleets of electric vans and lorries, the shift is redefining how goods move. But this progress comes with challenges: power-hungry warehouses, grid capacity constraints, and the high cost of infrastructure are now critical considerations for developers.

As sustainability pressures rise and direct-to-consumer delivery accelerates, electrification is no longer optional; it’s a cross-sector imperative demanding investment, foresight and resilience.

Mobility-as-a-service: Micro moves matter

The focus of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) is shifting fast towards micro mobility and shared solutions, driven by demand for smarter, more flexible transport.

Across the sector, innovation is accelerating: robo-taxi trials and e-scooter schemes in London and a wave of new clients entering the micro mobility space. These aren’t isolated projects — they signal a clear direction of travel.

The message? Don’t just talk about sustainable urban mobility. Instead, lead with MaaS and micro mobility. These are the areas defining the next chapter for cities, businesses and consumers — and they’re where organisations and their clients are investing now.

Local authorities are increasingly managing micromobility through licensing, data sharing and infrastructure changes to balance innovation with safety, parking, and integration into public transport through Government frameworks such as the UK's English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The differing approaches taken by local authorities has led to many mobility providers seeking governmental intervention.

Motor finance: Clarity with complexity ahead

The motor finance sector has moved from uncertainty to clarity following the Supreme Court’s ruling in August last year. Key findings confirmed that dealers arranging finance do not owe fiduciary duties, commission payments are not bribes, and only one case (Johnson) was deemed an unfair relationship under the Consumer Credit Act. This judgment spared lenders from an estimated £44 billion in potential claims and restored confidence across commission-based finance arrangements.

But the story isn’t over. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is pressing ahead with a redress scheme for discretionary commission arrangements and other “unfair” cases, covering agreements from April 2007 to November 2024. With estimated costs of £9-18 billion and operational challenges for lenders, the consultation signals a complex road ahead.

The FCA’s consultation closed on 12 December 2025. Expect continued debate on scope, methodology, and timelines as the FCA seeks to balance consumer fairness with market stability, with a scheme commencement date likely at the end of Q1 this year.