BT's Innovative Approach to Electric Vehicle Charging

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】BT is conducting trials to convert its street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging points in an effort to expand charging availability in the UK. The initiative aims to repurpose existing infrastructure and address the lack of EV charging points in the country. Challenges include location, planning, and charging issues. BT's goal is to achieve net zero in its operations by 2031 and in its supply chain by 2041.

FutureCar Staff Aug 16, 2023 11:41 PM PT

BT's Innovative Approach to Electric Vehicle Charging

BT has announced plans to convert its street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging points as part of a technical and commercial pilot. The aim of the pilot is to assess the feasibility of expanding the EV charging infrastructure while repurposing cabinets currently used for phone and internet services. These cabinets will be decommissioned as the switch to full-fibre communications accelerates.

The challenges involved in this initiative are significant. They range from the logistics of cabinet locations and planning issues to the challenges of charging (both electrically and financially). While the 90,000 existing green boxes already have electricity running through them, they will need to be upgraded to accommodate charging capabilities. However, there is a concern about the availability of parking spaces and charging points if someone else has already taken them. Additionally, engineering works will be required to connect the cabinets to the road, which may cause further disruption.

BT should be commended for its innovative approach in striving to meet its net zero goals. The company aims to achieve net zero emissions in its own operations by the end of March 2031 and in its supply chain by the end of March 2041. BT is already making progress by purchasing 100% renewable electricity.

This trial also addresses the lack of EV charging points across the country, particularly in areas with terraced housing dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras where off-road parking is often unavailable. By repurposing existing street furniture, such as cabinets, BT's initiative could potentially provide a solution to expand the availability of charging points.

Rob Pritchard, a principal analyst at GlobalData, highlighted the importance of finding new ideas to reuse existing street furniture in order to meet the government's goal of increasing the number of charging points in the UK from approximately 45,000 to 300,000 by 2030. This goal aligns with the planned ban on sales of new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. The availability of charging infrastructure is crucial in addressing range anxiety, a significant concern for prospective EV buyers.