BT's Innovative Approach to Electric Vehicle Charging

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【Summary】BT is conducting trials to convert its street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging points, aiming to expand the EV charging infrastructure in the UK. This initiative repurposes cabinets that are currently used for phone and internet services. The challenges include location, planning, and charging issues. The trial addresses the lack of EV charging points in the country, particularly for terraced housing where off-road parking is limited.

FutureCar Staff Aug 25, 2023 5:16 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 in a bid to expand the EV charging infrastructure. The company aims to repurpose the cabinets, which are currently used for copper-based phone and Internet services, as they become obsolete due to the switch to full-fibre communications. This move not only addresses the lack of EV charging points across the UK but also contributes to BT's goal of achieving net zero emissions in its operations by 2031 and in its supply chain by 2041.

However, there are several challenges to overcome in implementing this plan. One of the challenges is the location of the cabinets, as they may not be strategically placed for optimal charging accessibility. Additionally, there are planning issues and concerns about both the electric and financial aspects of charging. Upgrading the existing 90,000 green boxes will be necessary, but there may also be engineering works required to connect the cabinets to the road, potentially causing further disruption.

Despite these challenges, repurposing street cabinets for EV charging points could be a viable solution for areas with terraced housing, particularly those dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras where off-road parking is often unavailable. This innovative approach to reusing existing street furniture aligns with the government's goal of expanding the number of charging points in the UK from 45,000 to 300,000 by 2030, in preparation for the ban on sales of new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.

Rob Pritchard, a principal analyst at GlobalData, highlights the importance of expanding charging availability to address range anxiety, a key concern for potential EV buyers. He commends BT for thinking outside the box (or cabinet) and leveraging legacy infrastructure to support the growth of EV charging points. This initiative not only repurposes existing resources but also contributes to the overall goal of transitioning to a greener transportation system.