BT's Innovative Approach to Electric Vehicle Charging

author: FutureCar Staff    

BT has announced plans to convert its street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging points as part of technical and commercial pilots. The goal of these pilots is to assess the feasibility of expanding the EV charging infrastructure across the UK. This initiative also involves repurposing the cabinets that are currently used for copper-based phone and Internet services, which will be decommissioned as the country transitions to full-fibre communications.

However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include determining the suitable locations for the cabinets, resolving planning issues, and tackling the electric and financial aspects of charging. While the existing 90,000 green boxes already have electricity, they will require upgrades to function as charging points. Additionally, there may be difficulties in accessing the charging points if parking spaces are already occupied. Furthermore, engineering works will be necessary to connect the cabinets to the road, which may cause disruptions during the ongoing fiber roll-out.

Despite these challenges, BT should be commended for its innovative approach to meet its net zero goals. The company aims to achieve net zero in its own operations by March 2031 and extend this commitment to its supply chain by March 2041. BT already demonstrates its commitment to renewable energy by purchasing 100% renewable electricity.

The trial also addresses the issue of the lack of EV charging points across the country, particularly in areas with terraced housing from the Victorian and Edwardian eras where off-road parking is often not available. This solution could potentially repurpose existing street furniture and help expand the availability of charging points, aligning with the government's goal of increasing the number of charging points from 45,000 to 300,000 by 2030. This expansion is crucial as range anxiety remains a significant concern for potential EV buyers.

Overall, BT's initiative to convert street cabinets into EV charging points has the potential to contribute to the development of a more extensive and accessible charging infrastructure in the UK. By repurposing existing infrastructure, BT is taking a proactive step towards meeting the growing demand for EV charging and supporting the transition to a greener transportation system.

FutureCar Staff