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 to address the lack of charging infrastructure in the UK. The goal is to expand the EV charging footprint and repurpose cabinets currently used for phone and internet services. However, challenges such as location, planning, and charging issues need to be addressed. The initiative aims to meet BT's net zero goals and provide a solution for terraced housing with limited off-road parking.

FutureCar Staff Aug 24, 2023 9:57 AM 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 evaluate the feasibility of expanding the EV charging network while repurposing cabinets that are currently used for phone and internet services. These cabinets will be decommissioned as the switch to full-fibre communications accelerates.

However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. These include the location of the cabinets, planning issues, and both electric and financial charging concerns. While there are already 90,000 green boxes in the UK that can potentially be converted, they will require upgrades. Additionally, the placement of charging points in front of houses may be convenient for personal use, but it raises issues of parking availability. Moreover, engineering works will be required to connect the cabinets to the road, which may cause further disruption during the ongoing fiber roll-out.

Despite the challenges, BT's initiative is commendable as it aligns with their goal of achieving net zero emissions. The company aims to achieve net zero in its own operations by March 2031 and in its supply chain by March 2041. BT already sources 100% renewable electricity.

The 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. This solution has the potential to repurpose existing street infrastructure and expand charging availability, which is crucial as the UK government aims to increase the number of charging points from 45,000 to 300,000 by 2030. This is in line with the planned ban on sales of new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and addresses the range anxiety that potential EV buyers may have.

Overall, BT's pilot project to convert street cabinets into EV charging points is a promising step towards a greener future. By repurposing existing infrastructure, it has the potential to expand the charging network and overcome some of the challenges associated with EV adoption.