BT's Innovative Approach to Electric Vehicle Charging

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【Summary】BT is conducting pilots to convert its street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging points, aiming to expand the charging infrastructure in the UK. This initiative repurposes cabinets currently used for phone and internet services. The challenges include cabinet locations, planning issues, and charging logistics. BT's plan aligns with its net-zero goals, and addresses the lack of EV charging points across the country, particularly in terraced housing areas.

FutureCar Staff Aug 21, 2023 4:53 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 network in the UK. The company aims to repurpose the cabinets, which are currently used for phone and internet services, as they become obsolete with the transition to full-fibre communications. This move not only addresses the lack of EV charging points but also contributes to BT's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2031.

However, there are several challenges that need to be overcome. Firstly, the location of the cabinets needs to be carefully considered to ensure convenient access for EV owners. Moreover, there may be planning issues and charging-related problems, both in terms of electricity supply and financial transactions. Upgrading the existing 90,000 cabinets to accommodate EV charging will require engineering works and may cause further disruption, which could be frustrating for people already dealing with the inconvenience of fibre roll-out.

Nevertheless, BT's initiative is commendable as it explores innovative solutions to meet sustainability goals. This approach could be particularly beneficial for areas with terraced housing, where off-road parking is often not available for household charging. By repurposing existing street furniture, such as cabinets, the number of charging points can be expanded, helping to alleviate range anxiety and encourage more people to switch to EVs.

According to Rob Pritchard, a principal analyst at GlobalData, the UK government aims to increase the number of charging points from 45,000 to 300,000 by 2030. This ambitious target aligns with the planned ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles. Therefore, BT's initiative to reuse legacy infrastructure and expand charging availability is crucial in addressing the concerns of prospective EV buyers.