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 a technical and commercial pilot. The goal of the pilot is to assess the feasibility of expanding the EV charging infrastructure, while also repurposing cabinets that are currently used for copper-based phone and internet services. These cabinets will be decommissioned as the switch to full-fibre communications accelerates.

There are several challenges that need to be addressed in this initiative. One of the main challenges is the location of the cabinets and the planning issues associated with installing charging points. There are also concerns about both the electric and financial aspects of charging. Upgrading the existing 90,000 green boxes will be necessary, but there is also the issue of parking availability. If someone else has already taken the parking space and charging point in front of your house, it may not be as convenient as initially thought. Furthermore, engineering works will be required to connect the cabinets to the road, which may cause additional disruption during a time when people are already frustrated with the ongoing fiber roll-out.

BT should be commended for its innovative approach in repurposing existing infrastructure to meet its net zero goals. The company aims to achieve net zero in its own operations by the end of March 2031 and in its supply chain by the end of March 2041. BT has already made the switch to purchasing 100% renewable electricity.

This trial also addresses the lack of EV charging points across the country, particularly in areas with terraced housing from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. These areas often lack off-road parking, making it challenging for households to have access to charging facilities. By repurposing street cabinets, this initiative offers a potential solution to expand charging availability in these areas.

Rob Pritchard, a principal analyst at GlobalData, highlights the importance of finding new ideas to repurpose existing street furniture in order to meet the government's goal of increasing the number of charging points in the UK. The government aims to expand the current 45,000 charging points to 300,000 by 2030, coinciding with the ban on sales of new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. This initiative not only repurposes legacy infrastructure but also helps alleviate range anxiety, a major concern for potential EV buyers.

FutureCar Staff