BT [A:LN], the leading telecoms group in the UK, is embarking on a pilot project to convert its street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging units, as reported by Reuters on January 8. In an effort to address the shortage of EV chargers on British roads, the first unit will be installed in East Lothian, Scotland, with plans for additional trials nationwide. BT’s research indicates that concerns about the availability of charging infrastructure contribute to 38% of drivers being deterred from purchasing an EV. The initiative, which aims to retrofit existing cabinets seamlessly, could potentially result in a network of 60,000 new charging points, supporting the government’s broader objective to increase the country’s EV charging infrastructure to 300,000 points by the 2030s.

The conversion process involves integrating EV chargers alongside the existing broadband service, with no need for additional power connections. Tom Guy, Managing Director of BT’s start-up arm Etc, emphasized the significance of this solution in making EV charging more accessible and tackling the key barriers hindering widespread EV adoption. The company plans to collaborate closely with local councils throughout the UK, underscoring its commitment to addressing the real customer problem of insufficient EV charging options, aligning with BT’s broader mission to connect communities for the greater good.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/britains-bt-turn-street-cabinets-into-ev-charging-points-2024-01-08/