British telecoms giant BT is set to convert its traditional street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging units in a pilot initiative, potentially resulting in a network of 60,000 new charging points. The first unit will be deployed in East Lothian, Scotland, with further trials planned across the UK in the coming months.
Addressing EV Charging Challenges
BT’s move comes in response to research indicating a shortage of charging infrastructure on UK roads is a deterrent for potential EV buyers. About 38% of drivers surveyed expressed that they would have already opted for an EV if charging accessibility was less of a concern.
Current EV Charging Landscape
As of December, there were 53,906 EV charging points in the UK, according to figures from Zapmap. The government aims to significantly increase this number to 300,000 by the 2030s, aligning with the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
BT’s Charging Solution Approach
Tom Guy, Managing Director of BT’s startup arm Etc, emphasized that the new charging solution is a significant step in bringing EV charging to the curbside. By retrofitting existing cabinets, BT can seamlessly integrate charging points alongside broadband services without the need for additional power connections.
Collaboration with Local Councils
BT is working closely with local councils in Scotland and across the UK to address key barriers hindering EV adoption. The initiative aligns with BT’s broader mission to “connect for good” by providing practical solutions to real customer challenges.
Source：channelnewsasia.com
