BT, the FTSE 100 telecommunications company, is taking a bold step to address the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure shortage. The company plans to repurpose street cabinets traditionally used for telecoms cables into EV charging stations, potentially upgrading up to 60,000 cabinets nationwide. The first roadside EV charging station will be launched this month as part of a pilot program led by BT’s start-up and digital incubation arm, Etc.
The move comes as the UK government emphasizes the crucial role of charging infrastructure in achieving its net-zero goals. Although the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars was recently extended to 2035, the government has set a target of 300,000 public chargers by 2030.
BT’s innovative approach aims to utilize existing infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for EV charging points across the country. The initial trial will take place in East Lothian, Scotland. Tom Guy, Managing Director of Etc at BT Group, explained that the company is committed to repurposing near end-of-life assets to provide next-generation services, particularly in the EV market.
To address concerns about the inadequacy of the current EV charging infrastructure, Etc plans to install between 500 and 600 EV charging units across the UK over the next 18 months. The process involves retrofitting the street cabinets with devices that enable renewable energy sharing, powering the EV charge points. Once the cabinets are no longer required for broadband services, additional EV charge points can be added, further expanding the charging network.
Research conducted by BT in December revealed that 60% of surveyed petrol and diesel drivers found the UK’s EV charging infrastructure inadequate. Moreover, 78% of respondents considered the inconvenience of charging electric vehicles a significant barrier to adoption. By repurposing street cabinets, BT aims to bridge the gap between the current infrastructure and the anticipated demand as more drivers transition to electric cars.
In addition to its efforts in the EV charging sector, BT’s networking division, Openreach, is making significant progress toward its goal of providing full-fiber broadband to 25 million premises by 2026. The company plans to expand its reach to up to 30 million premises by 2030, further enhancing connectivity across the UK.
The introduction of EV charging units presents a potential growth opportunity for BT. Tom Guy expressed enthusiasm for exploring this new category as the company seeks innovative avenues for expansion. BT’s team is actively involved in various projects, including advancements in drone technology, health technology, and fintech.
BT’s consumer division, EE, is also diversifying its offerings by planning to sell kitchen appliances and expanding its range of electronic goods, subscriptions, gaming, and insurance services.
By repurposing street cabinets as EV charging stations, BT is at the forefront of finding sustainable solutions to the UK’s charger shortage. With its ambitious plans to upgrade thousands of cabinets and expand the charging network, BT is well-positioned to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, supporting the country’s transition to a greener future.
Lesley
Sichuan Green Science & Technology Ltd., Co.
0086 19158819659
Post time: Jan-20-2024
