A groundbreaking pilot program in the United Kingdom is exploring an innovative approach to repurpose street cabinets, traditionally used for housing broadband and phone cabling, into charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). Led by Etc., the digital incubation arm of BT Group, this initiative signifies a significant step towards upgrading the country’s EV charging infrastructure.
The primary goal of the pilot is to enhance the accessibility and scalability of the EV charging network by utilizing existing street furniture. Research conducted by BT Group has revealed that the scarcity of charging infrastructure is a major deterrent to widespread EV adoption. Surprisingly, 38% of respondents stated that they would already own an EV if charging were more convenient, while 60% expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, 78% of petrol and diesel drivers cited the lack of charging stations and convenience as significant barriers preventing them from transitioning to electric vehicles.
At present, the number of EV chargers in the UK stands at a mere 54,000. However, the government has set an ambitious target of reaching 300,000 chargers by 2030. Similarly, the United States faces a comparable challenge, with only 160,000 public EV chargers available to cater to the rapidly growing fleet of over 2.4 million electric vehicles.
The innovative charging solution proposed by Etc. involves retrofitting street cabinets with specialized devices that enable the sharing of renewable energy to power EV charge points alongside existing broadband services. This approach eliminates the need for additional power connections and maximizes the utilization of existing infrastructure. The deployment of these charging stations will focus on cabinets currently in use for copper broadband services or those scheduled for retirement, taking into account factors such as available space and power capacity.
In instances where a cabinet is no longer needed for broadband services, the equipment will be recycled, and additional EV charge points can be added. Etc. is meticulously conducting a technical trial, considering various aspects such as cabinet location, power availability, customer accessibility, digital customer experience, and engineering requirements. The pilot program also encompasses commercial and operational considerations, including engaging with local councils for necessary permissions, exploring public funding options, attracting private investments, and developing comprehensive financial models.
Tom Guy, the Managing Director of Etc. at BT Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to address real customer challenges and align with the company’s mission to connect for good. By repurposing street cabinets for EV charging, the pilot program aims to overcome the infrastructure barriers hindering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the UK. This innovative approach has the potential to unlock new charging opportunities and play a pivotal role in shaping a greener and more sustainable transportation landscape.
Lesley
Sichuan Green Science & Technology Ltd., Co.
0086 19158819659
Post time: Feb-12-2024
