BT ends pilot scheme after 1 install to convert street cabinets into EV charging points

Focus shifts to improving Wi-Fi connectivity for EV drivers instead

BT ends pilot scheme after 1 install to convert street cabinets into EV charging points
Image: Bigstock.

BT has discontinued its pilot scheme to convert thousands of its green street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The company had initially announced plans to repurpose up to 60,000 of these cabinets, which are typically used for telecommunications equipment, into charging stations powered by renewable energy.

However, after installing a single charger in East Lothian, Scotland, BT has decided to end the pilot and shift its focus to improving Wi-Fi connectivity for EV drivers.

The pilot scheme, launched in January 2024, aimed to address the growing demand for on-street charging infrastructure. With a significant proportion of UK households lacking off-street parking, access to convenient and reliable public charging points is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

While the pilot scheme has been discontinued, BT acknowledged that it has provided valuable insights into the challenges associated with deploying and operating on-street charging infrastructure.

The UK government has set ambitious targets for the transition to electric vehicles, including a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. Meeting these targets will require a significant expansion of the public charging network. However, challenges such as planning permissions, grid connections, and regional disparities in charging infrastructure availability remain.

This decision by BT highlights the evolving landscape of EV charging infrastructure development and the ongoing need for innovative solutions to address the growing demand for convenient and accessible charging options for all EV drivers.

Source: Daily Mail

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