BT Group Initiates Trial for EV Kerbside Charging Using Street Cabinets
BT Group is introducing a new network of electric vehicle (EV) roadside charging points, created by repurposing green street cabinets. This is part of a trial to facilitate EV adoption, particularly for those without access to off-road parking.
BT Group is energising the first of potentially thousands of electric vehicle (EV) roadside charging points, repurposed from green street cabinets.
This inaugural charger, set to become operational by the end of the month, is part of a trial that the telecommunications giant anticipates will address obstacles to EV uptake, especially for those without off-road parking.
Approximately 40% of households lack access to off-street parking or reside in rental properties, hindering their ability to charge EVs at home.
With the capability of converting up to 60,000 of BT Group's 90,000 cabinets, this initiative could significantly enhance the UK's existing network of 53,000 charging points.
Managed by BT Group's digital start-up, Etc, the pilot is seen by CEO Tom Guy as a significant leap forward in developing EV roadside charging infrastructure, tackling major hurdles in broader EV acceptance.
“We're at a pivotal moment in addressing a pressing customer issue, central to our overarching aim of fostering positive connections,” Guy stated. “This marks a crucial stride in our mission to craft current products and services that are sustainable, with transformational change at their core.”
The first 7.4kW charger in East Lothian, featuring two connectors, will initially serve BT Group and Openreach EV drivers, before opening to the general public.
Etc plans to deploy about 600 such pilots over the next 18 months.
BT Group, which initially proposed using street cabinets as EV chargers in July 2023, had planned to launch the first pilot in Northern Ireland last autumn. The Belfast trial is now slated to start in the upcoming months.
Jessica Kyte, Etc's senior product director, informed Fleet News that the two-year trials will enable exploration of various technical, commercial, and operational approaches to establish the new EV charging network.
“Following this period, we'll have a clearer understanding of its feasibility and future prospects,” she elaborated.
The trials will examine cabinet locations, power supply, user accessibility, and experience, alongside engineering aspects like local council interactions, permissions, and physical accessibility.
“We're keeping an open mind regarding potential collaborations and business models,” Kyte added.
The network's funding possibilities, including public funds, private investment, and financial models, are under scrutiny to develop a viable enterprise, either as a dedicated BT Group venture or in collaboration with others.
The green street cabinets, awaiting decommissioning, will initially have one charging point per cabinet, offering two charging sockets.
As cabinets are decommissioned, Etc plans to add more charging points and possibly enhance power capacity for additional chargers.
The charging system retrofits the cabinets with a device that utilises renewable energy to power a charger alongside existing broadband services, eliminating the need for new power connections.
EV charging can be implemented in cabinets used for current broadband services or those nearing retirement, depending on available space and power.
Upon broadband equipment retirement, as full fibre rollout progresses, the equipment is recycled, and more EV charging points can be installed, explains Etc.
This initiative was recognised globally at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, receiving the 2024 Innovation Honoree award for exceptional design and engineering.
Kyte concluded, “This project could help overcome several barriers preventing customer adoption of EVs.”
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