BT's Bold Move: Converting Street Cabinets into Electric Car-Charging Stations

In a groundbreaking initiative, BT has unveiled plans to repurpose 60,000 of its familiar dark-green "street cabinets" into electric car-charging stations, marking a significant step towards addressing concerns about the accessibility of charging infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) owners. With the current number of public chargers in Britain standing at 53,906, BT's move aims to alleviate the stress for drivers, especially those without off-street parking options.

Repurposing Redundant Cabinets

The telecommunication giant recognises the increasing redundancy of these street cabinets, which were once crucial for broadband and phone services. As full-fiber broadband becomes more prevalent, these cabinets lose their original purpose. With 25 million premises expected to have direct access to full-fiber broadband by the end of 2026, BT is seizing the opportunity to convert these cabinets into charging stations, utilising existing infrastructure.

Key Features of BT's Initiative

The pavement chargers will be capable of powering six cars simultaneously, delivering a standard 7.4kW output – equivalent to a standard domestic charger. However, a full recharge may take up to six hours, making them ideal for drivers who park on residential streets overnight. This move is particularly significant for the approximately 1 million fully electric cars already on the roads and aligns with the government's target of achieving 300,000 public chargers by 2030.

Addressing the Challenge for Drivers without Off-Street Parking

One of the key advantages of BT's plan is its focus on helping drivers without off-street parking, who often face challenges in accessing charging infrastructure. Tom Guy, Managing Director of Etc, BT's start-up incubation arm, emphasised that the initiative is designed for those customers who are "woefully undersupplied" and lack the convenience of a home charger.

Strategic Deployment and Potential Advantages

BT plans to install its first charge point in Haddington, East Lothian, before the end of January, followed by Belfast. The company aims to deploy an additional 600 charging points as part of initial pilots within the next 12 to 18 months. Leveraging existing street cabinets already connected to the grid provides BT with a logistical advantage, avoiding potential delays associated with waiting for power firms to establish new electrical connections.

Navigating Planning Hurdles

BT may also encounter fewer planning hurdles compared to other charging networks, as the company seeks to convert and enhance existing street furniture rather than starting from scratch. This approach could expedite the implementation of charging points and further contribute to the growth of the charging infrastructure.

Filling Network Gaps

Experts in the field, such as Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-Founder of Zapmap, believe that BT's initiative could help fill significant gaps in the charging network. While the UK boasts well-supplied rapid and ultra-rapid chargers for long journeys, neighborhood chargers outside London and the south east remain patchy. BT's focus on providing simple, accessible solutions aligns with the preferences of EV drivers without off-street parking.

In Conclusion

BT's ambitious plan to convert 60,000 street cabinets into electric car-charging stations demonstrates a strategic and innovative approach to addressing the evolving needs of the growing electric vehicle market. By repurposing existing infrastructure, BT aims to contribute significantly to the expansion of the charging network, making it more convenient and accessible for a broader range of EV owners. As the automotive industry transitions towards mass adoption of electric vehicles, initiatives like these play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and accessible future for electric mobility.