BT Group has installed its first electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint converted from a street cabinet, marking the first phase of trials that could potentially lead to a wider upgrade of cabinet units across the UK.
The charger, which is powered by a BT Group-owned cabinet conventionally used to store broadband and phone cabling, forms part of a nationwide pilot by the business’ start-up incubation hub Etc, and is designed to address a reported shortfall in public EV charging infrastructure.
The first charger has been installed in East Lothian, Scotland, for use by local residents, who will be able to charge their EVs for free until May 31 as part of the pilot.
The pilot will focus next on West Yorkshire, before possibly scaling up to 600 trial sites across the UK.
EV drivers use the chargepoint by downloading a trial app designed and developed by Etc in conjunction with EV drivers.
It includes features such as visibility of EV chargers across the UK, alongside real-time pricing, availability and charge speed, the ability to start, stop and monitor charge sessions, and to filter by connector type, kW speed and charging network.
EVs can be connected to the app to get live updates on battery levels, smart estimated costs and charge times, and access their charging history.
Throughout the pilots Etc will test elements ranging from the digital customer experience to engineering and technology choices, planning and local engagement, operational and commercial options.
Where Zapmap data predicts that there are currently 5,052 public EV chargers in Scotland, Etc has identified up to 4,800 street cabinets that could be used for potential upgrade in Scotland to meet increasing demand.
READ MORE: Growing north-south divide in England’s EV public charging infrastructure
Norman Hampshire, East Lothian Council leader, said: “East Lothian Council has a strong track record of supporting innovative vehicle charging solutions in public places to accelerate the transition to an electric future.
“During the design of this trial we worked with BT Group to ensure the charger would be fully accessible, and that trailing cables would not get in the way of pedestrians and others using the pavement.
“We are pleased that BT Group is supplementing the wide range of public chargers in East Lothian as this allows the council to focus on its public service role of providing charging options in areas less attractive to commercial operators.
“Use of EVs supports the council’s ambitions to reduce emissions, promote sustainable travel solutions and enhance the local environment.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
