In a pioneering move, BT Group has inaugurated its first Electric Vehicle (EV) charge point in East Lothian, powered by one of its green street cabinets, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation. This initiative, launched through the company’s start-up incubation hub, Etc., signals the commencement of a UK-wide trial aiming to repurpose BT Group-owned cabinets into EV charge points to address the growing need for public charging infrastructure.
Located in Haddington, the site represents the first phase of a larger project that could potentially see thousands of street cabinets nationwide transformed into charge points, revolutionising the accessibility of EV charging across the UK. The charger is open to local residents, who will enjoy complimentary charging for a limited period during the pilot phase. Access to the charge point is facilitated through a dedicated trial app available for download from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Developed in consultation with EV drivers, the trial app incorporates key features desired by users, including real-time visibility of EV charge points nationwide, pricing and availability information, and the ability to initiate, monitor, and conclude charging sessions remotely. EV owners can also synchronize their vehicles with the app to receive live updates on battery status, estimated costs, and charging times, empowering them with greater control and convenience over their charging experience.
Throughout the trial period, BT Group will evaluate various aspects, ranging from digital user experience to technical and operational considerations, to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of the initiative. With Scotland projected to have over 5,000 operational public EV chargers, BT Group aims to leverage up to 4,800 street cabinets in the country for potential conversion, aligning with the nation’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
Tom Guy, Managing Director of Etc. at BT Group, underscored the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure to drive innovation and meet sustainability targets, highlighting the company’s partnership with local councils as a crucial aspect of the trial’s success.
“It’s critical that we all start to play our part in looking at existing infrastructure to drive innovation at speed to support government set sustainability targets,” he said. “We’re proud to be partnering with local councils across the UK as part of this trial, which presents a unique opportunity to tap into existing assets to drive the important transition to electrification in the UK.”
BT Group’s innovative transformation of green street cabinets into EV charge points represents a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener, more sustainable future for transportation in the UK. Through strategic partnerships and technological innovation, the initiative aims to address the pressing need for accessible and reliable EV charging infrastructure, facilitating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles across the country.
