Pilot program set to convert telecoms cabinets into EV charging points

The cabinets are currently used to provide copper-based broadband and phone services and will be decommissioned as the nationwide upgrade to full fibre proceeds.

Over the next two years, the team will consider several factors for the roll-out of street cabinet charging points, including local council engagement; funding options; plus cabinet location, power availability, and customer accessibility.

The first phase of the EV charging pilots starts in Northern Ireland this Autumn, with plans to expand pilot locations across Britain later in the year.

“With the ban on sales of internal combustion engine vehicles coming in 2030, and with only around 45,000 public charge points today, the UK needs a massive upgrade to meet the needs of the EV revolution,” said Tom Guy, managing director, Etc. at BT Group. “We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect for good in a whole new way by innovating around our cabinet infrastructure. The pilots are critical for the team to work through the assessment and establish effective technical, commercial and operational routes to market.”