On Monday, BT Group, the largest telecommunications provider in the UK, announced the activation of its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) charging unit, repurposed from a street cabinet traditionally used for broadband and phone cabling.
This marks the initial phase of technical trials aimed at evaluating the potential upgrade of up to 60,000 cabinets, aligning with government sustainability goals and the decarbonization of the UK’s transportation system.
These trials, designed to address the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure by repurposing existing street furniture, will investigate the scalability of this solution to alleviate the shortage of charging stations on UK roads.
According to recent BT Group research, 38% would already own an EV if charging were less challenging, highlighting the significance of addressing this issue as only 53,000 public EV charge points are currently available in the UK.
The pilot programme is a crucial stride towards achieving net-zero emissions.
“Our new charging solution is a huge step in bringing EV charging kerbside and exploring how we can address key barriers customers are currently facing,” Tom Guy, Managing Director, Etc. at BT Group says.
“Working closely with local councils in Scotland and more widely across the UK, we are at a critical stage of our journey in tackling a very real customer problem that sits at the heart of our wider purpose to connect for good.”
“This is a key step in our mission to build products and services right now that work for the future, with positive transformation at the heart.”
Also read: Electric Vehicles Expected To Debut in South Africa As Soon As 2026
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has released a White Paper that outlines a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) roadmap for South Africa and the structure of a suite of policy interventions tailored to the automotive industry.
“It is a product of constructive engagement with stakeholders, including within government, industry and labour, to chart a viable and sustainable transition path for the industry,” Patel said on Monday.
At a media briefing in Pretoria, Patel said the primary goal of the White Paper is to set a course to transition the auto industry from primarily producing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to a dual platform that includes EVs in the production and consumption mix, alongside ICE vehicles in South Africa by 2035.
“This vision is aligned with the foundational objectives outlined in the SAAM, a strategic framework implemented from 2021 to shape the nation’s automotive industry,” Patel said.
Patel explained that it also aligns with changing demand in export markets and South Africa’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases.
