GREEN boxes across the UK are set to be transformed into EV charging points, according to a new announcement.
Old street cabinets which were traditionally used to keep broadband cabling will be converted into power banks as part of a BT Group pilot.
The first converted cabinet will be installed in East Lothian, Scotland, within weeks, under a pilot programme.
BT hopes up to 60,000 could be converted, which would help tackle a shortfall in electric car chargers.
The device will work alongside current broadband cables that are being removed, with a nationwide full fibre rollout progressing.
At the moment there are just 50,000 EV charging points across the UK, however according to figures by Zapmap, a third are situated in London.
But many users have complained they are faulty or cannot be replied upon.
These renovated green boxes could now be used to address the lack of chargers for electric vehicles, reports the Telegraph.
Tom Guy, managing director of Etc. said: “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.
“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.”
Further pilots are set to roll out across the UK in the coming months.
This pilot project by BT will explore how this solution could be scaled up to address the lack of chargers on UK roads.
This is something that motoring groups have said is holding back Britain’s electric car revolution.
The Department for Transport have said they have committed “hundreds of millions of pounds to expand local charging across England.”
Their spokesperson said: “The number of public charge points is rising across the country – increasing by 44% since December 2022.
“We expect the private sector to deliver the majority of charge points and welcome initiatives such as this.”
It comes after a Jaguar E-Type that was “left in a barn” for nearly 50 years after a crash has sold for a bargain price – and it could be worth much more.
The gorgeous classic was put up for auction on eBay after decades of storage and is in need of some major restoration.
And a Range Rover developed by TV icon Noel Edmonds went up for sale – including some unique features that transform it into a “mobile office”.
