When there’s a far distance between plan and execution, disasters happen. Started with a great ambition only to end up closing early. BT, a UK company known for phone and internet services, had a big idea to turn its green street boxes (those metal cabinets for cables) into electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Plan: Make 60,000 Chargers
Execution: 1 Charger
They have decided to cancel the project. But, what’s the problem behind it?
Plan A: The project was announced in Jan 2024, and decided to resolve the key barrier to EV adoption; the lack of accessible charging points.
Logistics and Technical challenges made project scaling unfeasible.
Plan B: Decided to address a different EV-relevant issue: Improving Wifi connectivity at charging points, which often disrupts due to poor signal strength.
This decision led to the following positive aspects:
- Wi-Fi Focus Applauded: Industry experts, including Stuart Masson from The Car Expert, applauded BT’s pivot, and highlighted driver’s frustration while driving EVs due to the inaccessibility of charging points with poor connectivity.
- Rapid Growth: In 2024, the UK added almost 20,000 new electric car chargers, happening faster than before. This is a good sign because it makes owning and charging electric cars easier for people.
But it also leads to some concerns:
Missed opportunities: Some experts see BT’s withdrawal as an expert because most new chargers are concentrated in busy areas rather than residential areas, where they are most needed.
What’s Next?
While BT’s project didn’t work out, their focus on improving Wi-Fi at charging points could make things easier for EV drivers. Let’s see if this decision will be a new success in town or a new withdrawal on the way.
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