BT offers customers 'free' boost in Cost of Living with people told to act by May 31

British Gas has issued a major boost to electric vehicle drivers - and best of all: it's free. The group has unveiled a revolutionary free electric vehicle charger that is powered from a street cabinet, making it a first of its kind.

The first electric vehicle (EV) charge point installed by BT Group’s startup incubation hub, Etc. is now available to residents in East Lothian, Scotland. The install forms first phase of technical pilots running across the UK and East Lothian trialists given access to charge point at no cost for a limited time.

The pilot is then to roll out across further locations, with focus next on West Yorkshire The first charger has been installed in East Lothian, Scotland, for use by local residents, who will be able to charge their electric vehicles at no cost until 31 May as part of the pilot.

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BT hopes to set up 600 trial sites across the UK. Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport at Scottish Government, said: “This is an exciting and innovative development in the provision of electric vehicle charging so I’m really pleased that the first trial in the UK is taking place in East Lothian.

“This government is committed to supporting people to make the switch from petrol and diesel vehicles, and our vision for Scotland’s future public EV charging network highlights the need for private sector finance and delivery to build on our significant investment in the network to date.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing more partnership working like this as we continue to help people in Scotland to make greener transport choices.” Norman Hampshire, East Lothian Council Leader said: “East Lothian Council has a strong track record of supporting innovative vehicle charging solutions in public places to accelerate the transition to an electric future. During the design of this trial we worked with BT Group to ensure the charger would be fully accessible, and that trailing cables would not get in the way of pedestrians and others using the pavement.

“We are pleased that BT Group is supplementing the wide range of public chargers in East Lothian as this allows the Council to focus on its public service role of providing charging options in areas less attractive to commercial operators. Use of electric vehicles supports the council’s ambitions to reduce emissions, promote sustainable travel solutions and enhance the local environment.”

Tom Guy, Managing Director, Etc., BT Group says: “With our research showing that 78% of petrol and diesel drivers see not being able to conveniently charge an EV as a key a barrier to purchasing one, and the UK behind government-set sustainability targets, it’s critical that we start looking at existing infrastructure to drive innovation at speed. These trials present a unique opportunity to tap into existing assets to drive the important transition to electrification in the UK, and we’re proud to be working with local councils in East Lothian and more widely across the UK at this critical stage to play our part.”