The BT Group has decided to abandon its plans to repurpose up to 60,000 street cabinets in the UK as electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Instead, the telecommunications company will redirect its efforts toward improving WiFi infrastructure around existing charging stations, enabling better access to charging apps and digital services for EV drivers.
BT initially retrofitted one street cabinet in East Lothian, Scotland, in August 2024, marking its first foray into EV charging. The cabinets, previously used for broadband and telephone cables, were deemed redundant and set to be decommissioned. The company had aimed to convert these cabinets into EV chargers, leveraging technology to share renewable energy through existing broadband infrastructure without requiring new power connections.
However, the pilot initiative has since been shelved. A BT Group spokesperson explained to The Fast Charge: “Our EV charging trials have focused on how we might help address the charging needs EV drivers face across the UK. By adopting a pilot process, we have been able to test and explore a great deal about the challenges that many on-street EV drivers are facing with charging and where BT Group can add most value to the UK EV ecosystem.”
The spokesperson added that the company’s focus will now pivot toward addressing connectivity challenges for EV drivers. “Other emerging needs we’ve identified include the Wi-Fi connectivity challenge surrounding EVs – our pilots will now shift in focus to explore this further,” the statement said.
BT’s sole charging station in East Lothian has reportedly been out of order and will be removed as part of the company’s shift in priorities. By concentrating on WiFi connectivity near existing EV charging points, BT aims to support the digital needs of drivers and ensure seamless access to essential charging applications.
Source: BBC
