BT has officially scrapped its ambitious plan to transform green street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Despite initial plans to convert 60,000 cabinets, only one was ever repurposed, leaving many questioning the viability of the project.
The Vision Behind the Scheme
In January 2024, BT announced a bold initiative to repurpose its iconic green metal cabinets—commonly used for phone and broadband cables—into EV charging points. The company described the project as a “unique opportunity” to tackle a significant barrier to EV adoption: the availability of accessible charging infrastructure.
However, the programme has now been shelved, with BT shifting its focus to address the “Wi-Fi connectivity challenges” surrounding EV charging.
Industry Reactions to the Decision
Stuart Masson, editor of automotive website The Car Expert, expressed disappointment at the decision, stating that it represented a setback for residential EV charging infrastructure.
“The good news is that the rollout of EV charging points across the UK is accelerating faster than anticipated a few years ago,” he noted. “However, most new installations are in busier areas, leaving a gap in street-level charging for residents. BT’s plan could have bridged that gap.”
Mr. Masson welcomed BT’s new focus on improving Wi-Fi infrastructure around EV chargers, highlighting the frustration of poor connectivity at charging stations.
“It’s incredibly frustrating when you arrive at a charger and can’t log into the app because there’s no signal, especially in multi-storey car parks,” he said. “If BT can improve this, it would be a significant step forward.”
Scheme Falls Flat: Only One Cabinet Converted
BT’s plans to modernise its cabinets coincided with their lifecycle ending as the company transitions to fibre broadband. However, only one cabinet, located in East Lothian, was converted into a public EV charging point. This lone charger is now scheduled to close in February 2025.
According to The Fast Charge newsletter, the East Lothian charger is currently listed as “out of order” on the Evve Charge app, which tracks EV charging points across the UK. Despite this, East Lothian Council reassured residents of ample EV charging facilities in the area, with over 370 public chargers available.
A BT Group spokesperson reflected on the trial, stating:
“This initiative taught us a great deal about the challenges faced by on-street EV drivers and where BT Group can add the most value to the UK’s EV ecosystem. Our focus will now shift to exploring Wi-Fi connectivity solutions.”
The Broader Picture of EV Charging in the UK
The UK government has set a target of 300,000 public charging points by 2030. As of 2024, there are 73,334 public devices—a 37% increase compared to the previous year. However, nearly a third of these are concentrated in Greater London, highlighting regional disparities.
The Department for Transport highlighted the rapid progress made in 2024, describing it as a “record-breaking year for EV infrastructure” with nearly 20,000 chargers added.
A spokesperson said:
“This growth is supported by £6 billion of private investment by 2030, ensuring EV owners can drive with confidence, knowing they are never far from a chargepoint.”
Challenges in the Transition to EVs
Despite progress, concerns remain over the pace of the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. In late 2024, Ford warned that the government’s timetable for phasing out internal combustion engine cars by 2030 could falter without additional financial incentives.
The government has responded by launching consultations with automotive and charging industries and reaffirming its £2.3 billion investment to support the EV transition.
What’s Next?
While BT’s decision to abandon its street cabinet conversion scheme is a disappointment for residential EV users, the company’s renewed focus on addressing connectivity issues may bring long-term benefits. Meanwhile, the race to expand the UK’s EV infrastructure continues, as the government and private sector strive to meet ambitious targets.