BT Abandons Street Cabinet EV Charging Project, Shifting Focus to Wi-Fi

UK telecom giant BT has decided to abandon its plans to repurpose street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Initially, the company aimed to transform 60,000 of the 90,000 street cabinets into EV chargers. However, after a pilot project in East Lothian, Scotland, BT has confirmed that only one chargepoint will be installed and removed by February 2025.

The Initial Vision and Pilot Project

In 2024, BT announced that two-thirds of the 90,000 green cabinets across UK streets could be repurposed as EV charging points. These cabinets already had power sources, and many would become redundant following the full fiber rollout. The pilot project in East Lothian was meant to test this concept, but it has since been scaled back significantly.

Challenges and Shift in Focus

The company faced unforeseen difficulties during the pilot, including regulatory approval and operational complexities involved in maintaining public chargepoints. These challenges led to BT’s decision to pull the plug on its plans and refocus its efforts on Wi-Fi connectivity for EV drivers, aligning with the company’s core strengths in telecommunications.

State of EV Charging in the UK

Despite BT’s retreat, the UK continues to make progress in expanding EV charging infrastructure. By the end of 2024, there were 73,699 charging points across 37,011 locations. The UK is still on track to meet its goal of 300,000 chargepoints by 2030, with other companies and local governments continuing to invest in the network.

The Role of Telecom Companies

Although BT is stepping away from physical chargepoint installation, telecom companies still play a crucial role in the EV ecosystem. They can provide essential connectivity for EV drivers, enabling real-time tracking, payment systems, and efficient charging solutions.

The Future of EV Charging in the UK

As BT refocuses its efforts, the UK’s goal of expanding EV infrastructure remains intact. Investments from private and public sectors will be key to ensuring a robust, accessible network, helping the UK transition to greener transportation and meet climate targets.