BT abandons EV charging cabinet initiative

The project, announced in January 2024, aimed at transforming up to 60,000 cabinets into EV chargers as part of efforts to meet government sustainability goals and contribute to the decarbonisation of the UK's transport system.

The initiative sought to address the challenges in EV charging infrastructure by creatively using existing street infrastructure.

First installation began in May 2024, signalling the initial phase of trials that could prompt a broader overhaul of cabinet units throughout the UK. The first charger was installed in East Lothian, Scotland, intended for use by local residents who could charge their electric vehicles at no expense until 31st May as part of the pilot.

According to The Fast Charge, an external newsletter that first reported the story, the site is now set to close in February.

The charger is currently listed as ‘out of order’ on the Evve Charge app, which provides the locations of EV chargers across the UK.

BT has since announced it will now focus on addressing the Wi-Fi connectivity challenge surrounding EVs.

A spokesperson from BT Group said the trial tested "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.

"Other emerging needs we've identified include the Wi-Fi connectivity challenge surrounding EV's – our pilots will now shift in focus to explore this further."