BT axes plan to convert signal boxes into EV chargers after just one year
BT has dropped its plans to repurpose disused signal boxes into electric vehicle chargers after carrying out the grand total of just one conversion.
Etc., the startup and digital incubation arm at the telecoms giant announced in January 2024 that it would convert the old units as a way of meeting government sustainability targets and decarbonising the UK’s transport system.
The scheme was piloted in East Lothian and was set to be rolled out across the country with a view to eventually repurpose between 60,000 and 90,000 of the disused street cabinets nationwide.
West Yorkshire was the second region outlined in the programme, with 600 decommissioned signal boxes set for conversion.
The project was driven by a BT Group survey, which found that 60% of motorists believe the UK’s EV charging infrastructure is inadequate, with 78% of petrol and diesel drivers stating that not being able to conveniently charge an EV is a barrier to making the switch from fossil fuels.
The single charger will be decommissioned on February 14, 2025. The announcement was made to users via BT’s ‘evve’ charging app. According to the Fast Charge newsletter, the decision was taken as BT seeks to pivot towards tackling the wi-fi connectivity issues EV drivers face at public charging points.
Despite the setback, the BT Group remains dedicated to its net-zero agenda. In January, it made the UK’s largest ever commercial electric vehicle fleet order, with a purchase of around 3,500 new EVs.
By the time the order is complete in 2026, it will have the largest fleet of commercial EVs in the UK, with nearly 8,000 vehicles at its disposal.
