Tom Guy, chief executive of Etc, BT’s digital startup unit, said the scheme was experimental for now but showed great promise.
“Our new charging solution is a huge step in bringing EV charging to kerbsides and exploring how we can address key barriers customers are currently facing.”
The lack of EV charge points is a growing national problem that leads to frustration for existing EV drivers and has deterred people from buying battery-powered vehicles.
BT’s own research found that 60pc of people think the UK’s EV charging infrastructure is inadequate, while 78pc of petrol and diesel drivers say not being able to conveniently charge an EV is a barrier to getting one.
There are about 53,000 kerbside chargers across the UK but the government has said 300,000 are needed.
BT has about 90,000 green street cabinets with about 60,000 thought suitable for conversion. The charging solution works by retrofitting the copper cable cabinets with a charge point, initially alongside the existing broadband service. The cabinets already have power supplies so there is no need to create a new power connection.
EV charging can be deployed to cabinets that are in-use for current broadband services, or in those scheduled for retirement, depending on the space and power available to the unit.
As the nationwide full fibre rollout progresses, the cabinets will no longer be needed for broadband. This means the broadband kit can be recycled and additional EV charge points can be added.
Mr Guy said: “We are at a critical stage of our journey in tackling a very real customer problem.”
Households with off-road parking can install chargers in their garages and driveways but for the majority of drivers who are obliged to use street parking, the lack of kerbside chargers makes EV purchase a risky proposition.
The problem is even greater for motorway drivers because weak power supplies to many service stations prevent them installing enough chargers.
This has led to a shortfall in the number of chargers at many service stations. Moto, a leading service station operator, has had to recruit wardens to prevent battles between motorists seeking chargers.