Rise in Cable Thefts Targeting Electric Vehicle Charging Industry

The electric vehicle charging industry is facing a new challenge – cable thefts. This criminal activity, targeting the copper in cables at rapid and ultra-rapid charger sites, has been on the rise since November. Instavolt, Britain’s largest operator of rapid chargers, reported 174 cables stolen from 27 sites, causing significant disruption to EV drivers.

The thefts are not only a financial burden for charging providers, costing between £700 and £1,000 per cable, but they also shake public confidence in the reliability of EV charging infrastructure. Delvin Lane, Instavolt’s chief executive, expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the importance of making EV charging as easy and reliable as possible.

Organized gangs are cutting charging cables to strip and sell the copper wiring inside, taking advantage of the rising price of copper on the market. However, the financial gain from stealing these cables is minimal, with each theft netting less than £700. Despite the low payoff, vandals continue to target charging sites, causing disruption to EV drivers, including those in the emergency services.

To combat this issue, charging providers like Instavolt, Osprey, and Gridserve have implemented additional security measures such as security patrols, extra CCTV cameras, and Smartwater tagging on cables to deter thieves and track stolen devices. Collaboration with law enforcement and industry stakeholders is crucial to address the problem effectively and ensure the safety and reliability of EV charging infrastructure.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, it is essential to address security concerns and protect the integrity of charging networks. By taking proactive measures and working together, the industry can mitigate the impact of cable thefts and maintain a seamless charging experience for EV drivers.