Tips To Prevent EV Charging Cable Theft

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is on the rise, and with it, the concern of EV charging cable theft. The theft of EV charging cables is becoming a growing issue among EV owners, as thieves target these cables for their valuable copper content or for resale. This can be frustrating and costly for the owner, especially if they need to replace their stolen cable.

While locking mechanisms on EVs may not always be foolproof, there are several ways to protect your cable from theft. In this article, we will discuss some helpful tips and tricks to prevent EV charging cable theft and keep your EV charging experience safe and secure.

We will first explore the risk factors that contribute to cable theft, such as location and accessibility. Next, we will discuss prevention measures that EV owners can take to protect their cables, including physical security measures and smart technology solutions. By implementing these measures, EV owners can ensure that their charging cable remains secure and avoid the inconvenience and expense of EV charging cable theft.

Key Points

  • EV charging cable theft is a growing problem and thieves target cables for valuable copper content or resale.
  • Public charging points are often located in remote areas with little or no lighting, making them vulnerable to theft.
  • Precautions when using public charging points include staying close to the vehicle, using a padlock or tethered charger, installing a dashcam or CCTV camera, and parking in well-lit areas.
  • Implementing security measures such as padlocks, tethered chargers, dashcams, and parking in well-lit areas can deter thieves, prevent cable theft, and ensure uninterrupted charging.
EV charger cable plugged in

EV charger cable plugged in

The EV Charging Cable Theft Issue

The theft of EV charging cables is a prevalent issue, which can be attributed to the copper content or potential resale value, particularly when utilizing public charging points. Thieves are known to target charging cables, and the locking mechanisms on EVs are not always foolproof. This makes it essential to implement preventive measures to protect the charging cable from theft.

One of the most effective ways to secure EV charging cables is to use padlocks or tethered chargers. Additionally, dashcams,  CCTV cameras, and parking in well-lit areas can deter thieves. It is also advisable to remain near the car when charging in public. These measures can help ensure that the EV charging cable is protected from theft, reducing the likelihood of costly replacements and ensuring uninterrupted charging.

Risk Factors

One of the major factors that increase the likelihood of EV charging cable theft is the use of public charging points. These charging points are often located in remote areas, which makes them an ideal target for thieves. Moreover, public charging points are frequented by a large number of people, which can make it difficult to keep an eye on your vehicle and charging cable.

Additionally, public charging points are often located in areas where there is little or no lighting, which can further increase the risk of theft. To prevent EV charging cable theft, it is advisable to take certain precautions when using public charging points.

Prevention Measures

To decrease the risk of theft, implementing security measures when charging at public points is recommended. One effective measure is to use a padlock to secure the charging cable to the vehicle or charging station. This can deter thieves and prevent them from easily stealing the cable. Another option is to use a tethered charger, which includes a cable that is permanently attached to the charging unit, making it more difficult to steal.

In addition to these physical security measures, there are also other steps that can be taken to prevent EV charging cable theft. Installing dashcams or CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the charging point can help to deter thieves, as they will be more likely to be caught on camera. Parking in well-lit areas can also help to make the charging point less attractive to thieves. By taking these proactive steps, EV owners can reduce the risk of cable theft and ensure that their vehicle is charged safely and securely.

Security MeasureProsCons
PadlockInexpensive, easy to useMust remember to bring padlock and key
Tethered ChargerPermanently attached cable, more difficult to stealMay be more expensive to purchase
CCTV/DashcamDeters thieves, can provide evidence in case of theftMay not be feasible to install in all locations
Parking in well-lit areasDeters thieves, increases visibilityMay not be possible in all locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any insurance policies that cover EV charging cable theft?

There may be insurance policies that cover EV charging cable theft, but this varies depending on the provider and policy. It is recommended to consult with insurance companies to determine if this coverage is available.

What is a tethered charger?

Any Level 2 Charger that is mounted to a wall can’t easily pulled away as opposed to a level 1 charger that is plugged into a standard wall out. Here is an explanation of Charger Levels.

Can thieves still steal the entire EV charging unit, even if the cable is secured?

Yes, thieves can still steal the entire EV charging unit even if the cable is secured. Therefore, it is important to take additional measures such as parking in well-lit areas, using CCTV, and installing a tethered charger or padlock to deter theft.

What should I do if my EV charging cable is stolen?

If an EV charging cable is stolen, the owner should report the theft to the police and their insurance company. They should also consider purchasing a replacement cable and investing in additional security measures, such as padlocks or tethered chargers.

Are there any technologies or devices that can alert me if my charging cable is being tampered with?

Potential technologies or devices that can alert EV owners of charging cable tampering include cable locks with alarms, wireless sensors, and smart security cameras. These proactive measures can provide added security and peace of mind while charging in public locations.

Dealing with Stoken Cables

Electric vehicle (EV) charging cable theft is becoming a growing concern amongst EV owners, which can be frustrating and costly for the owner.  Unfortunately, some people in this world are just crappy.  The only last piece of advice is to keep a level 1 plug charger with you as a spare just in case.