As InsideEVs reported recently, there has been a sharp uptick in electric car charger vandalism and theft since 2023. While EV infrastructure vandalism was not unheard of in the past, it was a rare occurrence and typically motivated by extreme anti-EV ideology. More recently, however, attacks have been motivated by thieves looking to profit from the metal contained in electric vehicle charging cables.

Of course, it’s not just EV drivers who have noticed the increased downtime due to theft. State and local governments have begun taking action to increase security and make charging stations more difficult to vandalize.

Anthony Lambkin, vice president of operations at Electrify America, says that in previous years, Electrify America might see one cable cut every few months. This sudden increase has significantly impacted operations and the lives of electric car owners. “To have an entire station that’s offline is pretty impactful to our customers,” Lambkin recently told the Associated Press.

In May of this year, copper sales hit a record high of $5.20 a pound, up about 25% from a year prior. By most accounts, electric car charging cords don’t contain a particularly large amount of copper. Officials estimate that scrappers make at most $20 a cable at a recycling center. But that doesn’t seem to have deterred criminals, as this rampant theft has continued unabated.

Thankfully, recycling centers and EV charging operators have started rolling out their own solutions. The Recycled Materials Association has begun to raise awareness and combat theft by issuing scrap theft alerts in conjunction with local law enforcement when a theft is reported. Electrify America is installing additional security cameras at charging locations to catch more thieves in the act.

These organizations and others will work more closely with local police to locate stolen goods and identify the criminals responsible. Here’s to hoping the law cracks down hard on these crooks and puts them behind bars as quickly as possible. 

Electrify America, the leading electric vehicle charging network in North America, has recently implemented enhanced security measures in response to a rising trend of cable thefts at their charging stations. The company has⁢ reported an increase in incidents of individuals cutting the charging cables and stealing them for their copper value, posing a significant threat to the reliability and efficiency of their​ network.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, so does the need for a robust charging ​infrastructure. However, the recurring instances of cable thefts have highlighted the vulnerability of charging‌ stations ‌and‍ the urgent need for heightened​ security measures. In‍ a statement released by Electrify America, the company acknowledged the severity​ of the issue and ​emphasized their commitment to ensuring‌ the safety and security of their equipment.

To address the problem, Electrify America has rolled out a series⁤ of security upgrades ‍across their network of charging stations. These ‍enhancements include the installation of surveillance cameras, improved lighting, and ​tamper-proof locking mechanisms on the charging cables. Additionally, the company has employed security personnel to monitor high-risk locations and respond promptly to any suspicious activity.

In a further effort to deter potential thieves, Electrify America has also increased communication and collaboration with local‍ law enforcement agencies. By sharing information about specific incidents and identifying areas of concern, the company hopes to crack down on cable thefts ‌and protect their charging infrastructure from further damage.

The impact of cable thefts ⁢extends beyond the ‌immediate financial losses incurred ‍by ⁤Electrify⁤ America. Each stolen cable represents a disruption in service for electric vehicle owners,⁢ potentially resulting in ⁤inconvenience, delays, and frustration. Moreover, ​the cost of replacing stolen cables and repairing⁤ damaged equipment⁤ can add up quickly, putting a strain on the company’s resources and hindering their expansion efforts.

Electrify America’s proactive approach to addressing the​ issue of charger security is ⁣a testament to their⁣ dedication ⁤to providing a⁤ reliable and accessible charging experience for electric vehicle owners. By investing in advanced security measures and fostering collaboration with local authorities, the company is taking a stand against theft and safeguarding⁣ the future of ⁣electric transportation.

As the electric​ vehicle market continues to evolve, ensuring the security and integrity of charging infrastructure will be paramount to its success. Electrify America’s efforts to combat cable thefts serve as a valuable lesson‍ for other charging networks and highlight the importance of ‍prioritizing security in the transition to⁤ a cleaner, more sustainable transportation‍ system.