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, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, has announced increased security measures in response to a recent spate of cable thefts at its charging stations. The company’s decision to bolster security comes as EV adoption continues to rise and more drivers rely on these essential charging infrastructure.

The thefts, which have been reported at multiple locations across the country, involve the stealing of charging cables from the stations. This not only inconveniences EV drivers who rely on these cables to charge their vehicles but also poses a significant financial burden to Electrify America, as each cable can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars to replace.

To address this issue, Electrify America has implemented enhanced security protocols at its charging stations. This includes the installation of surveillance cameras, increased security patrols, and the use of tamper-proof cables that are more difficult to remove. In addition, the company is urging EV drivers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity they may observe at its charging stations.

In a statement, Electrify America emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and security of its charging infrastructure to ensure a positive and reliable experience for EV drivers. The company reiterated its commitment to providing convenient, accessible, and secure charging solutions for all EV users.

This recent development highlights the challenges and vulnerabilities that can arise as the EV industry continues to expand. As more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, the demand for reliable and secure charging infrastructure will only continue to grow. It is imperative for companies like Electrify America to stay ahead of the curve and implement proactive measures to safeguard their charging stations against potential threats and disruptions.

In conclusion, Electrify America’s decision to increase charger security in response to cable thefts is a positive step towards maintaining the reliability and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure. By taking proactive measures to address security concerns, the company is demonstrating its commitment to providing a seamless and secure charging experience for EV drivers. As the EV industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to prioritize security and invest in the necessary safeguards to protect their charging infrastructure from potential threats.