Public Charger Cable Thefts: A Growing Concern for Electric Vehicle Owners
Range anxiety and high prices have long been concerns for potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers, but now there’s another worry to add to the list: cable thefts from public chargers. Instavolt, the UK’s largest operator of rapid chargers, has reported 174 cable thefts from 27 of its sites in Yorkshire and the Midlands since November last year. The cost of replacing these stolen cables is significant, with each cable costing at least £1000. However, the bigger concern for Instavolt is the damage these thefts are doing to public confidence in EVs.
Delvin Lane, CEO of Instavolt, expressed frustration about the thefts and emphasized the importance of reliability in EV charging. He revealed that thieves strike at all hours, sometimes returning to the same site shortly after repairs have been made. The stolen cables are believed to be targeted by organized criminals who sell them to illegal scrap dealers. However, Lane explained that the thin wire cables do not bring significant financial gain, dispelling the misconception that they contain valuable copper.
To combat these thefts, Instavolt is taking several measures. They are installing CCTV cameras at each site, implementing roaming patrols, using Smartwater to tag their cables, and applying smart tracking devices to them. Lane hopes that these devices will lead them directly to the scrap dealers involved in handling the stolen cables. Instavolt is also working closely with the police and building a “body of evidence” to track down the criminals.
Instavolt is not the only victim of cable thefts. Gridserve and other companies like BP Pulse and Osprey have also experienced similar incidents. Gridserve has stated that they take vandalism and theft seriously and are exploring additional anti-theft measures. The trade association for the charger industry, ChargeUK, is collaborating with relevant authorities, including the Home Office and a dedicated police unit, to address the issue.
These cable thefts pose a challenge for operators in meeting the UK’s new public charger regulations. Starting from November 2024, operators must demonstrate 99% reliability across their networks or face penalties. However, if regulators do not accept cable theft as a valid reason for reliability shortfalls, operators will need to find a solution to this problem.
The rise in cable thefts from public chargers highlights the need for increased security measures to protect EV charging infrastructure. It also underscores the importance of addressing public concerns surrounding EV ownership. As the EV revolution continues, it is crucial to build confidence among potential buyers and ensure that charging infrastructure is reliable and secure. Only then can we fully embrace the transition to electric mobility.
