Electric car drivers warned over 'ramped up' security at chargepoints

Electric car charging operators have been forced to ramp up security to tackle a "plague" of criminal damage. The Cable Alarm is the first device of its kind in the UK, offering charge point operators a way to protect their charging infrastructure from criminals.

Evolt Charging has introduced it in response to rising incidents of EV charger cable theft and vandalism. The new tech is an effective way of protecting their assets, keeping their charging infrastructure secure and available for drivers to use.

Cable theft is a widespread challenge affecting all CPOs, with increasing reports of criminals targeting EV chargepoints for the copper wiring within the cables. Despite the copper’s comparatively low resale value, each stolen cable can cost the CPO up to £1,000 to replace and cause inconvenience for drivers.

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The Cable Alarm detects when a charger cable has been cut or removed, immediately activating an audible alarm and flashing beacon. Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director at Osprey, said: “Tackling the cable theft currently plaguing public charging hubs relies on collaboration between CPOs, hardware manufacturers and host landlords, all of whom are impacted if solutions are not found. Evolt’s new Cable Alarm is a welcome, proactive approach. Osprey have always been quick to trial new technology, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this innovation on the ground.”

Anne Buckingham, Managing Director at Evolt Charging, said: “The increase in EV cable theft is a real concern. It is inconvenient and frustrating for EV drivers and costly for the chargepoint owners, so we need to be one-step ahead of the criminals. This is high on the agenda for CPOs who will require a combination of different tools and tactics depending on the different types of locations they need to protect. Their response to the new Cable Alarm is already encouraging.

“We are fully behind Charge UK and its pledge to work with the police and relevant authorities to find solutions to help deter these incidents and are committed to supporting leading CPOs like Osprey with new solutions to tackle this growing problem.”