Thieves stealing charging cables present a new challenge for electric vehicles

DETROIT — In the early hours of a quiet April night, a Chevrolet Silverado pickup pulled up to an electric vehicle charging station in Seattle. Security footage captured two individuals swiftly cutting and stealing the charging cables, highlighting a concerning trend that has been growing across the nation.

Thieves are increasingly targeting EV charging stations to steal the copper wiring from the cables, which can be sold for a high price due to the record-high global value of copper. The impact of these thefts is significant, as disabled charging stations leave EV owners scrambling to find a working charger, causing frustration and stress.

These incidents pose a new challenge for U.S. automakers striving to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the face of public concerns about charging infrastructure. The reliability of charging stations is crucial for convincing consumers to switch to EVs. However, with the rise in cable thefts, potential buyers may hesitate to make the transition.

Major automakers, such as Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors, have made substantial investments in electric vehicles, setting ambitious targets for EV production in the coming years. However, achieving these goals depends on providing a reliable charging network to support EV drivers, which is undermined by cable thefts.

Reports from leading EV charging companies, including Electrify America, Flo, and EVgo, indicate an increase in thefts at charging stations nationwide, with sites in various states being targeted. Even Tesla, with the largest fast-charging network in the U.S., has experienced thefts at its stations in Seattle, Oakland, and Houston.

The stolen cables contain valuable copper that criminals are after, given the soaring price of the metal. While the financial gains from selling the stolen cables are relatively modest, the cumulative impact of multiple thefts can be substantial for charging companies, as replacing cables is costly.

In response to this escalating issue, charging companies are implementing security measures such as installing more cameras and collaborating with law enforcement to track down thieves and recover stolen materials. However, the challenge of identifying stolen metals in scrap yards remains a hurdle in addressing cable theft.

As the automotive industry works to overcome barriers to EV adoption, deterring cable thefts and ensuring the availability of charging infrastructure are essential steps in convincing consumers to make the switch to electric vehicles. Addressing this issue will require continued cooperation between charging companies, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders to safeguard EV charging stations and maintain the growth of the EV market.