EV Charging Cables Become New Theft Target

Thieves have a new target – electric vehicle (EV) charging cables. With prices ranging from $300 to over $1,000, these cables are costly and not easily replaceable.

This past June in Oakland, Fox affiliate KTVU News reported that nearly a dozen charging cables were stolen at a recharge station. The vandals cut clean through the wires.

“Reports across the country document thieves targeting the EV charging cables for copper,” the station reported.

This new trend creates a huge problem, especially for those who live in apartments. Residents living in such units often rely on public charging stations. House dwellers can install a charger in their garages or near driveways, while apartment dwellers rarely have those options.

Yet even home charging stations are not immune to the problem. A Los Angeles homeowner told his local station, NBC4, that his security camera recorded a man in a hoodie and mask walking up his driveway, unplugging the cable from his car and the other end from the outside wall socket, and taking off on a bike.

Sales of EVs reached a new record number this quarter at over 300,000 units, a 48% increase from the second quarter of 2022. With so many new electric vehicles comes the potential for more criminal behavior stealing EV charging cables.

How can the average EV owner avoid becoming a victim of cable theft? Some of the same tips that help protect you from car theft will protect your cable:

Charge inside your garage, if possible: Charging within a locked area adds protection. Store your car in your garage and charge it safely if you have that option.

Park in visible spaces: If parking outdoors, make sure your car is in a visible spot. The more people can see your EV, the more people can report any signs of nefarious activity. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area to help prevent theft.

Use a lock: If you cannot secure your car in a garage, lock up your EV charging cable. Use a big padlock to attach your cable to a fence or other feature. The lock will add a level of security to put your mind at ease while your car charges outdoors.

See how the latest models measure up based on expert ratings from our Kelley Blue Book editors. See all Best EV Rankings.

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