Thieves have a brand new goal – electrical car (EV) charging cables. With costs starting from $300 to over $1,000, these cables are expensive and never simply replaceable.

This previous June in Oakland, Fox affiliate KTVU Information reported that almost a dozen charging cables have been stolen at a recharge station. The vandals lower clear by means of the wires. 

“Experiences throughout the nation doc thieves concentrating on the EV charging cables for copper,” the station reported.

This new pattern creates an enormous drawback, particularly for individuals who dwell in flats. Residents residing in such models typically depend on public charging stations. Home dwellers can set up a charger of their garages or close to driveways, whereas condominium dwellers not often have these choices.

But even dwelling charging stations are usually not proof against the issue. A Los Angeles house owner informed his native station, NBC4, that his safety digicam recorded a person in a hoodie and masks strolling up his driveway, unplugging the cable from his automotive and the opposite finish from the surface wall socket, and taking off on a motorbike.

Gross sales of EVs reached a brand new document quantity this quarter at over 300,000 models, a 48% enhance from the second quarter of 2022. With so many new electrical automobiles comes the potential for extra prison conduct stealing EV charging cables.

How can the common EV proprietor keep away from turning into a sufferer of cable theft? A number of the identical ideas that assist shield you from automotive theft will shield your cable:

Cost inside your storage, if attainable: Charging inside a locked space provides safety. Retailer your automotive in your storage and cost it safely when you’ve got that choice.

Park in seen areas: If parking open air, make sure that your automotive is in a visual spot. The extra individuals can see your EV, the extra individuals can report any indicators of nefarious exercise. Park your car in a well-lit space to assist forestall theft.

Use a lock: If you happen to can not safe your automotive in a storage, lock up your EV charging cable. Use a giant padlock to connect your cable to a fence or different characteristic. The lock will add a degree of safety to place your thoughts relaxed whereas your automotive costs open air.