How to Protect EV charging Cable from Theft?

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing rapidly, with many owners choosing to charge their vehicles at public charging stations or home charging points. However, as the number of electric vehicles grows, incidents of stolen charging cables are becoming more common. Stolen charging cables not only require the owner to spend additional money to replace, but also affect the charging ability, causing inconvenience and financial burden. Therefore, protecting electric vehicle charging cables from theft has become an important concern for electric vehicle owners. To help you better protect your charging cables, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies that apply to public charging points and home charging environments.

Why are EV Charging Cables Stolen?

Electric vehicle charging cables are targeted by thieves mainly because of the precious metals they contain, such as copper. The thieves make money by selling the cables on the second-hand market or on platforms such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Although modern electric vehicles are equipped with locking mechanisms to secure charging cables, these mechanisms are not always able to completely prevent theft. Therefore, owners need to take additional protective measures to improve the safety of charging cables.

Protection When Using Public Charging Points

Try Not to Leave the Vehicle Unattended

When charging at public charging points, try not to leave the car. Staying as close to the vehicle as possible allows you to monitor the charging process at all times and quickly spot potential thieves. If you need to charge for a long time, consider scheduling the time or finding a solution with a shorter charging time and try to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended. If the charging time is really long, you can look for a charging point with public facilities nearby, and use the charging time to stay nearby and maintain visibility to the vehicle.

Use a Regular Padlock

Using padlocks to secure charging cables is an economical and effective solution. Many electric cars are designed with special rings to secure the cables to the car using padlocks. The Nissan Leaf, for example, comes with a ring that can be used to lock the cable. If your vehicle does not have this design, you can run the cable through the spokes of the wheel and lock it with a padlock. Choose a high quality padlock and make sure it is strong enough to effectively stop thieves from easily cutting the cable.

Installation of Tachograph

While dashcams do not directly prevent theft, they can serve as an effective deterrent. Many modern dashcams come with a "parking mode" that automatically detects movement and starts recording when the vehicle is parked. This can help record the course of the theft, providing the police with important evidence. If a thief attempts to steal the charging cable, the clear image captured by the recorder will help track down the criminal and recover the stolen item.

Protection when Charging at Home

Charging in the Garage

If you own a garage, it is best to charge your electric car in the garage. The closed and hidden nature of the garage can greatly reduce the risk of theft of charging cables. Make sure the garage door is in good condition and can be locked properly, and check the safety of the garage regularly. The safety of your garage can be further enhanced by installing door locks and alarm systems. In addition, the charging equipment in the garage should also be checked regularly to ensure that it is in good condition.

Select a Hidden Charging Location

If you don't have a garage, you can choose to charge your electric car away from the street. This can reduce the risk of charging cable theft, as potential thieves cannot easily spot your vehicle and cable. Try to choose a well-lit, high-visibility location, which can increase the chance of being captured by passers-by or surveillance cameras, further reducing the likelihood of theft. If possible, park near your window or door so that family members can more easily observe the vehicle.

Install a Closed Circuit Television System

The installation of a closed circuit television (CCTV) system is an effective means to enhance home safety. Cameras not only act as a deterrent to potential thieves, but also provide valuable video evidence in the event of a theft. Choose high-quality cameras and make sure they cover all possible charging areas. Cameras should be installed in a prominent position to act as a deterrent. In the event of a theft, images recorded by the CCTV system can help police investigate the case, provide crucial evidence and help with insurance claims. In addition, the normal operation of the camera is regularly checked and maintained to ensure that it can work properly when needed.

Conclusion

The safety of electric vehicle charging cables is part of what electric car owners need to take seriously. With the popularity of electric vehicles, the risk of theft of charging cables is increasing. Although modern electric vehicles are already equipped with a variety of anti-theft mechanisms, it is still important to take additional protection measures. With the above strategies, whether charging at a public charging point or at home, you can effectively reduce the risk of your charging cable being stolen. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.