Thieves have a brand new goal – electrical automobile (EV) charging cables. With costs starting from $300 to over $1,000, these cables are pricey and never simply replaceable.
This previous June in Oakland, Fox affiliate KTVU Information reported that just about a dozen charging cables have been stolen at a recharge station. The vandals minimize clear by the wires.
“Stories throughout the nation doc thieves focusing on the EV charging cables for copper,” the station reported.
This new pattern creates an enormous downside, particularly for many who reside in flats. Residents residing in such items usually depend on public charging stations. Home dwellers can set up a charger of their garages or close to driveways, whereas house dwellers hardly ever have these choices.
But even dwelling charging stations will not be resistant to 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 motorcycle.
Gross sales of EVs reached a brand new report quantity this quarter at over 300,000 items, a 48% enhance from the second quarter of 2022. With so many new electrical autos comes the potential for extra felony conduct stealing EV charging cables.
How can the common EV proprietor keep away from turning into a sufferer of cable theft? A few of the similar ideas that assist defend you from automotive theft will defend 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 you probably have that choice.
Park in seen areas: If parking outside, ensure 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 automobile in a well-lit space to assist forestall theft.
Use a lock: In the event you can not safe your automotive in a storage, lock up your EV charging cable. Use an enormous padlock to connect your cable to a fence or different characteristic. The lock will add a stage of safety to place your thoughts comfy whereas your automotive expenses outside.
