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 almost a dozen charging cables have been stolen at a recharge station. The vandals minimize clear by way of the wires. 

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

This new pattern creates an enormous drawback, particularly for individuals who reside in residences. Residents dwelling in such models usually depend on public charging stations. Home dwellers can set up a charger of their garages or close to driveways, whereas residence dwellers hardly ever have these choices.

But even residence charging stations will not be resistant to the issue. A Los Angeles home-owner instructed 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 automobile and the opposite finish from the skin 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 legal 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 similar suggestions that assist defend you from automobile theft will defend your cable:

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

Park in seen areas: If parking open air, be certain your automobile is in a visual spot. The extra folks can see your EV, the extra folks can report any indicators of nefarious exercise. Park your automobile in a well-lit space to assist stop theft.

Use a lock: For those who can’t safe your automobile 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 degree of safety to place your thoughts comfortable whereas your automobile costs open air.