Can Evolt Charging’s new tech prevent public EV charger cable theft?

  • Turnkey EV charging provider, Evolt Charging, has introduced a new device to counter the rising occurrences of cable theft and vandalism on public EV chargers in the UK.
  • The deterrent comes in the form of a visual and audible cable alarm manufactured by Circontrol, that detects the cutting or removal of a charging cable before sounding the alarm.
  • Evolt Charging are now working with UK CPO Osprey Charging, who will be trialling the technology at a number of sites.

Evolt Charging shows off its anti-theft/vandalism EV charging solution

Whether out of pure vandalism or an attempt to harvest the relatively low value copper inside of EV charging cables, cable damage is becoming a concern to CPOs in the UK – and is an issue that is only likely to become more prevalent once the number of charge points in the country continues to grow. At an estimated replacement cost to the CPO of up to £1,000 per damaged cable, the cost of damage risks being forwarded to the end customer, highlighting the importance of a deterrent.

The alarm can be installed on a DC charger in as little as an hour, with opportunities to integrate the alarm into existing security that may already exist at the site, such as CCTV and lighting.

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Anne Buckingham, Managing Director at Evolt Charging, said:

“The increase in EV cable theft is a real concern. It is inconvenient and frustrating for EV drivers and costly for the chargepoint owners, so we need to be one-step ahead of the criminals. This is high on the agenda for CPOs who will require a combination of different tools and tactics depending on the different types of locations they need to protect. Their response to the new Cable Alarm is already encouraging.

We are fully behind Charge UK and its pledge to work with the police and relevant authorities to find solutions to help deter these incidents and are committed to supporting leading CPOs like Osprey with new solutions to tackle this growing problem.”

Other CPOs have also been making efforts to reduce the risk of charging cable theft. Back in October, Be.EV launched an ‘intelligent protection’ initiative at one of its charging hubs, including security features such as cables with unique DNA coatings for traceability after theft, while similar forensic protection has been put in place at some InstaVolt sites.

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