Electric vehicle charging operators are taking greater steps to prevent criminals from tampering with EV cables amid a surge in incidents.
The Cable Alarm is the first device of its kind in the UK, offering charge point operators a way to protect their charging infrastructure from criminals.
Cable theft has become a widespread issue across the country, with thieves targeting EV chargepoints to steal valuable copper wiring inside the cables.
Despite copper’s low resale value of around £4 per cable, each theft can cost operators up to £1,000 to replace and leaves drivers unable to charge their vehicles.
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The security devices are being rolled out at charging stations across the country
GETTY/EVOLT CHARGING
Osprey Charging has become the first CPO to trial the Cable Alarm system at selected locations across their network.
The Cable Alarm, manufactured by Circontrol, can be fitted to any DC charger within an hour, providing immediate protection against theft.
When a charging cable is cut or removed, the device instantly triggers an audible alarm and activates a flashing beacon.
The alarm duration is adjustable, with settings ranging from 10 minutes to two hours. It can also be integrated with existing notification and management systems.
Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director at Osprey, said: “Tackling the cable theft currently plaguing public charging hubs relies on collaboration between CPOs, hardware manufacturers and host landlords, all of whom are impacted if solutions are not found.
“Evolt’s new Cable Alarm is a welcome, proactive approach. Osprey have always been quick to trial new technology, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this innovation on the ground.”
The initiative represents a significant step forward in protecting charging infrastructure across the UK.
Data from Zapmap shows there are 73,699 public charging devices across the UK, with 1,105 installed at the tail end of 2024. Osprey Charging is the fourth largest rapid and ultra-rapid CPO with 1,210 devices.
Anne Buckingham, managing director at Evolt Charging, highlights the company’s commitment to addressing this growing concern.
She 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.”
Evolt Charging has pledged to work with police and relevant authorities to help deter these incidents in the future.
Despite the relatively low value of copper, it can cost around £1,000 for an operator to replace a charging unit
OSPREY CHARGING
The UK is on course to install the Government’s target of 300,000 chargers by the end of the decade, highlighting the need for greater security over the coming years.
