ChargePoint has unveiled new anti-theft technology for its public EV charging stations, including cut-resistant cables and alarm systems to combat copper theft.
The company’s patent-pending cable design incorporates strategic steel reinforcement for protection. Though bulkier than standard cables, ChargePoint says users won’t notice operational differences.
The reinforced cables can be installed on existing ChargePoint commercial and fleet stations, both AC and DC models. Testing validated their resistance against common theft tools including wire cutters, bolt cutters, and battery-powered equipment.
The company also launched “ChargePoint Protect” software that transforms charging stations into security devices. The system detects cable tampering in real-time, triggering alarms while sending alerts to station owners via text and email.
Cable theft has become a growing concern for charging networks. In the UK, replacing a single stolen cable costs operators up to £1,000.
UK charging provider Evolt has responded with its own Cable Alarm system, manufactured by Circontrol. The system installs on DC chargers within an hour and activates when cables are cut or removed, triggering an audible alarm and flashing beacon for 10 minutes to two hours.
The alarm integrates with existing security infrastructure and can connect to notification systems and site lighting.
Osprey has become the first UK charging network to test the Cable Alarm system across multiple locations.
“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,” said Osprey operations director Lewis Gardiner. “Evolt’s new Cable Alarm is a welcome, proactive approach. Osprey has always been quick to trial new technology, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this innovation on the ground.”
“The increase in EV cable theft is a real concern,” said Evolt managing director Anne Buckingham. “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.”
Buckingham added that charging point operators will need various security solutions based on different location requirements, noting positive early response to the Cable Alarm system.
