In a troubling trend across the country, thieves have been targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to steal copper wiring from charging cables. The rising price of copper on global markets has made these thefts increasingly lucrative for criminals.
These stolen cables not only result in financial losses for charging companies but also inconvenience EV owners who rely on these stations for charging their vehicles. The disabled stations force EV drivers to search for alternative charging points, adding stress and frustration to their journeys.
This surge in cable thefts poses a significant challenge for U.S. automakers striving to transition more Americans to EVs amid concerns about charging infrastructure. Public skepticism about the availability and reliability of charging stations could deter potential buyers from making the switch to electric vehicles.
Major automakers like Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors have made substantial investments in EV production, aiming to increase the adoption of electric vehicles in the coming years. However, the recent spate of cable thefts threatens to undermine their efforts to persuade consumers to embrace EV technology.
Charging companies such as Electrify America, Flo, and EVgo have reported a notable increase in thefts at their stations, with locations in various states being targeted. Even Tesla, with the largest fast-charging network in the U.S., has not been immune to these thefts.
Law enforcement agencies are investigating these incidents, and charging companies are implementing security measures to combat the thefts. However, the challenge lies in identifying stolen metal from charging cables, as thieves often strip the insulation before selling the copper strands to scrap yards.
EV owners are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near charging stations to the authorities. As the industry grapples with this issue, efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and safeguard the integrity of EV charging infrastructure.
