The expansion of electric vehicle adoption has accelerated in the last few years, and this change in transportation has raised challenges for EV charging providers. The main concern is the need to grow charging infrastructure across the country. In addition to making charging stations accessible to all EV drivers in convenient locations, another big challenge for the industry is dealing with acts of vandalism to EV charger property, including an increase in cable theft. Although experts are mixed on the reasons behind the vandalism, all agree it’s a genuine problem that needs immediate attention. The high value of copper wiring used in charging cables has made them a frequent target for thieves, further complicating the issue.
With EVs becoming more popular every day, new EV infrastructure, such as charging stations, are being expanded. So, it’s important to understand the challenges electric vehicle charging operators are facing that affect EV drivers. For instance, charging cords are being cut off at charge ports across the country.
A New Challenge for EV Adoption
Incidents of EV vandalism, car thefts, and robbery of charging cables have begun to pop up across the nation. And drivers are expressing their dismay in online communities and manufacturer websites. For example, charging cords are being found cut, making the charge port useless. This causes significant inconvenience and stress for EV owners, who must search for a working charger. Sometimes, even at charging stations that have been open only a few days. Vandalism and theft of charging cables in parking lots across various cities and states are becoming increasingly common.
A brand-new Tesla Supercharging station in Oakhurst, CA was hit in February. The new station opened with 8 brand new high-speed V3 Supercharger stalls. In each one, the cable was purposely cut off as close to the base as possible. The vandals acted while no one was there. And though Teslas’ come with a built-in dashcam and Sentry Mode security, so far no one has come forward with evidence. The same thing happened in Cincinnati at the Oakley Meijer in May. Twice in one week, vandals cut the charging cords close to the base. Which left drivers who came to charge their vehicles confused and angry. Moreover, a month ago a California charger located at a non-profit organization was vandalized on Earth Day. Further showing that these acts are sadly intentional offenses.
Why are Electric Vehicle Charging Cables Being Vandalized?
The number one theory is that station vandalism, including the theft of copper inside the cords, renders charging stations unusable and hinders efforts to reduce carbon emissions in electric vehicles. Aaron Cunningham, owner of EVentures Rentals said, “There are cable thefts [in Cincinnati] it’s most likely a copper thief trying to make a quick buck on the cabling.” According to CopperAlliance.org, charging cords contain 0.7 kg of copper (for a 3.3 kW charger). Or 8 kg (for a 200-kW charger), between 1.5 and 2 pounds per cord. Copper has been fluctuating between $4.50 and $3.74 per pound. Which equals about $7.65 per charge point, a pay day of over $60 plus for each charging station hit.
The push for more copper wiring in electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions has increased the value of copper, making it a target for theft. Vandals can make hundreds of dollars a week depending on how many stations they hit. With inflation and the price of gas reaching all-time highs, more EVs are expected on the road. Which means requiring more charging stations to support EV drivers. However, this more demand could represent more desperate people and more opportunities to steal.
Another Reason for the Damage? Cable Theft
Unfortunately, these acts could also be due to plain meanness. A couple reported having the cord they used to charge their Chevy Bolt cut. And they believe their angry neighbor was “trying further damage them to send a message.” Some vandals have even stuffed raw meat into chargers to destroy them!
Private companies have different approaches to dealing with vandalism, such as refusing to repair damaged chargers or taking actions like replacing cables to get vandalized stations back online quickly.
The question remains – who could be responsible for these hate crimes? For example, there are many people who rely on gas and coal industries for their employment and might feel threatened. Also, those who dislike environmentalists, or the new sustainability practices being promoted. Finally, it could be those who dislike the Tesla Corporation and stand against EVs. This is the main suspected reason behind vandalism in California. Cunningham states, “In California, it looked more like an act of vandalism. They didn’t cut the entire cable off like you would if you were to sell the copper. They cut it right in the center, probably because they just don’t like Tesla.”
As the EV market continues to grow, it faces challenges such as theft and vandalism of charging cables. While reasons may vary, we need to increase awareness to stop vandalism soon. So far, charging stations rarely have video security and are almost never staffed, but all that may change soon as consumer anger and owner financial losses mount in the face of the charging cable and cord vandalism. The installation of security cameras at charging stations is being considered as a measure to deter vandalism and theft, and to aid law enforcement in identifying and apprehending the thieves. Drivers and taxpayers are ultimately harmed by these acts, as they bear the costs of repairs and replacements.
The Importance of Caring for Charging Stations for EV Drivers
First, we must understand that the future of green technology is not only healthier for the planet and its residents, but more high-tech than old, higher polluting options. Efforts to expand and secure charging infrastructure are crucial in supporting the shift towards sustainable transportation options. Electric vehicles represent a switch to clean energy in the transportation industry. Promoting EV adoption and maintaining EV charging stations in urban areas is key for our communities to fight climate change.
Moreover, some of the effects of pollution, such as depleting the ozone layer, affect both environmental and human health. Emissions from traditional gas-powered vehicles cause air pollution. Which causes acid rain, kills crops, animals, and is often the result of the destruction of forest land. EVs are better for the environment, they produce no tailpipe emissions or air pollutants. This is the reason we must advocate for electric transportation and keep our charging stations safe. The Washington State Department has been actively addressing and mitigating the issue of vandalism and theft at charging stations. Companies like Electrify America are actively addressing vandalism and theft at charging stations to ensure their reliability. We must work together to have charging companies and educate local communities about EVs and their long-term benefits to our neighborhoods.
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