ChargePoint unveils "anti-vandalism" EV charger cables designed to deter copper thieves

The big picture: Copper is a valuable commodity, and some people are willing to go to great lengths to get their hands on it – even if it means cutting through cables designed to charge electric vehicles. This has caused significant headaches and unexpected costs for companies, not to mention leaving EV drivers stranded without a charge. In response, ChargePoint has decided enough is enough and is introducing new cut-resistant cables to tackle the problem.

The new cut-resistant cables incorporate advanced technology by weaving steel strategically through the wiring, making them far more difficult to cut.

ChargePoint's VP of product management, Steve Farrell, told The Verge that the cables underwent rigorous testing against tools like wire cutters, bolt cutters, and battery-powered devices. The results showed that the enhanced design significantly increased the time and effort needed to sever the cables.

Now, you might be wondering – won't steel-reinforced cables be rigid and hard to handle? ChargePoint assures drivers that the cables remain flexible and easy to maneuver, ensuring comfort and convenience during use.

ChargePoint plans to roll out the cut-resistant cables across its entire commercial and fleet charging lineup. In a bid to combat cable theft on a larger scale, the company is also open to licensing the design to other charger manufacturers, aiming to reduce cable theft industry-wide.

Complementing the cut-resistant cables is an integrated alarm system called ChargePoint Protect. This system leverages existing charger technology to provide a second line of defense against theft. It can detect tampering in real time, triggering flashing lights, warning messages on the charger screen, and loud alarms through built-in speakers. Owners can even receive SMS or email alerts when the alarm activates, enabling them to notify law enforcement quickly. ChargePoint assures that current customers can activate Protect on compatible stations via a free online software update.

Reports of cable vandalism have risen sharply in recent years, driven by the high resale value of copper wiring. According to J.D. Power, nearly one in five public charging attempts failed through June of last year, with approximately 10 percent of those failures caused by damaged or missing cables.

Interestingly, ChargePoint isn't the only company stepping up to tackle equipment theft in the electric mobility sector. For example, Bosch recently unveiled its new Battery Lock for eBikes, further underscoring the industry's focus on protecting critical components.