Copper is still profitable for thieves, enough that public EV charging cables are now targets, the report said. Related press.
Charging cables contain large amounts of copper, the price of which is currently at a record high. And charging station operators are reporting increasing cases of cable cutting and theft, according to the AP.
Two years ago, Electrify America noted cable cuts at one of its stations about every six months. According to the report, as of May this year, the number of reported cut cables had reached 129 – more than four times more than in all of 2023. At a charging station in Seattle, cables were cut six times during the year past, Electrify America executive vice president Anthony Lambkin told the AP.
Toyota bZ4X 2023 at EVgo charging station
After the report was shared by AP’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), Electrify America reposted it, adding that “cable theft in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry is on the rise.” The company said it is “committed to working with law enforcement to quickly resolve this matter.”
According to the AP report, Flo and EVgo also reported an increase in thefts, and Tesla charging stations were also attacked by copper thieves. Local police told the AP that at a Tesla station in the Houston area, thieves stole 18 of 19 charging cables.
Copper prices hit a record high of nearly $5.20 in late May (up about 25% from a year ago) and analysts expect further increases, according to AP. However, charging companies say there isn’t much copper in their cables — perhaps $15 to $20 per cable — and what metal is there can be difficult to separate. That metal reportedly ends up in scrapyards, where it’s often impossible to tell if it came from a vandalized charging cable.
Tesla charger
In many respects, it is for the same reason that hybrids become a target for thieves several years ago—because their catalytic converters include higher amounts of platinum, rhodium, and palladium to meet their frequent engine starting needs. Before that, Prius owners also had to worry about steal the battery yourself.
Charging station operators face frustrated electric vehicle drivers and huge repair bills. Minneapolis reportedly paid $1,000 to replace just one cable at city-owned charging stations after they were vandalized.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 2022 at Electrify America DC fast charging station
Currently, toll companies and police are taking a number of steps to guard against cable theft. According to reports, Electrify America is installing more security cameras and Houston police are spending more time combing scrap yards for stolen copper. But changes in technology can also help.
Higher capacity 800V charger meaning thinner cables without the same need for cooling, so at least at the charger and cable level it helps cut costs. Charging companies have been aiming to provide Faster charging without bulky cablesinvolves some innovative cooling methods. Wireless charging can also reduce the need for bulky but expensive copper cables.
