EV cable theft - Can someone steal my charging cable?

Is charging cable theft a myth or a reality? We explore if it's something you should be worried about.

Despite the rising number of electric car owners, the increasing availability of public charging stations, and the growing mainstream acceptance of electric vehicles, some concerns about EV charging cables and their theft have persisted since the early days of the EV movement.

So, what’s the real story? Is cable theft a genuine concern, or just tabloid exaggeration?

Why would someone steal my EV charging cable?

Like any valuable item, unattended EV charging cables are increasingly seen by thieves as a quick way to make money on the second-hand market.

You may have also heard of thieves stealing EV charging cables for the copper inside. While it’s true that EV cables contain copper, the amount in a typical domestic AC charging cable (like the one found in an EV’s boot or attached to a tethered home charger) is minimal and not worth the effort it takes to strip the copper from the rest of the cable.

How secure are EV charging cables when they are charging my vehicle?

Public charging stations

When it comes to public charging, you’re generally safe. While rapid chargers have been targeted by thieves recently due to the large amount of copper wiring inside, it's unlikely that they will steal the cable whilst it's plugged into your electric vehicle.

However, slower public charge points that require you to use your own cable may be more vulnerable, as thieves could forcibly remove the cable. Even then, this is still relatively rare because most thieves are opportunistic, and dislodging a cable during an active charge is very risky.

The good news is that most public charging points are equipped with CCTV and are located in well-lit areas, deterring potential thieves. Additionally, the presence of other EV users at these locations provides an extra layer of protection.

Home charging

At home, your charging cable is typically locked into the vehicle’s charge socket during a charge, making it difficult to remove quickly. However, with enough determination and the right tools, theft is possible.

That said, cable theft from home chargers is still rare. Taking a few extra precautions, such as locating your charge point out of sight or keeping the cable discreetly stored, can further reduce the risk.

Will my car insurance provider cover my charging cable if it is stolen?

Many insurance companies are including cables in their policies, with everything from theft to accidental damage included.

Electric vehicles generally cost more to insure than conventional cars, but the reduced costs of running an electric vehicle should offset this.

Where is my cable likely to get stolen?

A thief will likely want to steal car cables when the car is left unattended, whether it is at home or at a public charging station

 It is also possible to be a victim of theft when leaving the boot unattended or the charging cable in full view of prying eyes on the back seat of the car.

How do I keep my charging cable safe at home?

Residentail charging cable theft is rare but here's some tips for the extra cautious drivers out there.

Never leave a cable connected to an untethered home charger

We know that it can be tempting to leave the cable connected to your charge point but we advise against this (unless you have an Easee One or Simpson and Partners Home 7).

Not only does it spoil the look and defeat the purpose of an untethered home charger but it also potentially invites thieves to steal your cable, as most of them don't lock onto a connected cable.

The exception to this rule is the Easee One and Simpson and Partners Home 7 due to their built-in cable locking functionality. Just make sure to enable the cable lock if you have one of these chargers however.

Have your home electric car charger installed in an inconspicous place

If you haven't had your home charger installed yet but are worried about the cable getting snatched or cut

If you haven't had your charger installed yet but are worried about but are worried about the cable getting snatched or cut, ask yourself, does your charger have to be installed on the front of your house? Could it be installed on the side or in a place where garden furniture might obstruct it from view?

Just make sure that your cable can reach your vehicle, especially if you're opting for a tethered EV charger.

Invest in CCTV cameras

Not only is CCTV good for catching thieves red handed but it can also serve as a good deterrent for anyone who's thinking about pinching your charging cable.

Get a motion-activated dashcam

Getting a dashcam can save you a lot of time and money in the event of an accident but did you know that some can even help you catch thieves.

Motion-activated dashcams. function a lot like your smart doorbell; they start recording when motion is detected.

Some cars even have motion activated cameras built in, like those from Tesla.

How do I keep my charging cable safe in public?

Electric car manufacturers are well aware of the risk of theft and have invested heavily in locking mechanisms but even so, there are some practical steps you can take if you want to be extra cautious about your charging cable.

Ensure the cable is securely connected

Before leaving your car to charge, double-check that the cable is properly inserted into both the vehicle and the charging unit. Some untethered public chargers may release the cable if a charging session hasn’t started successfully.

Choose a safe charging location

When using an untethered public charger, look for well-lit areas with CCTV. You can also check the charge point’s safety rating on platforms like ChargeSafe for added peace of mind.

Do not leave your car boot open unattended

Again, this might seem like an obvious thing to do, but it's easy to forget when shopping, while returning a trolley, or simply filling the car with children and other general life stuff. It takes less than a second for someone to reach into the back of the car and steal your charging cable.

Can I purchase any anti-theft devices for my charging cable?

There are several anti-theft padlocks on the market, ranging from key-based affairs to number locks and various options in between.

We reccomend researching the effectiveness of any of these products before purchasing