In a disturbing trend, thieves across the United States are increasingly targeting electric vehicle (EV) chargers to steal copper, causing significant disruptions to the EV charging infrastructure. This wave of vandalism has led to nearly one in five public charging attempts failing due to damaged or missing cables.

Widespread Impact

The issue is widespread, affecting various charging networks nationwide. Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint Holdings Inc., highlighted the severity of the problem, noting that the vandalism is "all over the country" and often involves cutting cords with simple tools like hacksaws¹. ChargePoint, which manages 65,000 charging cords, has seen a significant increase in such incidents this year.

Economic Motive

While some of the damage is random, much of it is driven by the high value of copper. This metal, essential for the functioning of EV chargers, has become a lucrative target for thieves. The problem is not unique to the U.S.; similar incidents have been reported in Europe, with UK charger operator Instavolt Ltd. warning of a crackdown on cord theft earlier this year.

Challenges for the EV Industry

The vandalism comes at a challenging time for the EV industry in the U.S., where sales of electric cars are struggling. A reliable charging network is crucial to alleviate drivers' range anxiety and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. However, the frequent damage to public charging stations undermines these efforts, making EVs seem less convenient and reliable.

Efforts to Combat Vandalism

Companies like Electrify America and FLO are grappling with the issue. Electrify America, which manages about 1,000 charging stations in North America, reported a sharp increase in vandalism, with 215 cords cut so far this year, up from 79 in the same period last year. FLO has also seen an uptick in vandalism, although it attributes most of the damage to accidents.

Looking Ahead

As the EV industry continues to grow, addressing the issue of vandalism and copper theft will be critical. Ensuring the security and reliability of charging infrastructure is essential for the broader adoption of electric vehicles and the transition to a more sustainable transportation system.