Protect your EV charger from theft or damage.

Why are EV chargers and cables targeted for theft?

EV charging cables contain copper conductors. Copper is a valuable material - the price has been increasing in recent years. Thieves may target EV charging cables so they can strip and re-sell the copper. However, these cables only contain a very small amount of copper so thieves are likely to be disappointed.

People who are concerned about theft may be put off from switching to electric cars. But don’t worry - there are a number of steps you can take to protect your charger while enjoying all the benefits that EVs have to offer.

Choose a safe spot.

Many EV owners charge their vehicles in areas like driveways which are easy for thieves to see. So if you have a garage, it can be safer to install a home charger there, away from view. If you don’t have a garage, then you should still aim to install your charger in a more private part of your driveway, where it can’t be seen from the street.

Safeguard your cables using locks.

A regular padlock is a simple and affordable way to keep your charging cable safe. Some EVs have a specific loop made for securing your charging cable to your car using a small padlock. Otherwise, you can loop the cable through the spokes of one of the car wheels and secure it with a padlock.

You could also use a smart socketed charger, which can be locked using a smartphone app or PIN code, preventing anyone else from accessing it.

Use tethered chargers.

A tethered EV charger has a cable permanently attached to it, so you don't need to find and connect a separate cable each time you want to charge your EV. As the cable is permanently attached to the charger, it can be harder for thieves to remove - helping to keep it safe.

Install surveillance cameras and motion sensors.

Installing a dashcam (a small camera that records what's happening on the road) on the front or rear of your car can help deter thieves from stealing your EV charger. Some dashcam models come with a ‘parking mode’ feature that starts recording when motion is detected.

As many home chargers are used in driveways, installing CCTV and outdoor lighting outside your home can also provide an extra layer of protection against theft. Even a video doorbell (a doorbell with a built-in camera) with motion sensor detectors can help to monitor your car. Just remember to make sure these cameras only record your own property.

These forms of surveillance can help to keep thieves away from your home. And if a theft does still occur, CCTV footage can provide useful evidence for the police to identify and prosecute the perpetrator. This footage can also help you make an insurance claim and spot where to increase security in the future.

Keep your EV safe when charging away from home.

You should also make sure your EV is secure when charging on the road. Choosing public charging stations in safe, well-lit and busy areas can help deter potential criminals and provide added security for both you and your vehicle. Remember to stay with your EV while it’s charging so you can keep an eye on the vehicle and charging cable (if you’re using your own).

What to do if your EV charger is stolen.

Unfortunately, even if you take all possible steps, theft can still happen. If it does, you should report it to the police. You should also make sure that your insurance covers EV charging cables for theft and accidental damage, so you can make a claim if necessary.

Community initiatives to help combat EV charger theft.

If you’re an EV owner, we’d also recommend joining a local EV community (you can find one online). They’re a useful forum for exchanging tips and advice on how to keep your EV accessories safe, as well as finding the best insurance providers for EVs.

These online communities can also offer support if you do have an EV charger stolen. For example, your neighbours can help you find a nearby public charging point or let you borrow theirs for a period of time.

Protect your EV charger from damage.

As well as keeping your EV charger safe from theft, it’s important to protect it from damage. Damage can happen from exposure to weather like extreme heat or cold, or accidents from pedestrians or vehicles. There are steps you can take to prevent damage happening to it:

Frequently asked questions.