Protect your EV charger from theft or damage.
If you've bought a home charger for your electric vehicle (EV), you'll understandably want to keep it safe. We break down everything you need to know about protecting your 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:
1Install a safety barrier.
A physical barrier such as a post, bollard or guard can help protect your charger. You can install one yourself if you feel confident, or ask a professional for help. As well as preventing accidental damage from people or cars, some barriers can also be weather-resistant.
2Attach a cable protector.
You can place a cable protector around your EV cable to protect it when charging on a pavement or path.
3Use a wheel stop.
Similarly to a safety barrier, a wheel stop can reduce the risk of parking accidents that could damage your charger.
4Store your charging cables safely.
If your charging cables can be removed, keep them in a secure box or store them inside overnight.
Frequently asked questions
How do I protect my EV charger from theft?
To prevent someone stealing your EV charger, you can:
- Use traditional padlocks or smart socketed chargers with a cable lock feature such as a PIN code.
- Install your charger in a garage (if you have one) so it's hidden from view.
- Install security cameras or outdoor lighting to deter thieves.
- Choose a tethered home EV charger where the cable is permanently attached so it's harder to steal.
How do I stop people from using my EV charger?
You can set a charging schedule for your home charger, which prevents people from using it outside of your chosen hours. You can also use a traditional lock or smart socketed charger to stop people accessing your charger when you're not around.
If you have an untethered home charger (where the cable can be removed), then remember to bring your cables inside with you when you're not charging your EV.
Does my home insurance cover EV charger theft or damage?
Whether your home insurance covers damage or theft to your EV charger depends on your policy and the insurer. Some home insurance policies may cover an EV charging point, but others may not. Some specialist electric car insurance providers cover charging cables, adaptors, and charging points, but you'll need to look into each individual policy.
If you have building insurance, then this can cover damage to items that are permanently connected to your home, such as a fixed EV home charger.
If you're unsure, you can speak with a financial advisor about your specific circumstances. You can also contact your insurance provider to discuss your current cover, amend your policy, and ensure your policy covers new risks.
What are the latest tech developments in EV charger security?
There are a number of different innovations that can help you keep your EV charging cable safe. For example, you could use a smart socketed charger, which can be locked using a smartphone app or PIN code, preventing anyone else from accessing it. Smart charging also lets you remotely monitor and control your charging, so no-one can use your cable when you're not around.
Wireless charging trials for EVs are also taking place, which would remove the need for cables all together. For example, the Wireless Charging of Electric Taxis (WiCET) project launched in Nottingham with a £3.4 million government grant. While these trials are still at an early stage, they could improve EV security in the long term by cutting down on the need for loose accessories.
If you'd rather not have your own EV charger because you're concerned about theft, then the good news is the number of public charging points in the UK is set to increase tenfold. The government is investing £1.6 billion to expand the UK charging network - with around 300,000 public chargers expected to be available by 2030.
Public charging stations are also developing their own innovative security measures to protect against theft. For example, Be.EV has introduced SelectaDNA coated cables in its charging hub. These cables are coated with a unique DNA marker, helping the police trace the origin of stolen cables and link them to specific criminal activities. This is in addition to CCTV and real-time alerts to police in case criminal activity is detected at the hub.