ChargePoint is taking steps to prevent vandalism at public electric vehicle charging stations by outfitting them with cut-resistant cables and alarm systems.
The company announced these new features, with cut-resistant cables being available for all commercial and fleet charging stations. ChargePoint also plans to license the design of these cables to other charging equipment manufacturers later this year. However, it is uncertain if existing stations can be retrofitted with the new cables.
Porsche Macan EV at ChargePoint charger
Existing owners of certain charging stations can opt to add the alarm system, which is a software-based feature utilizing the speakers and lights already present in compatible station models. This feature can be accessed through a free over-the-air software update and offers email or text messaging notifications if the alarm is activated.
Historically, EV charging cables have been targeted by copper thieves due to rising copper prices. These thefts result in costly repairs for charging station owners and a reduction in available chargers for EV drivers.
ChargePoint Omni Port
Implementing additional security measures and tamper-proof cables can help deter cable-cutting thieves. Moving towards higher-power 800-volt charging can also result in thinner cables, making them less attractive targets for theft. Some companies are working on innovative cooling methods to reduce cable bulk, potentially easing the financial burden of cable replacements due to theft or vandalism.
Another solution to cable cutting is the adoption of wireless charging technology. While wireless charging offers convenience for EV drivers, it has been slow to gain traction. WiTricity is currently the only company offering wireless charging in passenger vehicles outside of China, with the technology featured in the South Korean-market version of the Genesis GV60.