How to Protect Your Electric Vehicle Charging Cable from Theft

If you’re worried about electric vehicle charging cable security, read on for our top tips to keep your EV equipment safe from theft.

Electric vehicle car sales increased by over 75% in 2021, and there are an estimated 450,000 electric cars (EVs) on the road as of April 2022 in the UK, and more than 775,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Like all cars EVs and PHEVs come with accessories, the most important of which is the portable EV charging cable. These cables have, however, become highly vulnerable to theft. With this in mind, we’re taking a look at the best ways to protect these vital components.

The electric vehicle portable charging cable is required to connect the vehicle to the charging station. But these cables have become highly vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Some are secured only by a fragile locking mechanism, which can be easily unlocked, leaving the cable free for thieves to take.

Why EV chargers are attractive to thieves

EV car chargers are particularly attractive to thieves as they can be sold for up to £200 as scrap, due to their copper content. But some are also being sold as second hand chargers.

AA President Edmund King believes the increase in thefts is down to a rise in demand for second hand cables. He says, “There is growing concern that the theft of charging cables could become a new problem to run alongside catalytic converter theft. However, rather than sending them for scrap, there seems to be a growing used cable market through online sites.”

The AA says that damage or theft to charging cables is the greatest security concern faced by electric vehicle owners. Over two-thirds (69%) of 15,500 licence holders polled by the AA said they are worried about having charging leads tampered with or stolen when they are connected to public charging points.

EV charging cables are an expensive accessory to replace. A standard Type 2 BP Chargemaster cable for the likes of Audis, BMWs, Renaults and Peugeots for example retails for £149, whilst a Tesla branded Type 2 adapter will set you back £195. Others can cost in the region of £300.

No one wants this expense having just invested in an electric vehicle, which is why it’s vital to protect the cable.

Here are some tips for simple yet effective ways to secure your electric vehicle charging cable, either at public charging points, or when connected to your home EV charger.

Use a padlock

Padlocks have been used as security devices for decades. Even just the sight of one can act as a deterrent. This is probably the simplest way to secure an EV charging cable, and there are several ways you can approach it.

Firstly, you can purchase a chain, preferably with a plastic sleeve, and pass it through the charging cable and the spokes of the wheel. Then fit the padlock by passing it through the hole in the plastic sleeve, locking it to secure it.

Alternatively, you can use a long shackle padlock. Pass it directly through the hole in the cable’s plug, or into the trigger.

You could also buy a cord lock and use it together with a padlock to secure the cable. Use the pivots of the cord lock to secure the cable, then protect the cord lock with a padlock.

Our buyer’s guide to padlocks will help you choose the right model for your needs.

Charge your vehicle at home

Charging your electric or hybrid vehicle at home, wherever possible, is the ideal way to minimise theft of EV cables.

Installing your EV chargepoint in a garage or out of view of the street will help keep it out of sight of prying eyes. Security lighting will add a further layer of protection.

Install CCTV at home

If you’re opting to charge your electric vehicle at home, you may wish to consider installing CCTV.

Cameras installed in sight of the charging area will act as a deterrent to would-be thieves, plus their sensors will trigger the cameras into action should an unwanted visitor come onto the scene, alerting you via your smart device.

Use a car security safe

Some electric vehicle charging cables are being stolen from boots. To combat this, you can invest in a secure box to store your cable when not in use.

Car security safes come with either combination or key locks. Some feature a metal tether that you can use to fix the safe in place, further increasing your electric vehicle charging cable security.

Remove the charger from the boot overnight

The boot is the most obvious place to store your EV charging cable. However, it’s also the first place that thieves will look. So, instead of leaving the cable in your car overnight, take it out and keep it indoors.

Whilst this might appear something of an inconvenience, it’s worth it if you’re going to avoid having to pay out for an expensive replacement.

Looking for help with electric vehicle charging cable security?

From padlocks and car safety boxes to security lighting and CCTV, here at Barry Bros Security, we have everything you need to help protect your EV charging cable from theft and vandalism.

We have a knowledgeable team of experts on hand to provide the EV charging cable security advice you need, so please do not hesitate to get in touch, or visit our London showroom.