Reports of stolen charging cables are still rare, but as charging cables become more popular in the second hand market and the cost of the cables remain high, EV cables may become a more attractive proposition to thieves. So it is useful to be aware of the risks when leaving your vehicle unattended while it is charging, which is most of the time.
Most EV’s have a system that locks the the plug in place as the car is charging and as long as the vehicle is locked then it is difficult for the cable to be removed. However, some EV’s are better at this than others and there have been reports of colder weather making the locking protection more fragile for some vehicles.
There are additional preventative measures that can be employed and below are a few ways in which EV owners are tackling the problem…
DISABLING THE RELEASE OF THE CABLE AFTER CHARGING HAS ENDED
Some charging points allow the locking solenoid in the plug that it is connected to the Type 2 socket of the charging point to be released once charging has ended. This is a consideration for other EV drivers who can then use the charging point, but it leaves your cable hanging free, which may be a temptation to would-be thieves. The charging stations usually have apps that can be downloaded so it is always a good idea to check if such a setting exists and whether it is enabled by default.
RUNNING THE CABLE FROM A GARAGE
If you are lucky enough to have a garage, some owners have been using their garage door to secure the cable and using cable covers to protect the cable from being damaged. This YouTube video here (the link will go to a YouTube page) provides a good visual description of how it can be achieved – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7LON4gfBRE.
PADLOCKING THE PLUG OR CABLE
A simple cheap padlock could be your answer to deter criminals. For the Type 1 vehicle socket this could involve using a shackle padlock to fasten through the hole under the plugs release button, thus preventing the Type 1 plug from being disengaged during or after charging. A 25mm padlock with dimensions close to 25mm x 26mm x 11mm will usually suffice.
Or we have seen drivers use a padlock with a cable/chain to attach the charging cable to street furniture, anchor loops, or through the gaps in wheel spokes. There are also a growing number of products now entering the market that are designed specifically for EV charging cables. A search for “anti-theft protection for charging cables” should help you find some.
CCTV
Leaving your car on your drive way or when your out and about in a visible busy spot will deter thieves from pinching your cable. If you charge your vehicle from home then CCTV cameras are becoming more affordable and offer an effective deterrent if the camera is visible. Similarly a front/rear dash cam would capture any culprit getting too close.
PARKING ON THE CABLE
We don’t condone parking on your expensive EV charging cable as it is an accident in the making, but owners have been using floor cable protectors to cover the cable and then and parking on that. This may be an affordable option, but here are safer ways to protect your cable.
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