ChargePoint, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has introduced two groundbreaking measures to combat the growing issue of charger vandalism and theft. The company’s new innovations include cut-resistant charging cables and an integrated alarm system called ChargePoint Protect.
The theft of charging cables, often targeted for their valuable copper wiring, has plagued the EV infrastructure in the U.S., with vandalism affecting about 20% of charging stations in 2023. ChargePoint’s new cut-resistant cables aim to deter theft by being substantially harder to cut, while still maintaining the flexibility required for user convenience. Initially available for commercial and fleet chargers, this technology will soon be licensed to other charging station manufacturers, expanding its reach.
ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer emphasized the company’s proactive approach, stating, “We do not view ourselves as victims of vandalism but rather responsible for solving it, not only for our customers but for the industry.”
In addition to the cables, the ChargePoint Protect system uses real-time tampering detection to safeguard charging stations. This alarm system leverages the station’s existing hardware, including screens, lights, and speakers, to create an effective deterrent. It also sends instant notifications via text or email to customers when tampering is detected. ChargePoint will roll out this feature as a cloud-based software upgrade for select models at no additional cost.
As EV adoption grows, the integrity of the charging infrastructure is increasingly critical. ChargePoint’s innovations represent a significant step forward in addressing vandalism, ensuring charging stations remain functional and reliable for all users.
These measures not only enhance security but also set a new standard for resilience in EV infrastructure, paving the way for a more sustainable and secure charging network.
