The Growing Threat to Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
A recent report has highlighted a troubling trend of theft and vandalism targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the UK. According to data gathered from police forces, over 200 attacks on EV chargers have been recorded, resulting in millions of pounds in damages. Charge point operator (CPO) Allego UK, which commissioned the research, warns that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The company is urging the creation of a cross-collaborative “EV taskforce” to explore better ways to protect these essential infrastructure assets.
Allego UK highlights that many incidents go unreported, with 40% of surveyed police forces unable to provide relevant data or lacking records. This lack of information makes it difficult to fully understand the scale of the problem. As the EV network continues to expand, so does the risk of criminal activity, making proactive measures crucial for the industry’s success.
The report aligns with insights shared by InstaVolt, one of the leading charging operators in the UK. InstaVolt revealed a surge in charging cable thefts, forcing operators to implement advanced security measures to safeguard their networks and maintain driver confidence.
Paz Sharma, managing director of Allego UK, has joined growing calls for EV chargers to be recognized as critical infrastructure. He emphasizes the need for harsher penalties for those targeting these sites. His proposal for an “EV taskforce” would bring together government, industry, law enforcement, and political groups to develop strategies for better protection.
Sharma also stresses the importance of the industry in alerting authorities to criminal activities. He has written to both the Home Office and the National Police Chief’s Council, advocating for a virtual hotline for reporting EV-related crimes.
He said: “While we are far from crisis mode, this research is a warning sign that action needs to be taken to bring EV criminals to book.”
Earlier this week, The Telegraph reported a rise in charging cable thefts, with operator Evyve claiming that around 100 chargers had been targeted in the last 12 months—equivalent to a third of its entire UK network. Osprey also reported that one in ten of its chargers were out of action during the summer due to cable thefts.
Thieves are increasingly targeting cables because of the soaring price of copper. Copper prices rose by 3.7% between September and October, driven by global supply constraints following production losses at Indonesia’s Grasberg mine.
How InstaVolt is Tackling Cable Crime
InstaVolt, Britain’s largest rapid charging network, has spoken extensively about the issue. The company has implemented rigorous security measures to stay ahead of organized crime and ensure that driver confidence remains intact.
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, emphasized the importance of replacing damaged cables within 24 hours to avoid disrupting the user experience. “The last thing we want is for drivers to lose confidence in the charging infrastructure,” he said.
InstaVolt has adopted a three-step approach to combat cable theft:
First, the company introduced a patent-pending EV cable protection system called CableGuard. This sheath encases the cable and is forensically traceable, adding a critical layer of security without affecting the driver experience.
Second, InstaVolt has deployed 24/7 AI-powered CCTV systems capable of identifying suspicious activity in real time. These systems are supported by regular security patrols to deter potential thieves.
Third, the company is rolling out real-time live tracking GPS technology called Trackit247. This system provides updates every three seconds, allowing InstaVolt to not only deter theft but also work with police to trace and recover stolen cables and apprehend offenders.
Delvin warned that the situation is serious and cannot continue as it is. While InstaVolt can manage the burden due to its commercial profitability and economies of scale, many other CPOs are struggling to balance network expansion with the cost of replacing stolen cables.
“This is a shame for competition and for network diversity,” Delvin added.
InstaVolt now believes that the theft of charging cables is no longer opportunistic but rather organized crime. With copper prices rising due to shortages, the financial incentive for thieves is clear. Although each stolen cable may fetch only £25, the cost to CPOs is disproportionately high. For InstaVolt, replacing each cable costs £1,000, with additional prevention costs of £400 for CableGuard alone.
Regional Hotspots for Cable Theft
Delvin provided insight into the areas most affected by cable theft. South Yorkshire was the worst-hit, with 171 cables stolen in the last 12 months, followed closely by the West Midlands with 161. Nottinghamshire saw exactly 100 cables taken, while Cleveland reported 80. West Mercia was fifth with 70 stolen cables.
These figures reflect the findings of Allego UK’s FOI research, which identified Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire as the most affected areas, with over 100 reported cases of vandalism since 2022.
Industry Collaboration to Combat EV Crime
In addition to Allego’s call for an EV taskforce, InstaVolt is actively collaborating with other transport players. The company shares its experience, intelligence, and data with organizations like Network Rail and communicates with the National Police and Crime Commissioner.
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, emphasized the urgency of the issue. “Cable theft has swiftly become one of the most pressing issues facing the EV charging sector,” she said. “It creates a costly distraction to the nationwide rollout and ultimately impacts drivers.”
ChargeUK is working with members to share best practices and engage law enforcement agencies. Read stressed that a collaborative response involving the industry, police, and the Home Office is essential to tackle this growing problem.
Impact on EV Uptake
The UK government is accelerating the adoption of EVs through various initiatives, including a nearly £70 million package to support accessibility and relaxed planning rules for charge points. In September, the country recorded its highest-ever monthly number of pure battery EV sales, with nearly 73,000 units sold.
However, damage caused by crime can leave chargers out of service, frustrating drivers and eroding confidence in the network. If left unchecked, experts warn that this could slow the transition to electric vehicles and undermine the very investments designed to support it.
Delvin Lane reiterated that “this is ultimately UK critical infrastructure,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining driver confidence.