EV Charger Thefts Surge Across California, Driven by Copper Wire Demand
Thieves are increasingly targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout California and other cities, not for the charging units themselves, but for the valuable copper wire within, disrupting access to charging infrastructure and raising concerns about slowing EV adoption.
The thefts, which have impacted both public and workplace charging stations, range in cost from $650 to $700 for repairs to Level 2 chargers, to as much as $1,500 for DC fast chargers, according to Kameale C. Terry, CEO of ChargerHelp, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in EV charging station repair. “For level two, slower chargers, you’re seeing anywhere between $650 to $700 for the connector plus the labor. But then, when you start talking about DC fast chargers, it can go all the way up to $1,500,” Terry told KABC on Oct. 22. The problem extends beyond Los Angeles, with similar incidents reported in the UK, where anti-theft measures like ink-spraying cables are already being considered.
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed legislation aimed at curbing metal theft, requiring stricter identification protocols for sellers at recycling centers, including personal information, vehicle details, and proof of legal ownership. These new laws also place restrictions on what types of metal scrap buyers can legally accept, specifically targeting materials originating from EV chargers. This comes as California continues to push for increased EV sales, with a goal to phase out new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035 – a target that relies on a robust and reliable charging network. Matt Petersen, CEO of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, noted that even charging stations at his own offices have been targeted.
Officials are exploring a range of solutions, from increased enforcement and penalties to more robust cable designs and even wireless charging technology, though widespread adoption of the latter remains years away. ChargerHelp is working to improve station uptime and provide data on downtime, contributing to a better understanding of the problem and potential solutions. Further legislative action and innovative security measures are expected as authorities work to address this growing threat to the expanding EV infrastructure.
