If you’ve ever used a fast charger, you know that the cables are quite thick. The conductive material is copper and that is worth money. Crooks make money by cutting and selling such a cable a few tens per cable.
Copper thieves in Europe
Ionity, one of the leading operators of fast chargers, has seen a noticeable increase in the number of incidents. “Across Europe, the total number of thefts this year is around a hundred. Previous years, between 2022 and 2024, only a handful of cases were reported.”
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Although the copper thieves only earn a small amount per fast charger, the costs for the providers of the charging stations are enormous. “One cable theft costs us between 2,500 and 5,000 euros,” explains an Ionity spokesperson. That is not the only cost item. The companies now have to have cables in stock and it usually takes a few days before a fast charger is back online. The temporary non-functioning of a charging station also affects consumer confidence in electric driving and operators. You would arrive with an almost empty battery at a fast charger without a cable.
The theft ultimately results in a higher price per kWh at the fast charger. Just like at the theft of traffic signsso you are ultimately the victim.
Also in the Netherlands
Copper thieves are also active in the Netherlands and steal cables from fast chargers, although this is much less common in our country. Bee Fastned Since the beginning of 2024, approximately ten charging cables have been stolen across the country. Those cables were usually replaced and working within 24 hours.
This is how the copper thieves work
Cutting the cables, which supply up to 400 kW (800 volts), is not without risks. There is power and it is only automatically disconnected when a break is detected. Fastned indicates that criminals simply cut or saw the cables.
Special cables against copper thieves
Several operators have now started taking measures against copper thieves. For example, color patterns have been placed in cables that burst open as soon as they are cut. This leaves visible traces on the cables as well as the perpetrators themselves. Investments are also being made in security: cameras, alarms and lighting.