How do you stop an EV charging cable being stolen?
Lock the car while it charges, because most modern EVs lock the Type 2 plug into the charge port whenever the car is locked, and turn on the setting that keeps it locked after charging ends. At home, keep the cable in the boot or on a lockable wall hook when it is not in use. At a public post, add a padlock or chain through the plug if your car does not keep the connector locked.
Replacing a lost cable is expensive and leaves you unable to charge, so a few habits are worth the effort. The tips below cover home, work and public charging.
Like all cars, electric vehicles and PHEVs come with accessories and the most important of these has to be the portable EV charging cable.
This EV charging cable is required to connect the electric vehicle to the supply equipment (EVSE), the function of which is to supply electricity to recharge the vehicles. EVSE's are also known as EV charging stations, electric recharging points or just charging points and of course the whole system includes the charging cable itself. Whichever charging method you choose - whether you're using a public charging station, or opt for private charging - charging cables are highly vulnerable to theft and vandalism and the reporting of innumerable theft of cables in recent times is a testament to this. On many cars the plug is released as soon as charging finishes, which makes it easy for a thief to lift the cable from the charge port of a car like the Nissan Leaf if the lock setting is left off. Now you see it, now you don't. Cables are an expensive accessory to replace, and a dealer replacement usually costs far more than a Type 2 charging cable bought direct. No motorists need that kind of unjustified expense these days, so it's better to protect the cable from the outset than to regret it later. As a handy guide here are some tips for easy and effective ways to secure your electric cable at public charging points or near your home EV charger.
EV Cable Shop's top tips for protecting your EV Charging Cable from theft:
A Padlock:
The padlock as a security device has been around forever and there's a good reason for that. Just the sight of one should deter all but the most determined thief. It's possibly the easiest method of securing ev charging cables and there are several ways to go about it.
- Buy a plastic sleeved chain and pass it around the EV charging cables and the spokes of the wheel; then fit the padlock by passing it through the hole in the plastic sleeve and one end link of the chain, lock it and secure the cable.
- Use a long shackle padlock and pass it through the hole in the cable's plug or in the trigger (many Type 1 connectors have a hole for this) and protect it from the people with malicious intentions.
- Pass a bight loop of the EV charging cable through the padlock and spokes of the front wheel and simply close the padlock.
- Buy a cord lock and use it in combination with a padlock to secure the cable. Use the pivots of the cord lock to secure the cable and then protect the cord lock from stealing with a padlock.
Use your car's cable lock:
Most electric cars lock the Type 2 connector into the charge port while the car is locked. Many, including the Nissan Leaf, Tesla models and the Volkswagen ID range, also have a setting that keeps the connector locked after charging has finished, so the cable cannot be pulled out until you unlock the car. Check your car's charging menu or handbook and switch it on. It costs nothing and it is the single best defence at a public post.
Park on the Cable:
Routine EV charging at home will mostly take care of everyday use but sometimes drivers can get caught out and it is necessary to charge at a public charging point.
Without the added security of cable locking devices, the easiest way to protect the EVSE is to park the car on the cable. Before plugging in, lay the cable on the ground and roll the car forward so that a front or rear wheel is actually on the cable, leave a little slack and get on with the day while the car is charging. This is an emergency procedure so don't make a habit of parking on the cable as this could potentially cause damage to the ev charging cable over time. As a serious option though, enterprising owners source a cable protector (the type used by professional trades people to protect pedestrians against trip hazards when passing extensions leads across pavements), and cut it into sections then simply put the cable beneath it before parking your car on it. A great idea as the protector can be kept to hand and used anywhere whilst public charging. If a thief is absolutely determined to steal a cable at all costs it is hard to defend against it, just as it is with car theft. For the most part though, these straightforward ideas will ward off opportunistic stealing.
All-around security for your EV charging cable
We looked at the things that can be done to minimise the risk of cable theft but what happens when the cable is not in use and left unattended? The simplest course of action is, rather than just leaving them loose at charging stations, to introduce a means that both keeps the cable tidy and secure. A form of wall holder would be ideal for your vehicle charger. There are various very affordable types, like rolling up a hose reel, or ‘dock and hook' variations which in addition to keeping the cable neatly stowed, can also be secured by some means; a simple chain and padlock should suffice.EV charging cable theft FAQs
Can someone unplug my charging cable while my car is charging?
Not on most modern EVs. The car locks the Type 2 connector into the charge port while the car is locked, and most public posts with a socket lock their end of the cable for the whole session. The risky moment is after charging ends, if your car releases the plug automatically. Check your car's settings for an option to keep the connector locked.
Where should I keep my charging cable when I am not using it?
In the boot, in a cable bag, out of sight. A cable left coiled on a drive or hung on an open hook is the easiest target. At home a wall bracket with a padlock keeps it tidy and secure.
Does parking on the cable stop it being stolen?
It works as a short term fix at a public post, but do not make a habit of it. Driving onto a cable can crush the conductors over time, which is a safety risk as well as a cost.
Can I use an extension lead so the cable stays in the boot?
No. Never charge through a household extension lead or cable reel, whatever the reason. The join is where heat builds up. Use one continuous cable that is long enough for the job, such as a 10m or 15m lead.
Shop electric vehicle charging cables at EV Cable Shop, a trusted UK EV cable supplier
Electric cars are becoming more and more common, so choosing the right ev charging cable is essential. So, shop with confidence at EV Cable Shop. Take a look at our vast range online. Different ev charging cables are suited to different electric cars. So to make your life easier, you can shop by car type, cable type and even cable size - we have a whole variety of cables available so you'll be sure to find the perfect fit. Additionally, you can find handy cable bags and accessories, to make sure your charging setup is well-equipped. If you're not sure which type of ev charging cable you're looking for, simply get in touch with our experts today to discuss your requirements.
