A new cable alarm has been introduced by Evolt Charging in response to rising incidents of EV charger cable theft and vandalism.
The product is one of the first devices to be used in the UK and will give Charge Point Operators (CPOs) an effective way of protecting their assets, keeping their charging infrastructure secure and available for drivers to use, the firm said.
It comes as cable theft has become a widespread challenge for CPOs, as reported in T+E recently, with increasing reports of criminals targeting EV charge points for the copper wiring within the cables.
Despite the copper’s comparatively low resale value, each stolen cable can cost the CPO up to £1,000 to replace and cause inconvenience for drivers.
Osprey Charging is working with Evolt Charging to trial the cable alarm, manufactured by Circontrol, at a selection of key sites. It can be installed on any of their DC chargers within an hour, and detects when a charger cable has been cut or removed, immediately activating an audible alarm and flashing beacon.
The alarm can be set to continue for a pre-determined period, ranging from anywhere between 10 minutes and two hours. The device can also be integrated with notification and management systems, as well as existing security systems and site lighting to add a further layer of protection on site.
Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director at Osprey, said:
“Tackling the cable theft currently plaguing public charging hubs relies on collaboration between CPOs, hardware manufacturers and host landlords, all of whom are impacted if solutions are not found. Evolt’s new Cable Alarm is a welcome, proactive approach. Osprey have always been quick to trial new technology, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this innovation on the ground.”
Anne Buckingham, Managing Director at Evolt Charging, said:
“The increase in EV cable theft is a real concern. It is inconvenient and frustrating for EV drivers and costly for the chargepoint owners, so we need to be one-step ahead of the criminals. This is high on the agenda for CPOs who will require a combination of different tools and tactics depending on the different types of locations they need to protect. Their response to the new Cable Alarm is already encouraging.
“We are fully behind ChargeUK and its pledge to work with the police and relevant authorities to find solutions to help deter these incidents and are committed to supporting leading CPOs like Osprey with new solutions to tackle this growing problem.”
Image courtesy of Evolt Charging
