EV charger vandalism is on the rise across the US. Thieves are targeting the copper wiring in charging stations, causing major problems for both charging station owners and electric vehicle drivers.
In recent months, Tesla Superchargers in Houston and the Bay Area have been hit particularly hard. Vandals have severed charging cords at multiple locations, leaving drivers stranded and forcing repairs that cost thousands of dollars.
This isn’t just a Tesla problem. Brand new charging stations in Washington state have been targeted twice since opening this year, causing frustration for the property owner, who is now planning to install security cameras and brighter lights.
While EV chargers are a new target, wire theft is nothing new. Thieves steal copper wiring from all sorts of places, from street lights to phone lines. This is a nationwide problem that costs cities and states millions of dollars every year.
