Just wait until they put copper depositories in public parking lots and on the streets
/
replacing a stolen hydrant:”hundreds stolen in recent years”
But that’s nothing, compared to what’s coming; scrap copper is currently going for $3.33 a pound
And this, from Blink, a supplier of EV charging stations:
Cutting the Cord: The Shocking Reality of EV Charger Vandalism
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been steadily gaining traction in the automotive industry, promising a cleaner and more sustainable future. However, as the EV market expands, a concerning issue has arisen – the theft and vandalism of EV charging cables, primarily for their valuable copper content. This blog explores the growing problem of copper theft from EV chargers and the steps being taken at Blink Mobility to protect its charging infrastructure.
The Copper Connection
Copper is a highly sought-after metal with a long history of industrial use. It’s a critical component of EV charging cables due to its excellent conductivity, making it ideal for efficiently transferring electrical power. The price of copper on the global market has been rising, which, unfortunately, has attracted unwanted attention from thieves and vandals.
The Appeal of Copper Theft
The motives behind the theft of charging cables, particularly for their copper content, can be multifaceted:
Copper Market: The rise in copper prices has turned these cables into valuable commodities on the black market, enticing criminals looking for quick financial gain.
Easy Targets: Charging stations are often located in parking lots or public spaces, like Blink Mobility, making them accessible to thieves who can quickly cut and steal the cables.
Low Risk: Thieves may perceive this type of theft as low-risk, as it often occurs in less crowded areas with minimal surveillance.
Environmental Impact: Ironically, the theft of EV charging cables poses an environmental threat by disrupting the growth of electric mobility, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Consequences of Copper Theft
The consequences of copper theft from charging cables are far-reaching:
Charging Station Downtime: Vandalized charging cables render charging stations unusable, causing inconvenience and frustration for EV owners and Blink Mobility’s car sharing members. Fewer chargers available means lower battery levels for our car sharing members and sometimes even fewer cars available if there isn’t a place to charge the EV.
Financial Implications: Repairing or replacing damaged cables is costly, diverting funds from expanding charging networks or leading to higher charging fees. For the copper value of a few dollars, vandals are causing thousands in EV charger repairs.
Environmental Setbacks: Copper theft hinders efforts to promote clean energy and sustainable transportation, obstructing the reduction of carbon emissions.
Negative Public Image: News stories about charger vandalism create a negative image of the EV community and discourage potential adopters.