Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is facing a new threat: the theft of copper from public fast-charging cables. This growing problem, already widespread in the US, UK, and Europe, is driven by rising copper prices and opportunistic thieves exploiting vulnerabilities in charging networks.
The Rising Cost of Copper Fuels Theft
The price of copper in Australia has jumped by approximately 24% this year, following a 29% increase in 2023. Recyclers now pay $9–$13 per kilogram for copper, creating a financial incentive for theft. Cables from EV chargers are becoming prime targets, as thieves can on-sell the metal for profit.
Recent Incidents and Trends
This week alone, at least four Chargefox rapid chargers in Cranbourne, Victoria, were vandalized, with their cables stolen. Simultaneously, six Tesla Superchargers in Norwood, South Australia, were similarly targeted. This surge aligns with broader increases in vehicle theft and vandalism in Victoria, up nearly 40% and 50% in the last year.
Infrastructure Providers Respond
Charging network operators are scrambling for solutions. Some are installing better lighting, CCTV, and alarms. Others are experimenting with protective sleeves (like Kempower’s Cable Guard) and even exploding dye deterrents (Catstrap’s DyeDefender) to discourage theft. Tesla is also stamping its cables with “property of Tesla” to deter recyclers.
The US Experience
The US has already seen significant cable theft. Electrify America reported 129 stolen cables in the first five months of 2023, exceeding the entire total for 2022 (125). Replacing these cables costs between $3,000–$6,000 per incident. Washington state has been a hotspot, with 89 cables cut from Electrify America stations by mid-2024.
Is It Worth the Risk?
Experts question the practicality of this crime. The effort required to strip insulated copper from cables may not justify the modest profit, especially given the risk of being caught. As one industry executive pointed out, “It is completely Sisyphean to try to get money out of coated, small wires.” Despite this, the problem continues to escalate.
The rise in EV charger vandalism highlights the fragility of public charging infrastructure and underscores the need for proactive security measures. As EV adoption increases, protecting these networks will become critical to maintaining consumer confidence.
