Imagine arriving at an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, only to discover the cables have been vandalized or stolen—a frustrating scenario that’s becoming all too common. But here’s where it gets controversial: could the rise in copper theft be a symptom of a larger issue in the EV infrastructure rollout? Evie Networks, one of Australia’s leading EV charging providers, is taking a stand with a cutting-edge solution: CableGuard protectors from UK-based Formula Space. CarExpert first spotted these innovative protectors at Evie’s Chelsea location in Melbourne, and the company has since expanded their use to five additional sites, including Toowoomba, Queensland, and Bayside, Victoria, with more in the Dandenong region.
In a recent statement, Evie CEO Geoff Brady emphasized, ‘Ensuring our chargers are available when you need them is our top priority. After experiencing cable theft, particularly around Dandenong in Victoria, we’re taking proactive steps.’ Inspired by successful anti-theft measures abroad, Evie is trialing CableGuard technology—a protective mesh wrapped around cables—at six locations to minimize disruptions for customers. ‘We’re collaborating with authorities and industry partners to tackle this issue head-on,’ Brady added.
And this is the part most people miss: CableGuard isn’t just a physical barrier. If tampered with, it releases a forensically traceable liquid stored at 1450psi, which glows under UV light and is logged in a database shared with police and security partners. The sleeve also incorporates cut-proof materials and GPS tracking, all while adding minimal weight and preserving cable flexibility. This multi-layered security is designed to protect the valuable copper inside, which has become a prime target for thieves due to its rising market value.
Other companies, like CatStrap, have also entered the fray with anti-theft solutions. CatStrap offers cable guards and an optional DyeDefender add-on, which sprays thieves with blue dye upon tampering—making them easier to identify. However, here’s the controversial question: are these high-tech solutions truly cost-effective, or are they treating a symptom rather than addressing the root cause of the problem?
Cable theft is a global issue, with Australia joining countries like the UK, Germany, and the US in grappling with this challenge. In July 2024, Automotive News reported that 129 charging cables were stolen from Electrify America stations across the US in just five months—surpassing the total for all of 2023 (125). Replacing these cables costs between US$2000 and US$4000 (~A$3000-$6000) per unit. Meanwhile, Germany’s EnBW reported over 900 theft cases across 130 fast-charging sites last October.
Despite the surge in thefts, experts question the practicality of stealing EV charging cables. ‘It’s a Sisyphean effort to profit from coated, small wires,’ Flo EV Charging’s chief legal officer Travis Allan told Automotive News. A standard Level 2 charging cable contains only about 2.27kg of copper, encased in thick insulation, making extraction labor-intensive. EnBW further warns that reselling stolen copper yields just A$86 per cable—hardly a lucrative venture.
So, here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Is the rise in cable theft a sign of deeper issues in the EV ecosystem, or simply a byproduct of opportunistic crime? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more insights, explore the growing trend of public EV charger vandalism in Australia here.
