Drivers have been warned that electric car charger thefts are set to rocket as more motorists switch from petrol and diesel vehicles. It could cost drivers up to £700 for a replacement charger.
There are currently around 400,000 electric cars and 750,000 hybrid vehicles on the road. But with all new cars being powered by electricity after 2030, experts believe thieves will increasingly make EVs their new target instead of catalytic converters.
Car rental company Leasing Options says scrap and recycling businesses are already seeing increased questions about how much they would pay for electric car chargers. The scrap value for materials in a cable may be worth around £50. Second hand chargers are being sold for around £200
Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, said: "While there are no official figures on electric car charger thefts, it is a growing crime. So much so that the Association of British Insurers has said insurance premiums could rise.
“Unfortunately, it is relatively straightforward for thieves to take charging cables, especially while they’re on charge. Software experts have also highlighted that some EV chargers had cyber security flaws, which meant they could be accessed remotely to unlock charge points.
“Clearly, this isn’t great news for electric car owners. However, there are some extra steps EV owners can take to protect their electric car charger from being targeted. Including removing the charger from your car at night, installing a dash camera and using a padlock.”
Steps drivers can take to protect electric car chargers from theft include charging their vehicle at home, using a padlock during charges, fitting a dash camera and storing cables in a secure box in the boot overnight - or removing them from the car and storing it inside.
