With the surge in copper prices (a staggering 70% increase over the past five years to US$4.32 per pound) thieves are apparently taking a shine to the golden allure of electric vehicle (EV) charger cables. But just as these modern Robin Hoods thought they’d found their newest treasure trove in public EV charging stations, ChargePoint has slammed on the brakes with their latest anti-vandalism innovations.
ChargePoint, a US charging solutions heavyweight, has unveiled a duo of high-tech offerings that aim to zap cable snatchers into submission. First on deck is the industry’s first cut-resistant charging cable, a futuristic blend of durability and flexibility so tough that even the most determined mischief-makers might give up and go solar instead. Crafted from novel materials that make cutting through the cable feel like trying to slice a boulder with a butter knife, this innovation is designed to leave thieves questioning their life choices. And guess what? ChargePoint isn’t holding onto this tech like a dragon hoards gold; they’re licensing it to other manufacturers in what might be the industry’s ultimate act of camaraderie against cable carnage.
But wait, there’s more! Enter ChargePoint Protect, a charger alarm system straight out of a tech geek’s dream. Picture this: sensors that detect cable tampering in real-time, followed by an ear-piercing alarm from speakers integrated into the station, accompanied by dramatic visual effects from the charger’s screens and lights. It’s an anti-vandal symphony that even the most brazen thief would struggle to ignore. The cherry on top? Station owners get SMS or email alerts faster than you can say “copper spike,” ensuring law enforcement can swing into action while the alarm keeps wailing.
ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer summed it up best: “We don’t see ourselves as victims of vandalism, but as problem solvers for the EV charging community.” By combining these two innovations, ChargePoint is not only saving station owners from repair costs but also ensuring EV drivers can plug in without playing a guessing game of “Will this charger work today?” .
With copper theft reaching electrifying new heights, ChargePoint might just have delivered the jolt the EV charging industry needed to stay one step ahead of the bandits. Vandals, take note: it’s time to find a new hobby. (Thankfully?) it seems that Kiwi’s only attack EV chargers due to their dis-approval of electrical-powered vehicles, but this should stop them taking the shocking next step.
