Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is facing a surge in copper cable theft, prompting leading provider Evie Networks to roll out a high-tech deterrent: CableGuard protectors manufactured by UK firm Formula Space. The move comes as cable vandalism disrupts charging availability across the country, mirroring a trend seen in the US, Germany, and the UK.
The Problem: Copper Theft in EV Infrastructure
Thieves target EV chargers specifically for the copper wiring inside the cables, which has increasing market value. The stolen copper is resold to recyclers, creating a black-market incentive for vandalism. Evie Networks CEO Geoff Brady confirms recent theft incidents, particularly around Dandenong, Victoria, drove the decision to implement CableGuard at six locations across Victoria and Queensland.
How CableGuard Works: Forensic Deterrence
CableGuard isn’t just a physical barrier; it’s a forensic trap. The protective mesh encasing the cables contains a high-pressure (1450psi) traceable liquid. If cut, the liquid sprays onto the perpetrator, glowing under UV light and linking them directly to the theft via a shared police and security database. The sleeve also includes cut-proof materials and GPS tracking, adding layers of security without significantly impacting cable flexibility.
Global Trends and Questionable Profitability
This problem isn’t unique to Australia. In the US, Electrify America reported 129 cable thefts in the first five months of 2024—more than the entire previous year. German provider EnBW documented over 900 cases across 130 sites. Despite this rise, industry experts question whether the effort to steal copper from EV cables justifies the risk. Travis Allan of Flo EV Charging points out that the copper is heavily insulated, making extraction difficult, while EnBW estimates the resale value of a single cable yields only around 50 euros (A$86).
The Bigger Picture: Infrastructure Security
The deployment of CableGuard underscores a growing need to secure critical infrastructure against theft. While the financial gains for thieves may be minimal, the disruption to EV charging availability poses a real problem for drivers and the adoption of electric vehicles. The industry is responding with technology that blends physical protection with forensic tracking, signaling a shift towards more aggressive security measures.
Ultimately, while some question the viability of the crime, the increasing incidence of cable theft forces EV providers to invest in protective measures. This ensures charging stations remain operational and accessible to customers.
