EV solutions provider ChargePoint has unveiled two new security measures designed to tackle vandalism at its charging stations: cut-resistant charging cables and an alarm system called ChargePoint Protect. These solutions aim to reduce repair costs for station owners and enhance reliability for EV drivers.
The company’s new cut-resistant cables, developed in-house, are intended to mitigate issues related to charging cable theft and vandalism. ChargePoint explained, “We leveraged our more than fifteen-year history of product innovation and charger design expertise to address the critical, industry-wide customer satisfaction issues related to charging cable theft and vandalism.” The cables are made from materials that are more difficult to cut, yet remain flexible and user-friendly. The new cables will be available for ChargePoint’s commercial and fleet charging stations, and the company plans to license the design to other charging station manufacturers by mid-2025.
Additionally, ChargePoint introduced the ‘ChargePoint Protect’ system, an alarm feature that utilizes existing hardware like loudspeakers and lighting to detect tampering with charging cables in real-time. “ChargePoint Protect and our cut-resistant cables demonstrate our relentless dedication to offering a dependable charging network,” said Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint. The software-based alarm system can be activated on select station models at no extra cost through a cloud-based upgrade. The system alerts station operators via text message or email when triggered, further enhancing security.
ChargePoint has yet to specify whether these solutions will be initially available in the U.S. or will be rolled out globally, including its European operations. The company’s goal is to eliminate vandalism as a barrier to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.