Thieves stealing Level 3 cables

[dbsb3233]

I had a good conversation with a high level executive at a DCFC hardware manufacturer about copper theft. I was told that they explored using aluminum but apparently it’s forbidden due to electrical codes. Cut-resistant sheathing isn’t feasible due to weight and flexibility. Keeping the cable energized to allow for “natural selection“ is also prohibited by code.

The solutions they’re coming up with are deterrence and staffing. Passively, they can use obvious cameras, bright flood lighting, signage, etc. However, the best solution is 24/7 personnel, which is why travel centers are ideal locations for DCFC hardware security.

All adding more cost to an already (usually) bad financial proposition, unfortunately.

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[Stu H]

It seems to be getting more common though. There's a town near-ish me with friends who just got a Rivian so we talk EVs. That town has been trying to invest in L3 chargers for their downtown, it was going OK, now a set of thieves has targeted it. They must have worked out how to strip the insulation, a place to sell the copper and the right kind of cutters and all that. It looks that town might end up on a "do not replace" list.

You only need a few people who have their exact MO to start hitting a different station every night or two to do a lot of damage to our charging ecosystem. It's not obvious what you would do to stop it, other than larger more centralized charging and 24 hour guards. Tesla's network will probably be easier / more economical to guard since the stations tend to be a lot bigger.

It's not like the police are helpless. They've done major damage to shoplifting rings and cat converter theft. Agencies are starting to rely more on license plate scanners (SF recently put in a web of 100 of them and tout this as the purpose). But it takes them time to target that ring, and there's always cat-and-mouse (shift to license plate scanners, shift to printing a license plate overlay, etc).

Sigh. I do think the problem is real.

There are other ways to remove the insulation sheathing that causes a lot of smoke, as of smoke would be a deterrent.

 

[bbulkow]

There are other ways to remove the insulation sheathing that causes a lot of smoke, as of smoke would be a deterrent.

One town over from me, they've been hit with some home burglaries, word is out they've set up "bait houses" (it's a town with a lot of empty houses because it's often a third or fourth home). I often go running through there because its peaceful, and dang is sure looks like 80% of the houses are empty.

I'm not sure a "bait ev station" would be a thing....

 

[curtisfinney]

They need to design chargers to securely contain the entire cable when not in use.

 

[milepost1]

Fortunately this is still a rare event.

Unfortunately, this is yet one more article that preys on the FUD associated with charging.

 

[phil]

Copper thieves will steal anything they can get their meth-covered hands on. The only fix is punishing the shady scrap dealers who buy the stolen copper.

For what? Buying copper? Bring back the electric chair!

 

[Jeff-NoVA]

For what? Buying copper? Bring back the electric chair!

Simply require and record photo ID from each seller, as a start. If they had an electric chair the thieves would’ve stolen the wiring anyhow.

 

[phil]

Simply require and record photo ID from each seller, as a start. If they had an electric chair the thieves would’ve stolen the wiring anyhow.

It's never a good idea for the government to "simply require" us to do things. All the great abuses of our freedom begin with "simple requirements".

 

[Sikkun]

It's never a good idea for the government to "simply require" us to do things. All the great abuses of our freedom begin with "simple requirements".

Government ID = bad, abuse of freedom.

Government electrocuting citizens to death = good.

makes sense.

 

[Dj4slugs]

All adding more cost to an already (usually) bad financial proposition, unfortunately.

Where I live to sell scrap metal you have to go to the Sheriff's office for a 1 year permit.

 

[garyd9]

It's not like the police are helpless. They've done major damage to shoplifting rings and cat converter theft.

I suspect this might be somewhat off topic, but I can't help but to ask: What are they converting the cats into? Dogs?

 

[alexgorod]

They need to design chargers to securely contain the entire cable when not in use.

This.

 

[Fixbear]

Makes sense, the cable on the L3 at the Ford Dealership requires super-human strength.

To sell copper or converters here, you have to provide ID. Of course there are non conforming scrap yards out there, but they are known to Law Enforcement.

 

[Blue highway]

One of the assumptions here is that the charge cables are being sold for copper... in some local instances it turned out to be anti-EV vandalism.

 

[phil]

I suspect this might be somewhat off topic, but I can't help but to ask: What are they converting the cats into? Dogs?

If only. The world would be a better place.

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