URGENT UPDATE: Thieves are striking at the heart of Los Angeles’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, targeting charging stations for valuable copper wire. This alarming trend threatens the city’s ambition to achieve a zero-emissions future, just as preparations ramp up for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
New reports confirm that vandalism is escalating, with thieves using hacksaws to cut cords and break into chargers. “How do we show the world what we’re made of? We don’t want to present a city where EV chargers are clipped by copper theft,” stated Matt Peterson, CEO of the L.A. Cleantech Incubator (LACI). This urgent situation is compounded by the rising prices of copper, making these crimes increasingly lucrative.
Authorities report that there are currently 60,630 public and workplace EV chargers throughout the greater Los Angeles region. As more chargers become accessible, the risk of theft intensifies. “Cutting a connector doesn’t fall under warranty, leading to costly repairs,” explained Kameale Terry, CEO of Charger Help. Repair costs for Level 2 chargers can range from $650 to $700, while damages to DC fast chargers can soar to $1,500.
In response to these challenges, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 476 into law, imposing stricter penalties on individuals involved in the theft of copper. As the EV community rallies behind this legislation, charging companies are innovating to combat this crisis. Solutions underway include cables that can disconnect from the charger, advancements in wireless charging, and even protective cables that spray ink when cut.
As the issue escalates, experts urge the industry to quantify these problems and focus on effective solutions. “Let’s lean in and build better products where you can’t simply cut the connector,” Terry added, emphasizing the need for innovation to safeguard the growing EV infrastructure.
With the clock ticking toward the 2028 games, the pressure mounts for Los Angeles to secure its EV charging stations. The city must act swiftly to mitigate the impact of these thefts and ensure a robust, reliable network of chargers for the future. The stakes are high, and the world is watching.