Kempower has become the first EV charging manufacturer to approve a unique new anti-theft solution for charging cables that will benefit charging operators and EV drivers alike.

The CableGuard solution has been developed by charging consultancy Formula Space to tackle a rise in EV charging cable theft, which doubled in number last year compared to 2023.

Charging cables have become a recent target for organised theft due to their copper content, which has a considerable resale value as scrap metal.

With repairs and replacements proving costly for charging operators and OEMs – and a big problem for EV drivers if charge points are out of action – CableGuard brings an effective solution to the ongoing issue.

As there are more than 8,000 charging stations globally that feature Kempower’s fast charging infrastructure, the company has spearheaded “vigorous” testing of the CableGuard solution with a view to rolling it out to customers to protect its stock.

The testing phase was completed over an expedited eight-week period and the solution is now fully approved by Kempower for the UK, Ireland and continental European markets.

Similar anti-theft products on the market are commonly made of either metal or synthetic braiding and have, so far, made it more difficult and time-consuming to cut charging cables during an attempted theft.

CableGuard goes a step further, using a high-tech cut resistant sleeve which doesn’t require the same steel reinforcement used in similar products and minimises the impact on user experience and the charger itself. In addition, the product is said to be particularly unique because of its forensic traceability capabilities.

If a cable protected by CableGuard is tampered with, a uniquely identifiable fluid is released at high pressure, making contact with the perpetrator and their nearby belongings. The fluid is transparent to the naked eye, but its own signature DNA code exclusive to the charging location becomes visible under UV light, with information available to the police via a shared database. This forensic element ensures that perpetrators can be linked back to offences at specific charge points, aiding with convictions and acting as a strong deterrent.

Lee Barnett, solutions & service manager, UK & Ireland at Kempower, commented: “A key element to driving forward the EV transition is instilling in people a feeling of trust and confidence in available charging infrastructure. Rising crime involving charging cables is damaging both to EV charging businesses and to public perceptions and experience. We chose to lead the way and become Formula Space’s testing partner for CableGuard so we could offer our customers and partners a solution we truly believe in and to uphold our overall mission of supporting the transition to clean transportation.”

Vern Pollard, director of Formula Space, said: “We needed a testing partner with significant experience and expertise with physical charging infrastructure, which is why we trusted Kempower to fulfil this need. We’re proud to say that, after extensive trialling and research, CableGuard has had Kempower’s seal of approval and will provide an extra layer of security to its customers.”