Charged EVs | ChargePoint debuts anti-vandalism solutions for its EV chargers
ChargePoint, a US-based provider of EV charging equipment, has introduced two solutions designed to help combat the problem of charger vandalism: a cut-resistant charging cable and a vandalism alarm software system called ChargePoint Protect.
The cable uses “novel cut-resistant materials,” which makes the cable “substantially more difficult for would-be vandals to cut while remaining flexible and easy for drivers to comfortably maneuver while in use,” the company said.
“We do not view ourselves as victims of vandalism, but rather responsible for solving it, not only for our customers but for the industry,” said Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint. “We are sharing the technology to combat vandalism in the most aggressive way possible with the aim to eliminate charger reliability as a hindrance to EV adoption.”
The company plans to license the cable design selectively to other charging station makers.
ChargePoint Protect, an alarm system designed to increase charging station security, utilizes a charging station’s speakers, screens and lighting system. The alarm can detect charging station cable tampering in real time and will automatically engage the alarm system with the goal of deterring any theft, tampering or vandalism.
The company plans to make the alarm system software available to existing customers at no additional cost starting in January 2025. The system can be configured to send text or e-mail messages to designated individuals in the event that the alarm is triggered. ChargePoint also said it expects to make the cut-resistant cables available for license by the middle of 2025.
In December, General Motors and ChargePoint announced plans to roll out ultra-fast EV charging ports across the United States.
Source: ChargePoint
