URGENT UPDATE: Thieves are wreaking havoc on electric vehicle chargers across Los Angeles, targeting essential copper wiring and causing significant disruptions to the city’s zero-emissions goals. Reports indicate that vandals are using tools like hacksaws to cut cords, with the potential to slow down the implementation of vital infrastructure just ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The latest data reveals that there are currently 60,630 public and workplace EV chargers in the greater Los Angeles area, and the recent spike in copper thefts is raising alarm among officials and stakeholders. “We don’t want to show the world a city where EV chargers are vandalized. Our focus is on accelerating transportation electrification,” said Matt Peterson, CEO of the L.A. Cleantech Incubator (LACI).
The growing trend of theft is exacerbated by rising metal prices, making copper increasingly valuable and attractive to criminals. “Cables are now more accessible, and the cost of copper keeps increasing, leading to more vandalism,” explained Aric Ohana from Ohana Mobility.AI. The financial burden of these thefts falls on companies deploying the chargers, with repairs for level two chargers costing between $650 and $700 per connector, and DC fast chargers reaching up to $1,500.
In response to this urgent issue, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 476, a law that imposes stricter penalties for those buying stolen metal. This legislation aims to close loopholes that have allowed thieves to profit from these crimes.
Charging companies are also stepping up their game with innovative solutions to combat theft. Strategies include developing cables that can disconnect automatically from chargers, implementing wireless charging technology, and even creating cables that spray ink when cut, marking them as tampered. “As we see these problems, we need to ensure we’re thinking about how to solve them effectively,” emphasized Kameale Terry, CEO of Charger Help.
With the city’s electrification efforts at stake, community members and businesses are rallying to find solutions that not only prevent theft but also protect the integrity of EV infrastructure. As Los Angeles pushes forward, the urgency to secure these resources has never been more critical.
Watch for updates as officials and businesses work together to strengthen the city’s defenses against copper theft and ensure a robust future for electric vehicle transportation.
