Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure faces a growing challenge from vandalism and theft. In response, ChargePoint has introduced innovative solutions to safeguard its stations. The company is developing robust cables that are resistant to cutting, along with tamper-detection alarms to deter potential thieves. These enhancements aim to protect valuable copper components within the charging cables, which have been targeted by vandals.
The new cables incorporate a patented design featuring strategically placed steel elements, making them significantly more challenging to cut. While this might slightly increase the size and reduce flexibility, ChargePoint assures users that the usability remains unaffected. The cables can be retrofitted onto existing commercial and fleet charging stations, both AC and DC models. Extensive testing against various cutting tools has demonstrated that these cables substantially increase the difficulty and time required to damage them. ChargePoint plans to offer licensing of this technology to other EV charger manufacturers by mid-2025, promoting industry-wide security improvements.
Beyond tougher cables, ChargePoint has also launched "ChargePoint Protect," an advanced security software system. This software transforms EV charging stations into effective alarm systems capable of detecting tampering in real-time. Upon detection, it triggers audible alarms to deter intruders and sends instant alerts to station owners via text messages and emails. Available as a free over-the-air update, ChargePoint Protect will be rolled out later this month, enhancing the overall security of the charging network. Such innovations not only bolster the reliability of EV infrastructure but also promote a safer and more sustainable future for electric vehicles.
The British telecommunications giant BT has decided to discontinue its ambitious project aimed at converting roadside green cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Despite an initial plan to leverage existing electrical connections, the company managed to install only a single charger in East Lothian, Scotland. This decision marks a significant shift from BT's earlier aspirations of transforming up to 60,000 cabinets into charging points, contributing to the UK government's target of installing 300,000 public chargers. The rapid growth of public chargers in the UK has faced challenges, including funding delays and a tougher financial climate for operators.
In 2023, BT had envisioned utilizing its extensive network of roadside cabinets, which typically house telephone and broadband equipment, as potential EV charging hubs. The company believed that these cabinets, with their pre-existing electrical infrastructure, could provide a quick solution to the growing demand for public charging points. However, the pilot installation in East Lothian revealed several unforeseen challenges. One of the primary issues was the difficulty in integrating new grid connections, a common obstacle for charger companies. In the pilot setup, vehicles were not directly connected to the cabinet but rather to a separate post nearby.
Despite the setback, BT remains committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Clive Selley, CEO of BT’s Openreach subsidiary, has been a vocal advocate for policies that encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. He has called on the government to maintain regulations that push car manufacturers to increase EV sales annually. BT's spokesperson noted that the company had gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by on-street EV drivers and would focus on providing Wi-Fi connectivity from cabinets instead.
The slowdown in the expansion of public charging infrastructure highlights broader economic pressures facing the industry. While the number of public chargers in the UK has grown rapidly, with nearly 20,000 new installations in 2024 alone, the rate of growth has slowed due to delays in government funding and higher interest rates. Companies involved in the rollout of chargers have also encountered investor hesitation as electric car sales have plateaued. BT's pivot away from this initiative underscores the complexities involved in scaling EV infrastructure while highlighting the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity solutions.