离谱！欧美充电桩电缆失窃频发

Core Insights - The surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption has led to a significant increase in cable theft from charging stations, driven primarily by the rising copper prices, which have made these cables attractive targets for thieves [2][3][4] - The theft of charging cables not only disrupts the operations of charging network operators but also poses a threat to the overall transition to electric vehicles, as it undermines public confidence in charging infrastructure [6][7][8] Summary by Sections Cable Theft Incidents - In the U.S., cable theft incidents have escalated from one every six months to an average of ten per month for Electrify America [2] - In the UK, over 600 charging cables have been stolen in the past year, while in Germany, up to 70 charging stations can be rendered inoperable in a single day due to cable theft [2] Economic Drivers - The rising international copper prices, which reached nearly $5.2 per pound in May 2024, have been a significant catalyst for the increase in cable theft [3][4] - The demand for copper in electric vehicles is substantial, with each electric vehicle consuming about 60 kg of copper, which is 3-4 times more than traditional gasoline vehicles [3] Impact on Charging Network Operators - The average repair cost for a stolen cable in Germany is around €3,500, and the thefts have led to significant operational disruptions for charging network operators [6] - In the U.S., replacing a stolen cable can cost about $1,000, which is significantly higher than the resale value of the copper [7] Security Challenges - Many charging cables are made of pure copper and lack adequate physical protection, making them easy targets for thieves [5] - The open design of charging stations and the lack of effective monitoring in many areas exacerbate the problem [5] Response Strategies - Charging network operators are exploring various solutions, including the introduction of "anti-cut cables" and smart alarm systems to deter theft [8][9] - Legislative measures are being considered to classify charging cables as critical infrastructure, which would impose stricter penalties for theft [9]