Fight EV Charger Cable Theft: Evolt & CatStrap Join Forces

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In a significant move to bolster the security of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the UK, Evolt Charging has announced an exclusive partnership with North America’s CatStrap. This collaboration aims to introduce CatStrap’s innovative EV cable protection solution to the UK market, addressing a pressing issue that continues to plague charge point operators (CPOs) across the nation—EV cable theft.

The rise in EV cable theft has become a worrying trend, with numerous incidents reported in recent years, making headlines in both local and national news. Despite the relatively low resale value of the copper wiring found within EV charging cables, the financial implications for CPOs are significant. Each stolen cable can lead to replacement costs running into the thousands, not to mention the additional expenses incurred for enhanced security measures to protect their assets. Such thefts not only affect the operators but also inconvenience EV drivers, eroding their confidence in the charging network and potentially slowing the transition to electric vehicles.

Seamus O’Dwyer, Operations Performance Director at Evolt Charging, expressed concern over the impact of cable theft on the EV charging rollout. He emphasised the need for EV chargers to be recognised as critical infrastructure to effectively tackle this ongoing issue. “We need to call for action in the industry,” he said. “However, CPOs cannot afford to wait for changes to be implemented. They must protect their infrastructure immediately.”

In light of this, Evolt is proud to introduce CatStrap’s EV Cable Protector as a proactive measure designed to deter theft and enhance the security of charging points. O’Dwyer highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the solution, which has already demonstrated its efficacy in the United States. “The introduction of CatStrap to the UK market is intended to support CPOs in safeguarding the cables that EV drivers rely on daily,” he stated.

CatStrap’s EV Cable Protector is already in use at over 1,000 charging stations worldwide, showcasing a robust design that combines dual steel materials within a proprietary armoured sleeve. This unique construction is specifically engineered to thwart attempts at cutting and vandalism, effectively deterring saws, cable cutters, and other handheld or powered cutting tools.

The protection system boasts three layers of steel strips that are four times harder than stainless steel, alongside aircraft-grade cable, providing superior defence against theft. Evolt has conducted extensive testing of the CatStrap EV Cable Protector under real-world conditions, demonstrating its remarkable resistance to cutting and theft attempts. According to the results, the system’s patented steel-layer movement complicates even the most determined cutting efforts, maintaining 90% of the cable’s integrity after three minutes of continuous cutting, and proving resilient against various handheld and industrial cutting methods.

Additionally, the CatStrap system features a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) fibre sleeve with shape memory, ensuring flexibility and enhanced durability without adding significant weight. Evolt assures that the CatStrap – EV Cable Protector can be installed quickly and seamlessly integrated with existing cable management systems, making it a practical solution for CPOs looking to enhance their security measures.

O’Dwyer reiterated Evolt’s commitment to supporting CPOs with innovative and durable solutions that proactively deter further cable theft. “We are thrilled to partner exclusively with CatStrap to bring their cutting-edge solution to the UK market,” he concluded.

David Birsen, Vice President of CatStrap, shared his enthusiasm for this partnership. “After successfully protecting thousands of public chargers across North America, particularly in areas with high theft rates, we are excited to extend this protection to UK operators. Evolt’s nationwide service capability, operational excellence, and expertise in charge point hardware make them the ideal partner for ensuring consistent, high-quality installations and the successful implementation of our products.”

This partnership signifies a pivotal step in the battle against EV cable theft and highlights the importance of safeguarding the infrastructure essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. As the UK strives towards its net-zero goals, ensuring the reliability and security of EV charging points is critical to fostering a sustainable and efficient transition to electric mobility.

In conclusion, the introduction of CatStrap’s innovative EV Cable Protector could not come at a more crucial time. With a growing number of EVs on the road and an increasing reliance on accessible charging infrastructure, collaborative efforts such as this are essential in fortifying the security measures surrounding EV charging stations. The partnership between Evolt and CatStrap exemplifies the kind of proactive thinking and innovation needed to protect the electric vehicle ecosystem and support the ongoing transition to greener transport solutions.

As we continue to champion the movement towards net-zero emissions, let us remain vigilant and supportive of initiatives that enhance the resilience of our EV infrastructure. Together, we can build a more secure and sustainable future for electric mobility.