Stealing an electric vehicle (EV) plus a charging unit is possible but not easy — it usually requires time, tools or a tow, and the right opportunity. Opportunistic thieves more commonly target portable charging cables, wallbox cables, or accessories rather than hauling away a whole car and a fixed charger. Still, with EVs increasingly common, it’s worth treating them like any high-value target and layering your security.
How thefts usually happen –
🔋 Cable theft / portable charger theft — thieves commonly steal untethered or portable charging cables left exposed.
🚚 Tow-away (hook-up) — a vehicle can be towed from a driveway if nothing physically blocks it.
📶 Keyless vulnerabilities — EVs with keyless entry are still vulnerable to relay/cloning attacks unless key controls are used.
🛠️ Wallbox removal — removing a permanently fixed wallbox is difficult and noisy, so it’s rare in residential settings without tools and time.
How easy — short answer –
⚠️ Not trivial: removing a fixed EV + hardwired charger is labour-intensive and conspicuous, so it’s much less common than stealing cables or towing an unlocked/unprotected vehicle.
🏠 Driveways, communal car parks and poorly lit areas remain the most at-risk locations.
Best ways to protect your EV and charger –
🔒 Physical barriers — telescopic or removable bollards stop drive-offs and tow-away attempts.
🔌 Secure the cable — use tethered chargers or remove portable cables after charging; use cable locks where practical.
📶 Protect your key fob — store in a Faraday pouch or metal box to block relay attacks.
📹 Visible CCTV & lighting — cameras and motion lights deter opportunists and help evidence claims.
🧰 Secure wallbox — fit tamper-resistant fixings, lockable covers or an alarmed enclosure for the charger.
📋 Layer security — combine bollards, cameras, key protection and tracking for the best result.
