The global surge in copper theft from electric vehicle charging stations is disrupting critical green transport infrastructure and eroding public confidence, with Portugal reporting a doubling of incidents in the past year. These attacks primarily target the copper wiring within charging cables, which holds significant value in scrap metal markets.
Theft and vandalism leave charging stations damaged or entirely out of service. Operators face substantial repair and replacement costs, and electric vehicle users encounter widespread inoperability.
Portugal’s Association of Electric Vehicle Users (UVE) documented a doubling of these incidents over the last year. Public charging points have been particularly affected, with the greater Lisbon area, especially the region south of the Tagus River, reporting the highest concentration of crimes. The problem is now spreading to other parts of the country.
This trend extends beyond Portugal. Germany’s energy company EnBW has recorded over 900 cable thefts at 130 charging stations this year alone. Across many European nations, theft cases have increased by more than 100% compared to 2023.
“Each stolen cable represents not only an economic loss, but also a breach of confidence for drivers who depend on this infrastructure,” an industry official stated. While the primary motive remains the resale of copper, authorities also acknowledge instances of ideological vandalism against electric mobility or gratuitous destruction.
Network operators, including Portugal’s EDP, confirm that the damages are generating high costs. They are investing in new security measures to combat the rising tide of crime.
These measures include reinforced cables made with cut-resistant materials, the installation of alarm systems and video surveillance, and improved lighting at charging sites. Some pilot projects are even testing cables with forensic markings, which are invisible to the naked eye but traceable by law enforcement.
Despite these initiatives, the problem continues to grow. The UVE warns that a lack of night surveillance and the ease with which stolen copper can be resold are significant factors hindering effective countermeasures against this type of crime.