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InstaVolt is using GPS tracking to catch thieves stealing its EV charging cables

10 hours ago
  • #theft prevention
  • #solar energy
  • #EV charging
  • Surge in EV charging cable thefts in the UK is undermining trust and reliability of the charging network.
  • InstaVolt, the UK's largest fast charger network, reports nearly 1,000 of its 2,100 stations have been targeted by thieves in the past two years.
  • Thieves target cables for low-value scrap copper (worth about £25), but repairs cost around £1,000 per site.
  • InstaVolt CEO Delvin Lane states thefts have cost the company £410,000 since November 2023, calling it an industry-wide problem.
  • InstaVolt has introduced Kevlar-reinforced cables and live GPS tracking in partnership with Trackit247 to combat theft.
  • GPS tracking provides real-time location updates every three seconds, enabling detection, tracing, and recovery of stolen cables.
  • Each cable is geo-fenced, triggering alerts if moved outside designated areas, with InstaVolt's security center coordinating with police.
  • Live tracking in transit allows police to follow stolen cables, increasing recovery and arrest chances.
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