Can Someone Steal My Energy or Use My EV Charger? Complete Security Guide 2025
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As electric vehicles become increasingly popular across the UK, particularly through electric car salary sacrifice schemes, concerns about EV charger security are growing. Whether you've acquired your electric car through The Electric Car Scheme or purchased independently, protecting your charging infrastructure is crucial. This comprehensive guide addresses the key question: can someone steal your energy or use your EV charger without permission?
The Growing Threat: EV Charger Theft Statistics
Research has revealed that theft and vandalism targeting EV chargers has more than doubled in 2025 compared to 2023, according to data shared with DeterTech. This alarming trend affects both residential and public charging infrastructure, making security a priority for all electric car owners.
Both residential EV chargers and public charging stations were heavily targeted by low level offenders and serious organised gangs alike, particularly in areas like South Yorkshire and the West Midlands. The increasing value of copper and the relative newness of EV charging technology has made these installations attractive targets for criminals.
For drivers using electric car salary sacrifice arrangements, protecting your charging equipment is particularly important as it represents a significant investment in your sustainable transport solution.
Can Someone Use My EV Charger Without Permission?
The simple answer is: potentially yes, but there are numerous ways to prevent unauthorised access. Modern EV chargers, especially smart models, offer multiple layers of security to protect against unauthorised use.
Types of Unauthorised Access
Physical Access Theft: Someone physically connects their vehicle to your charger and steals electricity.
Cable Theft: Charging cable theft is now affecting public charging stations far more than private homes, but residential installations can still be targeted.
Energy Theft: Unauthorised users accessing your home charging point to power their vehicle at your expense.
Cyber Attacks: Though less common, potential hacking of smart charging systems.
Smart Security Features in Modern EV Chargers
App-Based Access Control
All new home electric vehicle charge points must have all these smart connectivity and security features as standard since June 30, 2022. These regulations ensure your charger includes:
Remote Control via Smartphone Apps: Lock and unlock your charger remotely
Scheduled Charging: You can set a charging schedule for your home charger, which prevents people from using it outside of your chosen hours
User Authentication: PIN codes or app-based verification before charging begins
Real-time Monitoring: Track when and how much energy is being used
Data Encryption and Security
All the data being sent and received by the EV smart charging point is encrypted. This is particularly important to protect from cyber attacks and so personal information can't be stolen by hacking into the charge point.
Modern smart chargers also feature:
Secure data transmission protocols
Regular software updates
User data management controls
Protection against cyber vulnerabilities
Physical Security Measures
Dedicated EV Charger Locks
One of the most direct ways to protect your EV charger from theft is by installing a dedicated EV charger lock. These locks are designed specifically for electric vehicle charging stations and can prevent unauthorized access to the charger itself.
Options include:
Cable Locks: Secure charging cables to fixed points
Wall-mounted Locks: Protect both charger and cable
Heavy-duty Materials: Steel construction with tamper-resistant features
Tethered vs Untethered Chargers
A tethered EV charger has a cable permanently attached to it, so you don't need to find and connect a separate cable each time you want to charge your EV. As the cable is permanently attached to the charger, it can be harder for thieves to remove.
Benefits of Tethered Chargers:
Reduced theft risk for cables
Always available for use
No need to handle cables manually
Better protection against opportunistic theft
Strategic Placement and Installation
Optimal Locations:
When charging an EV at home its always a good idea to carry this out inside a secure garage, out of sight from any potential thieves
Well-lit areas with natural surveillance
Behind physical barriers like fencing or walls
Areas covered by security cameras
Physical Barriers: A physical barrier such as a post, bollard or guard can help protect your charger. You can install one yourself if you feel confident, or ask a professional for help.
Enhanced Security Through Smart Technology
Advanced Authentication Methods
Modern smart chargers offer multiple authentication options:
RFID Cards and Key Fobs: Physical tokens that must be present to initiate charging
Smartphone Apps: You could also use a smart socketed charger, which can be locked using a smartphone app or PIN code, preventing anyone else from accessing it
Biometric Access: Some premium models offer fingerprint recognition
PIN Code Entry: Numeric codes required before charging begins
Remote Monitoring and Control
Smart chargers enable comprehensive monitoring:
Real-time energy consumption tracking
Notification of charging sessions
Remote start/stop capabilities
Historical usage data
Anomaly detection for unusual activity
CCTV and Surveillance Solutions
Video Surveillance Benefits
Vehicle dashcams, that can be switched on when the EV is parked and charging, are great for security. While a dashcam doesn't actually prevent theft they do act as a powerful theft and vandalism deterrent.
Surveillance Options:
Fixed CCTV Systems: Permanent monitoring of charging areas
Smart Video Doorbells: Monitor driveway activity
Motion-Activated Cameras: Trigger recording when movement detected
Dashcam Integration: Installing a dashcam (a small camera that records what's happening on the road) on the front or rear of your car can help deter thieves from stealing your EV charger
Security Lighting
Installing sensible property security measures, including motion-triggered security lighting and CCTV systems, will deter cable thieves.
Effective lighting solutions include:
Motion-sensor LED lights
Solar-powered security lighting
Timer-controlled illumination
Smart lighting integration with home systems
Insurance and Legal Protection
Home Insurance Coverage
Whether your home insurance covers damage or theft to your EV charger depends on your policy and the insurer. Some home insurance policies may cover an EV charging point, but others may not.
Insurance Considerations:
Check existing home insurance coverage
Consider specialist EV insurance
Document serial numbers and installation details
Maintain proof of purchase and installation certificates
Legal Implications
Unauthorised use of your EV charger constitutes:
Theft of electricity (criminal offence)
Trespassing (if accessing your property)
Potential damage to property
Evidence Collection:
CCTV footage
Smart charger usage logs
Timestamped charging data
Photographic evidence
Integration with Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Schemes
Enhanced Value Protection
For employees using electric car salary sacrifice through schemes like The Electric Car Scheme, protecting charging infrastructure enhances the overall value proposition:
Reduced Operating Costs: Preventing energy theft maintains low running costs
Equipment Longevity: Security measures protect your investment
Convenience Maintenance: Reliable access ensures consistent vehicle availability
Professional Image: Secure installations reflect well on company schemes
Bundled Installation Benefits
Many salary sacrifice electric car schemes include home charger installation. When arranged through The Electric Car Scheme, installations often feature:
Professional security assessment
Optimal placement recommendations
Integration with home security systems
Compliance with latest security regulations
Best Practices for EV Charger Security
Daily Security Routine
For Untethered Chargers: If you have an untethered home charger (where the cable can be removed), then remember to bring your cables inside with you when you're not charging your EV.
Smart Charger Management:
Regular app security updates
Monitor charging notifications
Review usage patterns monthly
Update access codes periodically
Community Security Measures
Neighbourhood Cooperation:
Share security camera coverage
Report suspicious activity
Coordinate lighting strategies
Establish community watch programmes
Cost-Effective Security Solutions
Budget-Friendly Options
One practical and cost-effective solution is to use a regular padlock. This simple method can provide you with peace of mind.
Affordable Security Measures:
Basic padlocks for cable security
Motion sensor lights
Security signage as deterrent
Cable management systems
Premium Security Packages
For comprehensive protection:
Professional CCTV installation
Smart home integration
24/7 monitoring services
Insurance-approved security systems
Workplace and Public Charging Security
Employer Responsibilities
Companies offering electric car salary sacrifice schemes should consider:
Workplace charging security guidelines
Employee education programmes
Insurance coverage for workplace installations
Regular security assessments
Public Charging Best Practices
When using public chargers: Ideally, you should not leave your EV unattended when charging from a public charging point. But charging from a relatively low power charger, delivering maybe just 7kW or 22kW, can take many hours so remaining in or near the vehicle isn't always an option.
Public Charging Security:
Use well-lit, busy locations
Secure cables during charging
Monitor charging progress remotely
Report damaged or suspicious equipment
Environmental and Social Considerations
Community Impact
Secure EV charging infrastructure benefits:
Local EV Adoption: Reduces barriers to electric car ownership
Property Values: Well-secured installations enhance neighbourhood appeal
Environmental Goals: Supports transition to sustainable transport
Economic Benefits: Protects investment in green technology
Maintenance and Ongoing Security
Regular Security Audits
Monthly Checks:
Test all security features
Review access logs
Update software/firmware
Inspect physical security measures
Annual Reviews:
Professional security assessment
Insurance coverage evaluation
Technology upgrade considerations
Threat landscape updates
Technology Updates
Stay current with:
Manufacturer security patches
App updates and new features
Industry security standards
Regulatory requirement changes
Integration with The Charge Scheme
For users of The Electric Car Scheme, the innovative Charge Scheme offers additional security benefits:
Consolidated Billing: Reduces payment fraud risk
Usage Monitoring: Comprehensive tracking across all charging locations
Secure Payment Processing: Enterprise-grade financial security
Customer Support: Professional assistance with security concerns
Conclusion: Comprehensive EV Charger Security
The question "Can someone steal my energy or use my EV charger?" has a clear answer: while the risk exists, comprehensive security measures can effectively prevent unauthorised access and theft. With EV charger theft and vandalism incidents doubling in 2024, implementing robust security is no longer optional—it's essential.
Modern smart chargers, particularly those installed through professional electric car salary sacrifice schemes like The Electric Car Scheme, offer sophisticated security features that protect both your energy and investment. From encrypted data transmission to remote access control, these systems provide multiple layers of protection.
Key Security Recommendations:
Choose Smart Chargers: Opt for models with app control, scheduling, and authentication features
Implement Physical Security: Use locks, lighting, and strategic placement
Install Surveillance: CCTV and motion sensors provide deterrence and evidence
Regular Maintenance: Keep software updated and review security measures
Professional Installation: Ensure compliance with latest security regulations
For employees considering an electric car salary sacrifice arrangement, security should be a key consideration when choosing your charging solution. The Electric Car Scheme offers comprehensive support for secure home charging installations, ensuring your transition to electric mobility is both convenient and protected.
By implementing these security measures, you can enjoy the benefits of electric car ownership through salary sacrifice schemes with confidence, knowing your charging infrastructure is secure from theft and unauthorised use. The investment in security pays dividends through protected energy costs, equipment longevity, and peace of mind.
Remember, a secure EV charger is not just about protecting your immediate investment—it's about ensuring the long-term viability and convenience of your electric vehicle ownership experience, whether through private ownership or electric car salary sacrifice schemes.
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Last updated: 11/08/2025
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