ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT) has announced two new security solutions aimed at addressing vandalism and theft at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The company introduced a cut-resistant charging cable and ChargePoint Protect, an alarm system designed to deter tampering and theft.
The newly developed cut-resistant charging cable is designed to make cable theft more difficult while maintaining flexibility for users. ChargePoint has incorporated materials into the cable to enhance its resistance to cutting. The company plans to offer these cables for all its commercial and fleet charging stations and intends to license the design to other charging station manufacturers. The cables are expected to be available for licensing by mid-2025.
ChargePoint Protect is an alarm system that integrates with existing ChargePoint chargers. It utilizes the charger’s speakers, screens, and lighting to deter vandalism by activating an alarm when cable tampering is detected. The system can send notifications via SMS or email to alert station owners when the alarm is triggered. ChargePoint Protect is available at no additional cost to existing customers through a software update and is expected to be accessible starting this month.
ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer stated that these measures are intended to enhance the reliability of charging stations and address security concerns that may impact EV adoption. The company expects that the combination of cut-resistant cables and ChargePoint Protect will help charging station operators reduce repair costs while improving reliability for EV drivers.