As Canada targets a 90 percent adoption rate of electric vehicles by 2040, thefts from EV charging stations are increasingly becoming a significant issue nationwide. The surge in the price of copper, a key component in EV charging cables, reaching a record high of approximately $20.99 per kilogram this month, has led to a rise in thefts. Officials report that thieves are taking advantage of the increasing value of copper, resulting in over $1 million in losses for B.C.’s provincial power company in the past year.
The theft of cables from EV charging stations is part of a broader trend of copper thefts across the country, including incidents involving phone equipment and power cables. Hydro-Québec, operating the largest charging network in the province, has seen a more than twofold increase in copper thefts related to charging station equipment and cables, from nine incidents in the first half of 2025 to 20 in the same period in 2026. The cost of replacing stolen charging cables can amount to tens of thousands of dollars per unit.
Despite the relatively low intrinsic value of the copper in the cables, estimated at just a few dozen dollars, thieves put themselves at risk by tampering with hazardous equipment. In Edmonton, police reported 14 incidents of copper wire thefts from EV charging stations between January and July this year, causing damages totaling around $41,590, up from 12 incidents during the same period in 2025.
B.C. Hydro disclosed that approximately 130 cables have been stolen across British Columbia since October 2025, resulting in replacement costs of about $1 million for the power authority. The thefts are attributed to the high value of copper and its widespread trade, making the cables an appealing target for thieves. To combat these thefts, B.C. Hydro has implemented enhanced security measures at various sites, including additional cameras, alarm systems, lighting improvements, protective cable shields, and on-site security personnel.
Individuals are also falling victim to these thefts, with personal chargers being targeted as well. Greg Dent shared video footage of his Chevrolet Bolt’s charger being stolen outside his Langley, B.C., residence in July. He highlighted the financial impact of the theft, noting the cost of replacement and additional security measures he invested in.
In British Columbia, the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act mandates that buyers and sellers of copper provide detailed information to deter and track metal theft. ABC Recycling in Burnaby reported a surge in copper values, making it one of the most valuable materials they receive, and emphasized compliance with regulations to prevent the purchase of stolen copper.
Stephen Bieda, the national director for the Electric Vehicle Society, expressed frustration over the theft of charging cables, emphasizing the high repair costs incurred when chargers are vandalized. He stressed the need for increased protection of EV charging infrastructure and stricter monitoring of copper resales to deter theft. Like the rise in catalytic converter thefts, attributed to the precious metals they contain, Bieda recommended heightened security measures and vigilance in the resale of copper to address the ongoing issue of copper theft.