According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the sale of Electric Vehicles is skyrocketing. Over the year up to March 2025, sales of fully-electric vehicles rose by an incredible 43.2% – and hybrids were not far behind.
If you’ve invested in an electric vehicle, then you’ll want to take precautions to keep it safe and secure. But exactly what might these precautions look like?
Understanding the Risks: EV Theft and Vandalism in the UK
Electric vehicles, statistically speaking, are at lower risk of being stolen than other categories of vehicle. But it’s difficult to infer causation from this. It might be that these vehicles are kept in areas where crime is lower in general, and off-street parking is less widely available.
What affects EV drivers more often is the vandalism of charging infrastructure. In 2024, the number of vandalism-related incidents had doubled, year-on-year.
Enhancing Physical Security Measures
The easiest way to deal with theft is to deter it. Clamping your wheels, or installing a lock on the steering wheel, might be a worthwhile precaution.
It’s generally a good idea to park your vehicle in a space that’s well-lit, secure, and out of view of the general public. It’s also worth ensuring that there aren’t any valuables on display inside the vehicle.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Protection
Investing in a few key gadgets can hugely improve your vehicle security. For example, a smart dash cam might be used to monitor your vehicle from afar, using your mobile phone. The footage you collect might even be used to prosecute thieves in the future.
Of course, many of the devices that really make a difference are to be found built into the vehicle itself. Make sure that you consider what comes with your chosen model. If it means getting access to new tech, it might be worth spending a little extra.
Securing Charging Infrastructure
It isn’t just public charging stations that are vulnerable to vandalism. The one you install at home might be at risk, too, especially if the equipment can easily be removed from the wall and taken.
Make sure that your cables are locked away when not in use, and that you install a camera to monitor them. The most secure charging stations, of course, are out of sight.
If your garage can comfortably accommodate your car, then it might make a good home for your charging equipment.
