As Canada sets a target of achieving 90 percent electric vehicle (EV) adoption by 2040, thefts from EV charging stations are on the rise nationwide. The surge in copper prices, a key component in EV charging cables, has reached an all-time high of approximately $20.99 per kilogram, leading to increased theft activities. British Columbia’s provincial power company has incurred losses exceeding $1 million in the past year due to these thefts.
Theft incidents involving copper from EV charging stations are part of a broader trend of copper thefts across the country, affecting various industries such as telecommunications and power infrastructure. Hydro-Québec, the largest charging network operator in Quebec, reported a significant increase in copper theft cases from nine incidents in the first half of 2025 to 20 incidents in the same period in 2026. The replacement cost of stolen charging cables can amount to tens of thousands of dollars per unit.
Despite the relatively low actual value of the copper in the cables, estimated at a few dozen dollars, thieves are risking their lives by tampering with dangerous equipment for theft. In Edmonton, police recorded 14 reported theft incidents involving copper wires from EV charging stations between January and July, causing damages of around $41,590, a notable increase from the previous year.
In British Columbia, approximately 130 cables have been stolen since October 2025, resulting in replacement costs of about $1 million for B.C. Hydro. The utility company has implemented enhanced security measures at various sites, such as additional cameras, alarm systems, and on-site security officers, to combat these thefts.
Individuals are also falling victim to these thefts, with personal EV chargers being targeted by criminals. One resident in Langley, B.C., captured CCTV footage of his charger being stolen, highlighting the impact on everyday citizens. To address the issue, regulations like the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act in B.C. require transparency in copper transactions to deter theft and track stolen metal.
Experts emphasize the need for increased protection of EV charging infrastructure and tighter scrutiny of copper resales to curb the escalating trend of copper thefts. The theft of copper from charging stations mirrors the rise in catalytic converter thefts, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding valuable components in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles.
