Kettering's bp pulse EV charging hub targeted by cable criminals
EV drivers were left without chargers following cable theft from a Kettering EV hub.
Kettering's bp pulse site - one of the largest, most powerful EV charging hubs in the UK - has been attacked by cable criminals.
Residents contacted the Northants Telegraph after noticing the vandalised ChargePoint’s over the weekend.
Out of a total of 20 charging points, 18 are now out of use as they await repairs.
Some of the cables have been cut off and taken, while a few have only been sliced in half.
The hubs auto-detected the attack and screens on the devices warned customers of the security alert saying ‘cable theft detected, authorities have been notified’.
Apps such as the Zap Map still show the 300KW charging stations as in use.
According to EV Infrastructure news, theft and vandalism at the UK’s EV ChargePoint’s have cost millions of pounds since 2022. Repairs cost around £700 to £1,000 pounds per cable.
Cable theft has been rising over recent years and charging hubs have become a focal point due to the amount of copper inside.
Despite 24-hour CCTV, people using Cransley Park told our reporter the area has become a ‘hotspot for anti-social behaviour overnight’.
bp Pulse and Northants Police have been contacted for a statement.