Canada’s goal of achieving 90% electric vehicle (EV) adoption by 2040 is facing a challenge as thefts from EV charging stations are on the rise nationwide. The surge in copper prices, a key component in EV charging cables, hitting a record high of around $20.99 per kilogram, has made these stations a target for thieves. British Columbia’s provincial power company has reported over $1 million in losses due to such thefts in the past year.
The theft of copper cables from EV charging stations is part of a broader trend of copper thefts across Canada, involving telecommunications equipment and power cables. Hydro-Québec, the largest charging network operator in the province, has seen a doubling in copper theft incidents from nine in the first half of 2025 to 20 in the same period in 2026. The cost of replacing stolen charging cables can run into tens of thousands of dollars per unit.
Despite the relatively low value of the copper in the cables, thieves are risking their lives by tampering with dangerous equipment. In Edmonton, reported incidents of copper wire theft from EV charging stations have caused approximately $41,590 in damages between January and July this year, up from the same period in 2025. The actual number of thefts is believed to be higher than reported.
B.C. Hydro has reported about 130 stolen cables across British Columbia since October 2025, resulting in replacement costs of around $1 million. The utility has increased security measures at various sites, including additional surveillance cameras, alarm systems, enhanced lighting, protective cable shields, and on-site security personnel.
Individuals are also falling victim to these thefts, with personal chargers being targeted as well. One resident in Langley, B.C., shared footage of his EV charger being stolen outside his home, leading to financial losses and security investments. In response to the rising copper theft incidents, regulations such as the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act in B.C. require strict documentation for copper transactions to deter theft.
The Electric Vehicle Society highlights the financial and operational impact of these thefts on EV charging networks and advocates for increased protection of charging infrastructure and closer monitoring of copper resales. The rise in copper thefts from EV charging stations mirrors the trend of catalytic converter thefts, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards and oversight in the face of escalating copper prices.
