Multi-continental EV charging network ChargePoint has introduced two new solutions to combat a looming threat for electric vehicle owners using public charging stations: vandalism and theft. Today, ChargePoint shared details of a new cut-resistant EV charging cable and a new alarm system to increase security and deter theft near the pile. You can see more in the video below.
Having hit one million global charging ports in 2024, ChargePoint operates as a veteran in EV infrastructure and has spent recent years expanding and implementing new technologies to help simplify the overall process for its customers.
Last summer, the network introduced a new “Omni Port” that combines multiple charging plugs into one single port. It ensures EV drivers of nearly any make and model can charge at any ChargePoint space. Weeks later, ChargePoint introduced additional technology to tackle another headache amongst EV drivers charging publicly – maintenance.
The company has since implemented AI to bolster dependability within its charging network by identifying issues more quickly to improve uptime and thus deliver better charging network reliability – something EV drivers have been pleading to have for years.
While we cover plenty of other charging networks here on Electrek, ChargePoint is often the most interesting, because its updates aren’t always just network expansions or higher charge rates. Instead ChargePoint has used its resources to develop and implement innovative solutions to genuine problems many EV drivers face regularly.
Today, ChargePoint is addressing another frustration in the EV infrastructure segment: vandalism and theft. For all you gas guzzlers who think it’s funny to cut your local EV charger’s cable and steal it, ChargePoint has some new anti-theft measures to ruin your pathetic and callow idea of fun.
ChargePoint introduces anti-theft EV chargers and cables
We’ve all seen it at least once, whether it was in person or posted by a fellow EV driver somewhere on the internet. You get to a public pile and the cable has been severed and worse, stolen. Finding an open, fully-functional charger is hard enough if many areas, and to come to find that some ignorant person cut through your nearest access to electricity for your vehicle’s battery can make your blood boil.
Not anymore… at least at ChargePoint charging stations.
Today, the company introduced what it is calling the industry’s first cut-resistant charging cable. ChargePoint says its team wielded its fifteen years of experience in EV charging to design a cable with novel cut-resistant materials built into it to deter vandalism and theft. While the new cable is not completely cut-proof, it is significantly more difficult to vandalize and decommission while remaining flexible for drivers to use with ease.
ChargePoint shared plans to ChargePoint roll out its new cut-resistant cables to all of its commercial and fleet charging stations and plans to (selectively) license its design to other charging station manufacturers in an “industry leading effort to combat cable theft and vandalism.”
In addition to the new EV cable, the company also introduced a new anti-theft charger alarm system called ChargePoint Protect. The new alarm system utilizes a ChargePoint charger’s existing speakers, screens, and lighting components to create alerts and deter any would be vandals.
ChargePoint Protect is capable of detecting charging cable tampering in real time and can automatically engage its alarm system and can immediately push SMS and email notification to customers using a given station, as well as the owners of that pile. Law Enforcement can also be alerted.
ChargePoint Protect can be activated on select charging station models at no additional cost via a cloud-based software system upgrade. The company expects ChargePoint Protect to be available beginning this month. ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer spoke about both new anti-theft solutions presented today:
ChargePoint Protect and our cut-resistant cables demonstrate our relentless dedication to offering a dependable charging network. We do not view ourselves as vicAms of vandalism, but rather responsible for solving it, not only for our customers but for the industry. We are sharing the technology to combat vandalism in the most aggressive way possible with the aim to eliminate charger reliability as a hinderance to EV adoption.
You can learn more about these new anti-theft EV products as well as licensing opportunities on the ChargePoint website and see them in action in the video below.
Source: ChargePoint
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Now, a new group of investors from Singapore has stepped in to take over.
The news was shared on Energica’s YouTube channel, and the company confirmed on LinkedIn that “The judicial process undergoing the sale of Energica has received an offer with a significant deposit from investors based in Singapore.” Energica says that the investors, who so far remain unnamed, “are enthusiasts that believe in, and share the common values of Energica.”
While it’s not certain how the buyout and revival will unfold, it appears that Energica is planning on getting the band back together. “If the process comes through successfully,” the company explained, “the same team behind Energica will be entrusted to run the operations, and we will continue creating cutting-edge technologies for our customers.”
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With many of Energica’s impressive electric motorcycles already in circulation from years of sales leading up to the 2024 bankruptcy, the company seems focused on starting by supporting those riders. ” Our first order of business is to support the customers and community. The judicial process will be completed in 60 days, and we will continue to share updates during the time.”
Energica rose to fame by building high-performance electric motorcycles in Modena, Italy, and was one of the early pioneers in the premium electric two-wheeler space. Its lineup includes models like the Experia electric touring bike and the Ego sportbike. The company previously supplied race bikes for the MotoE World Cup until Ducati took over the role in 2023.
After being acquired by US-based Ideanomics in 2021, Energica initially benefited from an injection of capital that helped expand production and dealer networks. But Ideanomics itself has faced serious financial trouble, becoming unable to invest in the future of Energica.
Energica’s future prospects seemed dim at the time of its insolvency in 2024, but the uncertainty appears to be clearing with the hope that new owners can breathe fresh life into the company.
Even so, Energica’s core competency is building the fastest, most powerful, and longest range production electric motorcycles the world has ever seen, and that’s not exactly an inexpensive enterprise. Combined with current market trends that favor smaller, lighter, and less expensive commuter-spec electric motorcycles, it begs the question of whether or not a newly revived Energica will find a receptive market, or whether the company will be forced to expand the scope of its products to match better the type of electric motorcycles that are selling today.
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Chinese carmaker XPeng is getting perilously close to bringing its AeroHT consumer eVTOL concept to market, thanks to a $250 million Series B round that’s set to accelerate the company’s modular “flying car” production plans.
XPeng subsidiary AeroHT had its first successful proof of concept test flight ahead of the brand’s annual 1024 back in 2023, where the company unveiled a pair of flying car designs. The X3 is an actual flying “car” that can drive, park, and take off on its own, and a second, modular eVTOL that folds up into the back of an electric van called the Land Aircraft Carrier.
That vehicle pair, shown at CES in January, was set to begin production this year, with the eVTOL component set to begin production in 2026 – and that’s looking a lot more likely thanks to the new infusion of capital!
AeroHT at CES 2025
Xpeng Aeroht raised $150 million in Series B1 funding last August, before launching its Series B2 funding round. The most recent announcement that the company has secured an additional $100 million in its Series B2 funding round brings the total amount raised to more than $750 million, with a $1B pre-revenue valuation.
Scooter Doll said it best, writing, “this footage (of the AeroHT test flight) is as scary and concerning as it is exciting and awe-inspiring.” Which is to say that these things are real, they seem like they’re getting built, and they seem like they’ll sell well enough to convince at least one or two remaining boomers that the flying car they’ve been promised their whole lives is – finally! – coming to market.
Here’s hoping.
SOURCE: Xpeng, via CNEVPost; gallery photos by the author.
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Flooring manufacturer Beauflor USA just turned on the biggest rooftop solar system by capacity in metro Atlanta — and it’s now powering part of its Georgia factory.
The new 1,040 kW system in Cartersville officially beats metro Atlanta’s previous rooftop solar record of 1,034 kW. The new array produces enough energy to power more than 100 homes. The system is expected to cover about 10% of Beauflor’s electricity needs and cut its carbon emissions by about 920 metric tons annually.
“This solar installation represents our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices while making sound business decisions,” said Emile Coopman, continuous improvement manager at Beauflor. He added that the system is designed with room to grow: “This is the first step toward more renewable energy.”
The company partnered with Cherry Street Energy to install the nearly 2,000-panel system, which was completed in less than four months. Cherry Street invested $1.8 million into the project and is covering all construction and maintenance costs through a 30-year energy procurement agreement. Beauflor will buy solar power directly from Cherry Street, allowing it to avoid upfront capital costs while still lowering its energy bills.
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“As Georgia’s manufacturers ramp up production amid rising costs for grid energy, sophisticated operators seek ways to quickly and sustainably address their energy needs,” said Cherry Street CEO Michael Chanin. “On-site solar with no capital expense delivers just that: reliable, affordable electricity.”
Chanin added that the system’s power output is especially impressive: “The previous record-holder for metro Atlanta’s largest rooftop solar required over 4,000 panels. We’re using less than 2,000 to reliably generate even more power.”
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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