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ChargePoint introduces two measures to battle EV charger theft and vandalization [Video]
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.
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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.
CNEVPost reports that company aims to establish itself as a commercial pioneer in urban air mobility ahead of a potential IPO – and may get there sooner than later, thanks to several hundred pre-orders at the $280,000 projected price.
Electrek’s Take
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.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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.
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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.
“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.”
Read more: This is New Jersey’s largest high-rise residential rooftop solar array
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.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Jack Dorsey, co-founder and chief executive officer of Twitter Inc. and Square Inc., listens during the Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami, Florida, on Friday, June 4, 2021.
Eva Marie Uzcategui | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Block shares jumped more than 10% in extended trading on Friday, as the fintech company gets set to join the S&P 500, replacing Hess.
It’s the second change to the benchmark this week, after S&P Global announced on Monday that ad-tech firm The Trade Desk would be added to the S&P 500. Trade Desk is taking the place of software maker Ansys, which was acquired by Synopsys in a deal that closed Thursday.
Hess’ departure comes just after Chevron completed its $54 billion purchase of the oil producer, prevailing against Exxon Mobil in a legal dispute over offshore oil assets in the South American nation of Guyana.
Block will officially join the S&P 500 before the opening of trading on July 23, according to a statement from S&P. Stocks often rally when they’re added to a major index, as fund managers need to rebalance their portfolios to reflect the changes.
Most alterations to the S&P 500 take place during the index’s quarterly rebalancing. However, in the case of the closing of an acquisition, a company can be removed from the index and replaced off schedule. Last week monitoring software company Datadog took Juniper Networks’ place in the S&P 500 as part of the index’s quarterly change.
Block’s addition brings further tech heft to an index that’s been steadily moving in that direction in recent years, reflecting the market cap gains of companies across the sector. Block, which gained popularity as Square due to the rapid growth of the company’s payment terminals, has expanded into crypto, lending and other financial services.
Founded by Jack Dorsey in 2009, Square changed its name to Block in 2021 to emphasize its focus on blockchain technologies.
Block shares are down 14% this year, underperforming the broader U.S. market. The Nasdaq is up more than 8%, while the S&P 500 has gained 7%. Still, with a market cap of about $45 billion, Block is valued well above the median company in the index.
In May, Block reported first-quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations on Thursday and issued a disappointing outlook, leading to a plunge in the stock price. Block’s forecast for the second quarter and full year reflected challenging economic conditions that followed sweeping tariff announcements by President Donald Trump.
“We recognize we are operating in a more dynamic macro environment, so we have reflected a more cautious stance on the macro outlook into our guidance for the rest of the year,” the company wrote in its quarterly report.
The company is scheduled to report second-quarter results after the close of regular trading on Aug. 7.
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