As Canada sets a target of achieving 90% electric vehicle adoption by 2040, thefts at EV charging stations are on the rise across the country. The escalating price of copper, a crucial component in EV charging cables, has reached a record high of approximately $20.99 per kilogram this month.
Authorities report a surge in thefts as thieves exploit the increasing value of copper, resulting in losses exceeding $1 million for British Columbia’s provincial power company in the past year. The theft of cables from EV charging stations is part of a broader trend of copper thefts nationwide, affecting various sectors including telecommunications and power infrastructure.
Hydro-Québec, the largest charging network operator in Quebec, has witnessed a more than twofold increase in copper theft incidents related to charging station equipment and cables, from nine cases in the first half of 2025 to 20 in the same period of 2026. The replacement of stolen charging cables can incur costs amounting to tens of thousands of dollars per unit.
Despite the relatively low intrinsic value of the copper in the cables, thieves put themselves at risk by tampering with hazardous equipment, as highlighted by Hydro-Québec. In Edmonton, police reported 14 incidents of copper wire theft from EV charging stations between January and July this year, causing damages totaling around $41,590, up from 12 incidents in the same period in 2025.
Meanwhile, B.C. Hydro disclosed that approximately 130 cables have been stolen across British Columbia since October 2025, leading to replacement costs of about $1 million for the power authority. B.C. Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder emphasized that the theft of these valuable cables has become a widespread challenge in the North American EV infrastructure industry.
To combat copper theft, B.C.’s Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act mandates detailed information exchange between copper buyers and sellers to deter and track metal theft. Businesses like ABC Recycling in Burnaby, B.C., are implementing stringent measures to prevent purchasing stolen copper, as the surge in copper values has made it a highly coveted material for thieves.
Stephen Bieda, national director for the Electric Vehicle Society, expressed concerns about the impact of cable thefts on EV charging networks, stressing the significant repair costs incurred when chargers are vandalized. Bieda drew parallels with the rise of catalytic converter thefts, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and increased oversight of copper resales in light of the persistently high copper prices.
Overall, the theft of copper cables from EV charging stations presents a growing challenge for the industry, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard infrastructure and curb illicit activities.
