The Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta (EVAA) was pleased to play a role in bringing anti-theft technology to Edmonton’s electric vehicle charging stations—a solution that wasn’t available anywhere in the market when we began our search. Working with the City of Edmonton, local utility companies, and Edmonton Police Service (EPS), this collaborative effort has resulted in what appears to be a pioneering approach to protecting our charging infrastructure, which we hope to see widely deployed after proving its effectiveness nearly immediately upon deployment of a pilot installation.
The Growing Challenge
Copper wire theft has become an increasingly serious issue in Edmonton and across Alberta, affecting various industries, including construction, telecommunications, and EV charging. The direct and indirect financial impact has been extremely significant. This criminal activity doesn’t just damage infrastructure; it directly impacts EV drivers who depend on reliable charging networks for their daily transportation needs. Every disabled charging station represents a barrier to sustainable transportation adoption in our community.
A Pioneering Solution
When cable theft became a serious concern, stakeholders across Edmonton’s EV community began searching for solutions. Our inquiries revealed that existing off-the-shelf anti-theft technology (dye packs and cut prevention technologies) were not enough.
EVAA directors were able to identify technology that could be adapted for this purpose and helped connect various parties to explore its potential. We provided input on technical requirements and helped present the case for a pilot program.
The technology has already proven its worth. In one notable case from April 9, 2025, the system enabled police to quickly recover stolen charging equipment and arrest two suspects at a location near 112 Avenue and 142 Street.
Moving Forward Together
The early success of this pilot program demonstrates what’s possible when different stakeholders work together toward a common goal. As hoped, this successful pilot has resulted in significant industry interest in deploying this protection on a much broader scale, with the cost of implementation being less than replacing stolen cables and repairing damaged infrastructure, making it a practical investment for operators.
How Charging Station Operators Can Participate
If you operate EV charging stations in Alberta (and beyond) and are interested in implementing this anti-theft technology, contact us and we can help connect you with the solution provider. Having worked through the challenge of finding solutions where nothing suitable existed off-the-shelf, we’re happy to share what we’ve learned and facilitate introductions.
Together, we can ensure that Alberta’s EV infrastructure remains reliable, accessible, and secure as we work toward a sustainable transportation future.