InstaVolt introduces GPS tracking for charging cables

We have already reported several times on the increasingly frequent problems with charging cable theft and the industry’s initial countermeasures. A new and often requested approach is now being introduced in the UK by fast charging provider InstaVolt. Cable theft is described as “fast-growing crime affecting the UK’s EV infrastructure, causing significant downtime, lost investment and disruption to drivers.”

Together with Trackit247, InstaVolt says it plans to roll out what it claims is the industry’s first live GPS tracking system “to tackle the rising threat of charging cable theft.” As part of the initiative, GPS trackers will be installed in charging cables across the InstaVolt network with the stated aim of being able to track stolen cables in real time.

InstaVolt is the first company in the industry to introduce live GPS tracking to counter the growing threat of charging cable theft. In collaboration with Trackit247, this initiative will see live GPS devices installed in charging cables across InstaVolt’s nationwide network to track stolen cables in real time. InstaVolt has more than 2,000 charging points in operation in the UK and plans to expand to 11,000 charging points by 2030.

According to the company, the devices send location updates every three seconds – each charging cable is linked to a location via a geofence. The company specifies that the technology works by geo-fencing its charger location and registering “any movement outside the designated area triggering an instant alert to InstaVolt’s 24/7 security control centre.” However, InstaVolt does not publish any further details about the tracker itself – presumably to prevent thieves from finding ways to circumvent it.

‘By using GPS technology, we are setting new standards for how the industry can deter criminals, protect infrastructure and support law enforcement,’ says InstaVolt CEO Delvin Lane. “Cable theft is a growing challenge for our industry, threatening the confidence of EV drivers and undermining investment in charging infrastructure. By introducing live GPS tracking in collaboration with our partners at Trackit247, we are taking decisive action to protect our network and support the police in combating these crimes.

Source: Info via email

This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition