As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent in commercial and industrial settings, their infrastructure — including charging stations and charging cables — presents new security challenges. Stations, cables, and batteries are high-value targets for criminals looking for quick returns. EVs and the associated equipment are often located in open or minimally monitored areas, increasing potential exposure to opportunistic criminals and vandalism. These crimes are costly, disrupt logistics, strain personnel, and erode trust among stakeholders.
To protect these critical investments, businesses must view EVs and their charging stations as a high-priority security concern requiring proactive, multi-layered protection. Unified perimeter security for EV storage helps mitigate the threats to EVs by combining physical barriers, video surveillance, and access control measures.
Threats to Electric Vehicles
Crime data from 2024 indicates an increase in EV component theft during the previous year, leading to significant expenses, downtime, and reputational risk. Parts that are quick to move and sell, such as high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, copper wiring, and specialized electronic control units, are prime targets. Even in failed theft attempts, tampering with these vehicles can render them inoperable and void warranties. Overall, these threats increase insurance pressures for onsite security where EV assets are present.
Common threats to EVs include:
- EV theft and vandalism: The copper in charging cables is valuable, making EV charging stations a prime target for external theft. Thieves may also damage equipment and sever wires and connections. With your fleet out of commission, deliveries can be delayed, which can lead to customer frustration.
- Crimes of opportunity: EVs can be easy targets if they are parked near loading bays, in remote corners of commercial lots, or in poorly lit areas. Certain instances of theft, like stripping hardware from vehicles, may go unnoticed without adequate monitoring or deterrents in place.
- Financial losses: Property crime against EVs and EV infrastructure leads to asset loss, wasted employee time, and customer dissatisfaction — all of which affect a company’s bottom line. EVs can also be more expensive to repair than traditional, gas-powered vehicles.
Addressing these threats requires a proactive approach to perimeter security and risk management, rather than a more reactive one. Multiple layers of physical security work together to help prevent electric vehicle damage at your facility, minimizing financial losses and protecting operational continuity.
How to Protect EVs — A Multi-Layered Approach to Perimeter Security
As property crimes targeting EVs increase, so does the urgency for a more strategic approach. Protecting EV infrastructure requires a multi-layered security strategy that reflects the unique risks facing EV storage. Every vulnerable point, from the perimeter to the charging station, must be considered through the lens of risk mitigation. With the right measures in place to deter, detect, deny, delay and defend — also known as the five D’s of physical security — businesses can reduce the risk of operational disruption and safeguard their most valuable assets, including EVs.
Electric Fencing
Nothing stops crime like an electric fence. Adding an intimidating barrier deters potential thieves attempting to enter the premises. With visible signage, the fence sends a clear message that unauthorized entry is prohibited. Any thieves that try to breach the perimeter will receive a safe but memorable pulsed shock.
The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence delivers a medically safe but effective 7,000-volt pulse every 1.3 seconds. It runs on solar power and is not subject to power outages, when some types of crime can spike. Investing in an electric fence, which goes inside your existing perimeter fence, keeps thieves away from EV charging stations and fleets.
There are many enhancements and advanced security features to complement your electric fence, including:
- Angled fencing: The top two feet of The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence are installed at a 45-degree inward angle. Angled fencing prevents thieves from tossing items over the fence or attempting to gain access from on top of a piece of adjacent equipment or a nearby building.
- Gate auto arming: An auto-arming function ensures the gate arms automatically. This security feature works on roll, swing, automatic, and manual gates.
- Remote arming: The Total Connect 2.0 app allows the security system to be armed or disarmed remotely. Those with access can check the perimeter status from anywhere.
- Lay-down fencing: Lay-down fencing prevents intruders from attempting to breach a perimeter by digging under the fence.
- Vegetation control: Clear fence lines increase visibility and decrease hiding spots for criminals. A reputable landscaping company will provide regular vegetation maintenance along your electric fencing.
- Day mode: Day mode keeps the electric fence at 1,000 volts during business hours. After hours, the voltage increases to 7,000 volts.
- Security bollards: Bollards protect buildings, equipment, and fencing from damage by adding physical strength to a perimeter.
Video Surveillance and Remote Monitoring
Add another security layer to your electric fence with commercial video surveillance. High-resolution security cameras keep watch over your entire perimeter as well as key areas like charging stations. Capture criminal activity in real time and access video footage to be shared with local law enforcement and used as evidence.
With remote mobile monitoring, you get an instant visual of your facility and up-to-the-minute alerts from anywhere. Rest assured that remote security professionals are monitoring your site and are ready to respond to any threats.
Gate Access Control
In addition to your electric fencing, Gate Access Control ensures protection at all entry and exit points, which is critical for vehicle fleets. Minimize the risk of unauthorized entry with license plate recognition, credential readers, specialized gate locks, and AI cameras. Restricting access to your lot or site adds another layer of defense to safeguard your EVs.
Alarm-Based Lighting
Alarm-based lighting eliminates criminals’ ability to operate under the cover of darkness. This type of commercial lighting integrates with your electric fence, flooding the area with light if the electric fence alarm gets triggered. With options like zone fence lighting and spot lighting, you can effectively deter and detect any nighttime intrusion or theft attempts.
Achieve Multi-Layered Perimeter Security With AMAROK
As the adoption of EVs expands, so does the incentive for property crime. Electric vehicle theft, vandalism, and tampering will continue to result in costly repairs, operational delays, and reputational damage.
Protect your brand reputation, employees, and EV fleets with AMAROK. We are an award-winning, industry-leading provider of perimeter security solutions. With AMAROK, 99% of customers experience zero external theft after installation.
Schedule your free threat assessment today. We’ll assess any potential vulnerabilities at your site and develop a proactive plan to prevent and deter external theft.
