World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Copper cable theft hits hundreds of French EV charging stations
Thieves are stealing copper cables from fast-charging stations across France.
Charge France counted 850 stations targeted since January in one account, while another said 1,000 had been hit by late October.
The attacks affect between 10% and more than 15% of France’s fast-charging network, according to the different estimates.
Operators say the damage has cost €18 million to €21 million, including repairs and lost use of stations.
The stolen copper may bring thieves only tens of euros per cable, while replacing equipment can cost thousands.
Damaged stations can leave drivers without working chargers, including people relying on them during long journeys.
Insurers are reported to be refusing cover for some losses, and operators may pass costs on through higher charging prices.
Charge France has raised the issue with the government, while the thefts continue to disrupt service.
Copper cable theft has hit hundreds of French electric-vehicle charging stations, disrupting service and costing operators millions of euros.
Charge France reported 850 stations targeted since January in a report published on 3 November; MacGeneration later cited 1,000 stations affected by late October.
The thefts target fast-charging cables, which are cut to recover copper for resale.
Charge France estimated losses at €18 million, while MacGeneration reported €21 million in losses since the start of 2026.
Operators say repairs and station downtime cost far more than the copper recovered, and the costs could affect charging prices.
- Who
- Thieves are targeting French electric-vehicle charging stations. Operators and drivers are affected.
- What
- Copper cables are being cut and stolen from fast-charging stations. Charge France reported hundreds of sites targeted.
- When
- Since January 2026; Charge France’s report was published on 3 November.
- Where
- Charging stations across France, including a TotalEnergies site in Marcq-en-Barœul.
- Why
- The thieves recover copper to sell it. The articles say the stolen copper can bring tens of euros per cable.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Electra co-founder Aurélien de Meaux published a video example of cable theft on LinkedIn.
Charge France counted 850 targeted charging sites and estimated losses of €18 million.
Charge France published its latest figures, according to BFM.
MacGeneration reported that 1,000 stations had been affected, compared with about 100 during all of 2025.
- Stations targeted
- 850 since January, according to Charge France figures reported by BFM
- Share of fast-charging network
- 10%, according to BFM
- Reported losses
- €18 million, according to BFM; €21 million, according to MacGeneration
- Copper resale value
- €30–€80 per cable, according to BFM
- Repair cost
- €1,500–€8,000 per charging unit, according to BFM
3 sources
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What people are saying
Sur notre réseau de plus de 450 stations, nous constatons presque chaque semaine un ou plusieurs actes de vol de câbles (...) Ces actes ont un impact direct sur le service rendu à nos clients: une station touchée ne peut plus fonctionner pleinement.
On peut vite le sectionner, c'est facilement transportable. On n'a pas besoin d'une logistique énorme. C'est pas comme, à l'époque, quand ils volaient des grosses bobines de cuivre, il fallait avoir un camion. Là, avec un véhicule (léger) ou même parfois une trottinette et un sac à dos, on peut