Tesla combating theft by stamping name on Supercharger cables

Tesla’s Supercharger network has been welcoming non-Tesla EVs to “fill up” their batteries globally. However, cable theft is a constant threat to charger availability, and the EV maker is inventing new methods to stop would-be robbers. The latest approach is engraving its name on the chargers to make them difficult to sell.

According to Tesla’s Head of Charging Max de Zegher, “Property of Tesla Motors” will be stamped on the copper inside the Supercharger cables during production. In a reply to a post on X, Zegher said it is one of the options that the company is exploring as it fights back against vandalism.

With Tesla boldly inscribed, thieves would be turned down when attempting to sell to copper recycling companies, who Zegher said should notify the carmaker when approached with stolen charging equipment. He added that the solution is cost-effective and does not impact service operations or customer experience.

Other strategies Tesla is using to deter cable tampering include wrapping the Supercharger cords in anti-cable cutting materials. Vandals and burglars will also be surprised and marked by dye and ink designed to explode all over them from underneath the material.