British charging solutions provider Evolt Charging is continuing its fight against charging cable theft and is now becoming a distribution partner for US company CatStrap.
CatStrap has developed a robust protection system for charging cables, which is now also available in the United Kingdom, thanks to this cooperation.
Charger cable theft is affecting all UK charge point operators (CPOs), and every stolen cable comes with significant costs to replace and repair.
In this regard, Seamus O’Dwyer, Operations Performance Director at Evolt Charging, says: “This is a serious issue and one that has the potential to derail the electric vehicle (EV) charging roll out and undermine investment. Ultimately, we need EV chargers to be recognised as critical infrastructure to tackle this ongoing issue, and the industry will continue to call for this.”
He continues: “But CPOs know they can’t wait for changes to be actioned and need to protect their infrastructure now. They are implementing preventive measures and protective solutions and the introduction of CatStrap to the UK market is intended to support this.”
This is a cost-effective measure which has already been proven in the US, and will protect cables at charge points that EV drivers rely on every day.
Already deployed across more than 1,000 charging stations worldwide, CatStrap combines dual steel materials in a proprietary armored sleeve design that successfully deters saws, cable cutters, and other handheld or powered cutting tools.
The CatStrap – EV Cable Protector is a robust protection system that features three layers of steel strip, four times harder than stainless steel, and aircraft-grade cable for superior theft protection.
Evolt has undertaken rigorous testing of the CatStrap – EV Cable Protector in real-world conditions, demonstrating its exceptional resistance to cutting and theft attempts.
The system’s patented steel-layer movement frustrates even the most powerful cutting tools, keeping the cable 90% intact after up to three minutes of continuous cutting and resisting most handheld cutters as well as many industrial methods.
Evolt’s own testing produced impressive results, confirming the product’s strength and reliability, key factors in its decision to partner with CatStrap.
The systems Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) fibre sleeve with shape memory ensures flexibility and increased durability with minimal added weight.
The CatStrap – EV Cable Protector can be quickly and simply installed to all tethered EV chargers and can be seamlessly integrated with existing cable management systems.
“We are committed to supporting CPOs with innovative and durable solutions that help to deter and prevent further cable theft”, Seamus continues. “We are pleased to have exclusively partnered with CatStrap to bring their innovative solution to the UK market.”
David Birsen, Vice President of CatStrap, indicates: “After protecting thousands of public chargers across North America in high-theft areas with virtually 100% success, we’re excited to extend that protection to UK operators.”
“Evolt’s nationwide service capability, operational excellence, and expertise in charge point hardware make them the ideal partner to ensure consistent, high-quality installations and successful implementation of our products,” he adds.
