Southampton is now benefitting from new technology that will tackle cable theft and ensure continued reliability for EV drivers in the city.

The UK’s largest ultra-rapid EV charging network, InstaVolt, is introducing CableGuard to its EV charging points.

The technology was first introduced in April this year as part of new measures to protect InstaVolt’s EV infrastructure and is now being rolled out across the country.

Not only is cable theft a crime, it is a nuisance for EV drivers needing to use chargers to keep them on the road.

InstaVolt rolls out cable protection system to ensure charger reliabilityInstaVolt rolls out cable protection system to ensure charger reliability (Image: Lee Peck Media) As well as this lost time, there can also be huge costs associated with replacing the cables and a public concern over the current infrastructure provision.

This innovation, created in collaboration with EV design specialists, Formula Space, is the introduction of CableGuard.

It is a sleeve that covers the cable, constructed from a tough, flexible material that adds a critical layer of security without affecting the driver experience.

If tampered with, a forensic liquid is deployed, leaving a mark that glows under UV light and is linked to a specific location via a police-accessible database.

This pioneering system further enhances InstaVolt’s suite of security measures, including GPS and Geo-Tracking technology which has been integrated into cable infrastructure to detect when a cable leaves the perimeter of a charging site, allowing for immediate alerts and rapid response.

Complementing this, InstaVolt has also implemented a suite of enhanced security measures across its network including AI-powered CCTV systems capable of identifying suspicious activity in real time and monitored around the clock by security teams, including a team of on-site patrols led by ex-military operatives.

These efforts are already showing results, with recent incidents leading to arrests and prosecutions thanks to the advanced technology in place.

Delvin Lane, InstaVolt CEO, said: "Infrastructure protection is vital to our mission of delivering a reliable and accessible EV charging network – and we are clamping down on hotspot areas like Southampton.

"Cable theft not only affects our operations but also inconveniences drivers.

"By implementing state-of-the-art solutions like CableGuard, alongside intelligent surveillance systems, we’re proactively addressing the problem and reinforcing our commitment to driver safety and service uptime."