Electric vehicles, or EVs, have become a new normal on the streets of the UK, touting ecological and economical benefits over their fossil-fuelled predecessors, and pointing to a new technologically-advanced future of driving. Being new, though, EVs remain an expensive initial investment – and an investment you’re naturally keen to protect. As an urban driver, what can you do to minimise the risk your EV faces?

Choose Parking Wisely

An evergreen approach to improving the safety of any vehicle in an urban environment is to choose your parking wisely – a tip that proves useful for any car, but especially so for higher-value vehicles that attract more attention from would-be thieves. Generally, your best option is to pay for access to a Park Mark accredited multi-storey car park. Not only is your vehicle parked out of the way and amongst a large number of others, but the car park’s infrastructure and security measures should further deter attempted vandalism or theft.

If this kind of secure parking is not available to you, your next-best bet is to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. This might seem counterintuitive, but a well-lit parking space would put bad actors in plain view – making light an inexpensive deterrent that works in your favour. By this same token, avoid parking your vehicle in dark, out-of-the-way side roads or alleys. These places reduce the likelihood of a theft attempt being thwarted or deterred by a member of the public.

Charging Station Safety

EVs experience a unique vulnerability, though, as a result of their unique fuelling requirements. Though EVs are superior for fuel economy and sustainability, they are still hamstrung by charging technology – with the simple act of filling a petrol or diesel tank taking seconds in comparison to the hours that can be required for an electric vehicle’s battery to charge.

This charging time can pose a unique challenge to EV drivers. Unless you are situated in the vehicle for the duration of the charge, your EV is undeniably vulnerable. However, it is arguably least vulnerable to outright theft, on account of the locking systems incorporation in the charging cable. Nonetheless, keeping your vehicle in sight while charging is a shrewd move.

Insurance Considerations

Just as with any vehicle, insurance is a crucial consideration for EVs, being a legal requirement as well as an essential protection of value. With specific regard to EVs, though, it is important to consider tailored car insurance for protection against the unique issues you may face – including a potentially heightened risk of fire from the cells that power your vehicle.

Anti-Theft Measures

Regardless the attempts you make to reduce the risk of criminal activity against your EV, you are unfortunately likely to experience some form of attempt against your vehicle at some point. Anti-theft measures, then, are a valuable investment. One such investment might be in a specially-designed wallet or pouch for your EV’s key or card, which blocks attempts to clone your key for entry or theft. Another might be a wheel clamp that prevents thieves from easily manoeuvring your vehicle after entry.

Main Image – Photo by Sarmad Mughal: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-car-305070/