EV cable locks secure your Type 2 cable to the car or wallbox, deterring opportunistic theft on public chargers and shared driveways. £20-40 spend, fits in the cable bag, removes the easy-target factor. UK EV cable theft is rare but not zero — and the cable itself is worth £80-200 to replace.
Why you might need one
Two scenarios where a physical lock matters:
- Unattended public charging — city-centre car parks, railway station car parks, hotel forecourts. The cable is unattended for hours; opportunistic theft has happened.
- Shared driveway — your wallbox is in a shared space, the cable runs across to your bay. Less malicious, more "neighbour's contractor wandered off with it."
For typical home use behind a closed gate, a physical lock isn't necessary — the wallbox's software-locked-while-charging feature is enough.
Lock types we stock
- Soft-shackle padlock — flexible braided steel cable padlock. Threads through the connector's release latch hole, locking it to the cable. Defeats casual theft. £15-30.
- Type 2 barrel lock — solid steel barrel that fits over the connector body, blocking access to the release latch. More secure than soft-shackle. £30-60.
- Combination cable lock — 60-100cm braided steel cable with combination lock. Loops cable through wallbox or car frame. £25-50.
- Wallbox holster lock — metal cage that fits around the wallbox holster, preventing the cable from being detached. £40-80. Premium option.
How most cable theft happens
The vast majority of UK EV cable theft is opportunistic — someone walks past, sees a cable plugged in unattended, presses the release latch, walks off with it. The car's "charging in progress" lock holds the connector at the car-end; the wallbox-end is what gets pulled out.
A soft-shackle padlock through the connector's release-latch hole physically blocks the latch from being depressed — making the cable un-removable until the lock is cut or picked. Defeats 95% of opportunistic theft.
What's already locked by software
Modern UK wallboxes and EVs lock the connector at both ends WHILE charging is active. Try to unplug a charging cable on a Tesla, BMW, Hyundai or any modern EV — it physically can't be removed until charging stops or you press unlock in the app. This is good security between sessions of active charging.
The vulnerability is BETWEEN sessions — you've finished charging but haven't yet unplugged. The car has unlocked, the wallbox has unlocked, the cable is sitting in both. That's when a physical padlock helps.
For shared driveways and multi-residential
If your wallbox is in a shared space, look at a wallbox holster lock — a steel cage that fits around the holster and prevents anyone but the key-holder from accessing the cable. £40-80. Useful for landlords with multi-tenant EV charging.
Mounting and pairing
Pair a cable lock with a wall holder for clean, secure cable management at home. The holder docks the connector vertically; the lock secures it in the dock.
Warranty and quality
Cable locks live outside, get rained on, get dropped. Look for stainless or galvanised hardware (not plain steel — rusts in 6 months) and a 3-year minimum warranty. Cheap unbranded cable locks on marketplaces are often plain steel under chrome plating; they corrode fast.
What we stock
- Type 2 soft-shackle padlocks (3-pack and 5-pack).
- Type 2 barrel locks (combination and key-locked variants).
- Combination cable locks (60cm and 100cm).
- Wallbox holster locks for shared installs.