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 2-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.