Lisbon, Sept. 1, 2025 (Lusa) - Electric vehicle charging points in Portugal have been the target of vandalism and theft, which is worrying the sector, according to statements made to Lusa by EDP, Powerdot and the president of the association representing the sector.
"We confirm the occurrence of some isolated cases of vandalism at public electric vehicle charging stations, which have raised some concern in the sector," said Carlos Ferraz, president of APOCME - Portuguese Association of Electric Mobility Operators and Traders, when asked about public complaints in this regard.
According to the association leader, these incidents "seem to be limited to certain areas of the country and represent a small percentage of the approximately 3,000 fast and ultra-fast charging stations currently installed in Portugal."
Carlos Ferraz explained that theft and vandalism are more prevalent in the Greater Lisbon area, particularly on the south bank of the Tagus River.
The president of APOCME also said that the thefts reported involve "charger cables and, for this reason, when these situations occur, the stations become inoperative until normal operating and safety conditions are restored".
EDP Comercial, one of the largest charging point operators in Portugal, also confirmed that "acts of vandalism have recently been reported at some of the public charging points managed by the company. These cases were quickly reported to the proper authorities and the service is being restored as quickly as possible", said an official source.
For its part, Powerdot has recorded ‘cases of vandalism and theft of materials, not only in Portugal, but also in other markets where it operates,’ the company said in response to Lusa.
According to the group, ‘this is a worrying trend, which, in addition to causing financial damage, compromises the experience of electric vehicle users.’
Powerdot, the Portuguese start-up that installs charging stations, has ensured that all incidents are reported to the authorities, to whom it provides "all relevant information, including CCTV footage, ensuring full cooperation in the investigation process".
At the same time, Powerdot is "strengthening its security measures by implementing detection and alarm systems that allow for a faster response, as well as additional protection for equipment, in order to deter further incidents," it said, indicating that its commitment is to "ensure maximum availability of charging points and the confidence of all users."
For the president of APOCME, the important thing "is to ensure that operators are able to guarantee maximum equipment operability, minimising the impact on the service provided to users," adding that its members "have been actively collaborating with the authorities in the investigation of these cases".
According to Carlos Ferraz, "through this collaboration, and with the support of video surveillance systems installed at the stations, suspects have already been identified, both those who carry out the thefts and those who acquire this type of material."
"As the Association of Electric Mobility Operators and Traders, APOCME remains attentive to developments in the situation and in constant coordination with the authorities," he said, indicating that the association has requested "meetings with the Command of the Public Security Police, the Command of the National Republican Guard and the Ministry of the Interior to strengthen this collaboration".
ALN/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
