Nigeria adopts AI cameras to guard EV infrastructure

From the newsletter

EV charging companies in Nigeria are integrating AI-enabled security cameras to prevent theft and vandalism of chargers. These cameras use smart technology to distinguish between people, animals, and objects. They can send alerts in response to unusual activity, enabling EV charging station operators to take preventive actions.

• Although the number of charging stations remains relatively low among early EV adopters, the risk of cable theft could impede large-scale deployment before manufacturers introduce physical design upgrades to deter theft. 

• AI integration represents a significant step forward in enhancing security; however, for these measures to be fully effective, charging stations require a stable and independent power supply.

More details

• While the EV market in Africa is still in its early stages, theft and vandalism remain potential risks as the infrastructure expands. Specific cases of charger cable theft have been reported in South Africa and Egypt. 

• The primary driver of theft at EV charging stations is the high value of copper used in charging cables and internal wiring. Criminals strip cables for scrap metal resale, taking advantage of weak security at unmanned charging stations.

• While AI-powered surveillance offers real-time monitoring and alert systems, these solutions are still limited in coverage and effectiveness due to inconsistent internet connectivity and power supply. 

• One of the biggest gaps in EV charging security in Africa is the absence of physical deterrents such as bollards, enclosures, or underground cable installations to prevent tampering. The focus has largely been on deploying charging infrastructure, often overlooking the security aspect, which may pose a significant challenge in the future.

• Although EV charger theft and vandalism are not yet widespread in Africa, they pose a considerable risk to the sector’s growth. In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where EV infrastructure is more advanced, charger vandalism and cable theft have already led to service disruptions and financial losses. 

• If similar trends emerge in Africa without appropriate preventive measures, investors and operators may be discouraged from expanding charging networks. This could slow EV adoption by reducing user confidence and making public charging unreliable.

• Several African countries are beginning to adopt security measures for EV charging stations, including AI surveillance, alarm systems, and physical deterrents. Early EV adopter nations and charging operators are experimenting with motion-activated cameras and automated alert systems to enable an immediate response to security threats. Nigeria is exploring AI-powered video analytics, but the technology has not yet been widely deployed due to high costs.

• AI-powered security systems can significantly reduce theft and vandalism at EV charging stations by enabling automated detection and response. For instance, AI-driven cameras with facial recognition can identify repeat offenders and provide law enforcement with actionable intelligence. In the United States, smart monitoring systems have deterred copper theft by instantly alerting authorities when tampering is detected. AI-powered anomaly detection can also be used to track patterns and predict potential security breaches before they occur.

• In developed markets, security solutions such as cut-resistant charging cables, anti-theft alarm systems, and real-time monitoring have been implemented to combat charger theft. Companies like ChargePoint in the United States have introduced tamper-proof hardware and AI-based security alerts to address these concerns.

Our take

• AI offers an immediate and adaptable solution while charger manufacturers work on security-focused hardware upgrades. It provides a layer of protection that can be implemented today rather than waiting years for design changes.

• Even if EV chargers are redesigned with theft-resistant features, criminals will always find ways to bypass them. A combination of AI-powered surveillance and improved physical security is necessary to create a theft-proof charging infrastructure.

• Just as CCTV is essential for ATMs and fuel stations, AI-enhanced monitoring should be a fundamental part of EV charging networks. However, these systems should be adapted for the African market with modifications such as integrating off-grid energy solutions to ensure reliability.