The decline in auto thefts is a welcome trend, but it's not just the result of a few factors. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is playing a significant role in reducing car thefts, and it's fascinating to explore why. While the overall number of auto thefts is down, the number of EVs in the country is on the rise, and these pluggable vehicles are much less likely to be stolen than their gasoline- or diesel-powered counterparts. This is an interesting development, and it raises a deeper question: Why are EVs stolen less often than gas- or diesel-powered cars?
One theory is that more EVs are kept in garages, either private or public, which adds an extra layer of risk for car thieves. The vehicles can be charged overnight, and the thieves would prefer to do their dirty work on dark and unmonitored streets. Additionally, some EVs come with video monitors baked in, which can help keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Tesla and Mercedes-Benz are among the automakers that install camera arrays in EVs to monitor for potential thefts.
Another factor is the lack of a big market for stolen EV parts. While catalytic converter thefts may still be an issue, electric vehicles don't have them. The high-voltage battery pack is the most expensive component of an EV, and stealing it without being electrocuted is no simple task. This makes EVs less attractive targets for thieves.
Range anxiety may also be a factor. While science has proven that range anxiety is often unfounded, it may still be on the minds of criminals. Thieves may be too concerned about how range can impact their getaways to take a chance on stealing an EV. However, with EV chargers being installed at a record pace, thieves probably won't want their chances of success riding on whether or not they can find a working charging station nearby.
The disparity in theft rates is an interesting development, and it raises a deeper question: Why are EVs stolen less often than gas- or diesel-powered cars? The answer is likely a combination of factors, including the increased security measures in EVs, the lack of a big market for stolen EV parts, and the potential concerns of range anxiety among thieves. As the number of EVs on the road continues to grow, it will be fascinating to see how this trend evolves and whether it can help reduce car thefts even further.
