Cable theft is becoming a growing operational challenge for Charge Point Operators. But the impact goes far beyond the cost of replacing an affected cable.

Each incident can leave a charger out of service, generate unplanned maintenance, disrupt operations and lead to lost revenue. As charging networks continue to expand, protecting infrastructure availability is becoming just as important as deploying new charging points.

Developed by Hellonext and ThinkDigital, X-Connect is an integrated cable protection and monitoring solution designed to help CPOs reduce the risk and operational impact of cable theft and vandalism.

Now market ready, X-Connect brings together mechanical protection, autonomous detection and digital monitoring in a solution designed for both new and existing EV charging infrastructure.

Cable theft is a network availability issue

A damaged or stolen cable can immediately remove a charging point from service. The consequences can extend across maintenance, operations and network performance:

• replacement and repair costs;

• unplanned technical interventions;

• charger downtime;

• lost charging revenue;

• additional pressure on operational and maintenance teams;

• reduced availability across the charging network.

For CPOs, this means that cable protection cannot be treated solely as a physical security measure. It must form part of a wider approach to infrastructure resilience and operational continuity.

X-Connect was developed around this principle.

Three complementary components

X-Connect combines physical and digital protection through three complementary components.

1. Mechanical protection

The mechanical protection uses high-resistance materials, including synthetic aramid fibre, to reinforce the cable’s most vulnerable points and make attempted cutting more difficult.

The solution was developed to preserve the flexibility and handling required for everyday charging operations. This is particularly important for public charging locations, where protection must not compromise normal cable use or compatibility with existing cable management systems.

2. Autonomous detection and alarm

Physical resistance can help delay an attempted cut, but operators also need to know when an incident is taking place.

X-Connect includes an autonomous detection and alarm system. In the event of an attempted cut, the system identifies an interruption in the monitoring circuit associated with the protection and activates a local audible alarm, helping to discourage the attempt from continuing.

The autonomous architecture adds another layer of protection by supporting detection and alert capabilities independently from the charger’s standard operating systems.

3. Centralised digital monitoring

The X-Connect digital platform gives operators centralised visibility over installed devices and incidents across the network. Through the platform, operators can:

• monitor installed devices;

• receive real-time alerts;

• identify the location associated with an incident;

• review incident logs and history;

• notify security and maintenance teams;

• centralise operational information.

The solution can also be integrated with operators’ existing management systems through an API, supporting a connected approach to infrastructure monitoring.

Designed for existing networks, not only new chargers

Much of today’s EV charging infrastructure is already in operation. Protecting only new installations would therefore leave a significant part of the network exposed.

For this reason, one of the central requirements in the development of X-Connect was its ability to support chargers already deployed in the field.

The solution can be adapted to charging equipment from different manufacturers, subject to an assessment of the charger model and installation conditions. This makes it relevant to CPOs managing mixed networks composed of multiple equipment brands and generations.

During development, the teams also considered:

• cable weight and handling;

• compatibility with existing cable management systems;

• installation requirements;

• alarm system autonomy;

• centralisation of device and incident information.

This retrofit-focused approach allows operators to assess protection across the network as a whole, rather than limiting it to future infrastructure deployments.

Developed around operators’ requirements

X-Connect was created following direct engagement with charging network operators and an assessment of the realities faced in the field.

Operators highlighted the need for a solution capable of:

• making cable cutting more difficult;

• protecting vulnerable points;

• maintaining everyday cable handling;

• detecting an attempted cut;

• generating immediate alerts;

• operating autonomously;

• centralising information;

• supporting integration with existing systems;

• being deployed across an installed, multi-brand charging network.

Bringing these requirements together demanded expertise in both charging infrastructure and connected technology.

X-Connect combines Hellonext’s experience in electric mobility infrastructure with ThinkDigital’s capabilities in IoT, connectivity and digital platforms. The result is a solution that addresses both the physical and digital dimensions of cable protection.

From cable protection to network resilience

X-Connect reflects a broader shift in EV charging infrastructure.

As networks grow, operators need more than reliable charging hardware. They also need the tools to protect assets, monitor incidents and maintain network availability.

By combining mechanical protection, autonomous detection and centralised monitoring, X-Connect helps CPOs move from a reactive response to cable theft towards a more connected and structured protection strategy.

The objective is not only to protect an individual cable. It is to support the availability and operational continuity of the charging network.

X-Connect is now market ready

X-Connect is commercially available for implementation across new and existing EV charging infrastructure.

Hellonext and ThinkDigital can assess charger models, installation conditions and network requirements to identify the most appropriate configuration and deployment approach.

Interested in protecting the availability of your charging network?

Discover X-Connect or contact our team to discuss your infrastructure requirements.