Why Electric Vehicles Are Less Likely to Be Stolen Compared to Gasoline Cars?

Why Electric Vehicles Are Less Likely to Be Stolen Compared to Gasoline Cars?

While electric vehicles have grown in popularity in recent years, a lesser-known benefit of EVs is their capacity to be more secure against theft compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. 

According to The Globe and Mail, a vehicle is stolen every six minutes in Canada, making auto theft a critical issue that demands attention. Electric vehicles, particularly Tesla models, are proving to be significantly less attractive targets for car thieves compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. In this article, we will explore the various factors that contribute to the enhanced security of electric vehicles and why they are less likely to be stolen in Canada.

Why Electric Vehicles Are Less Likely to Be Stolen Compared to Gasoline Cars?

According to the IIHS’s Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), electric vehicles are stolen at a much lower rate than internal combustion engine vehicles. The study, which studied insurance claims for whole car theft in 2020-2022 models, discovered that:

• The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y had the lowest number of theft claims among all vehicles.
• Other EVs, including the Tesla Model X, Model S, and Nissan Leaf, also showed significantly lower theft claim frequencies compared to the industry average.
• There are six EV models (including separate counts for single-motor and dual-motor Model 3 variants) ranked among the top 20 models with the fewest claims for whole vehicle theft.

These findings suggest a clear advantage for EVs in terms of theft prevention, but the reasons behind this trend are not yet fully understood by researchers.

Why Electric Vehicles Are Less Likely to Be Stolen Compared to Gasoline Cars?

Factors Contributing to Lower EV Theft Rates

High-Tech Locking Systems

Today’s electric vehicles come equipped with advanced locking systems that go beyond traditional key-based mechanisms and present unique challenges to potential thieves.  For example:

Complex Electronic Systems: EVs rely heavily on sophisticated electronic systems that are integral to their operation. These systems are often more difficult to bypass or “hot-wire” compared to traditional combustion engines.

Keyless Entry and Start: Many EVs utilize advanced keyless entry and start systems that rely on smartphone apps or key fobs, they are more secure than traditional key fobs. Some even employ biometric authentication methods like fingerprint scanning.

Passcode for Driving: Many EVs come equipped with PIN-based access requires a code to start the car.

Constant Connectivity: Electric vehicles are often connected to cellular networks, allowing for real-time tracking and remote disabling in the event of theft.

These advanced locking mechanisms make it far more difficult for thieves to get unauthorized entry to EVs.

GPS Tracking and Remote Monitoring

Many electric vehicles include built-in GPS tracking and remote monitoring capabilities, which are among their most significant security measures. This technology allows:

• Real-time location tracking of the vehicle
• Remote locking and unlocking
• Immobilization of the vehicle from a distance
• EV owners can often access these features through smartphone apps, providing an additional layer of security and peace of mind.

Charging Infrastructure and Parking Habits

EVs are often parked in well-lit and secure areas for overnight charging. This practice may deter potential thieves, as these locations are typically under surveillance or in high-traffic areas. In addition, stealing an EV may present unique technological challenges for traditional car thieves. The unfamiliarity with EV systems and the potential for remote tracking and disabling of vehicles could make them less appealing targets.

Unique Challenges for Potential Thieves

Limited Market for Stolen EV Parts

Compared to typical automobiles, electric cars have fewer interchangeable parts that can be easily sold on the black market. The battery, the most valuable component of an EV, is often built into the vehicle’s construction, making removal difficult and time-consuming. The specialized nature of EV components may make them more difficult to resell or recycle illegally. This reduces the incentive for thieves looking to profit from selling stolen parts.

Specialized Knowledge Required

Stealing and running an electric vehicle frequently takes specific knowledge, which many car thieves might be lacking. The complex systems and components in EVs may be unfamiliar to people used to working with conventional combustion engines, thus discouraging less tech-savvy criminals.

Case Study: Tesla’s Security Features

Tesla, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has incorporated various unique security features that have helped make its vehicles less likely to be stolen. Tesla has been extremely diligent in resolving any security issues.

Sentry Mode: Sentry Mode uses the car’s network of cameras and sensors to identify unusual activity near your Tesla. When activated, the automobile becomes a vigilant guardian. Even when parked and turned off, the side and front cameras, as well as the sensors, remain operational. Assume somebody comes too close to the vehicle. In that situation, Sentry Mode takes over, recording the activity and displaying a clear notice on the car’s touchscreen: “Recording in Progress” as well as sending you a notification to your phone.

Pin to Drive: This security feature demands the user to input a PIN before driving the Tesla, even if the key fob is present. To further prevent thieves, the PIN pad location shifts on the touchscreen with each startup, making it impossible to guess based on fingerprint smudges. The only way to bypass Pin to Drive is by entering the owner’s Tesla account credentials. Fortunately, most car thieves lack the sophisticated hacking skills required to access a Tesla account. PIN to Drive adds an extra layer of security that most cars simply lack.

GPS Tracking: GPS tracking has been an integral part of Tesla‘s security system since its beginnings. Let’s say the worst happens: someone steals your Key Card and drives away with your Tesla. Owners can use the Tesla mobile app’s tracking feature to view their vehicle’s whereabouts in real time. 

Over-the-Air Updates: Tesla can continuously improve security features by releasing software upgrades that address new risks as they surface. This enables Tesla to continuously develop and optimize the security measures in their vehicles, proactively addressing any vulnerabilities that may be uncovered.

These advanced security features have reportedly contributed to Tesla vehicles being up to 90% less likely to be stolen compared to the average car.

Potential Vulnerabilities and Limitations

While electric vehicles typically provide increased security, they are not completely immune to theft or other security issues.

Relay Attacks: Some keyless entry systems are subject to relay attacks, which occur when thieves make use of electronic gear to amplify and transmit the signal from a key fob inside a residence to unlock and start the car.

High-Tech Hacking: As automobiles become increasingly technologically capable, they are subject to sophisticated hacking attempts. Cybersecurity in automobile systems is an ongoing challenge that requires constant monitoring.

Cybersecurity Risks: As electric vehicles grow increasingly connected and reliant on software, they may become targets for hackers looking to take advantage of vulnerabilities in the system. This might potentially result in illegal access or control of the vehicle.

Physical Vulnerabilities: Even if an electric vehicle’s electronic systems are safe, physical theft tactics such as towing or loading onto a flatbed truck remain a concern.

While EVs provide effectiveness security benefits, there are also other things to consider:

Newer vs. Older EVs: Data suggests that newer EVs with more advanced features are less likely to be stolen. Older electric models may not have comparable security mechanisms.

Hybrid Vehicle: While EVs have a low theft rate, thieves are increasingly targeting hybrid vehicles, especially for their catalyst converters. The Toyota Prius, for example, has been a primary target due to the high value of precious metals in its catalytic converter.

Location Matters: Even with EVs, certain places are more vulnerable to car theft. Urban regions and areas with restricted parking may have a greater rate of attempted thefts, regardless of car type.

Limited Data: Because EVs have only recently gained significant usage, comprehensive long-term data on their theft rates in comparison to traditional vehicles is currently being collected and analyzed.

While no vehicle is completely theft-proof, electric vehicles do appear to have several advantages when it comes to security. Their advanced technological features, limited attraction in the black market, and the specialized knowledge necessary to operate them all help to make EVs less attractive targets for theft.

However, as with any valuable asset, EV owners should be paying close attention and take the necessary safeguards to safeguard their vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, we may expect to see ever more advanced security features used in electric vehicles, lowering the risk of theft and improving overall vehicle security.

Read More:

The Most Popular EVs In Canada for 2024

EV Charging Security: Is Your Electric Vehicle Charger Safe?

The 11 Best Car Apps and Tools For Car Buyers in Canada

Buy or Sell A Used Electric Vehicle in Ontario: Here Is What You Need To Know

As always, Carnex can provide you with detailed information about buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Carnex is the top online EV expert in Canada for buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

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