REVEALED: UK’s most stolen EVs and how to keep yours safe!

	Car	Stolen total over five year	% of stolen EVs over five years	Stolen in 2023 so far
1.	Nissan Leaf	188	39%	49
2.	Tesla S	61	13%	6
3.	Renault Zoe	46	10%	8
4.	Audi e-tron	24	5%	8
5.	Volkswagen id.3	20	4%	5
6.	MG MG5	18	4%	11
7.	Hyundai Ioniq 5	14	3%	13
8.	Tesla 3	14	3%	4
9.	BMW Ix3	10	2%	6
10.	Audi Q4	9	2%	7

The EV’s stolen the most over the last five years

Of the percentage of stolen EVs across the UK, the Nissan Leaf takes up 39% of all stolen EVs in the last five years.

Other models that criminals target are the The Tesla Model S and Renault Zoe, which were ranked second and third in the analysis. The Tesla Model S has seen 61 stolen in the past five years, six of which have been this year, while the Zoe has had 46.

Nissan and Tesla are the most targeted car brands by thieves

When looking at all electric vehicles from manufacturers, Nissan is the brand that criminals are targeting the most. While the Nissan Leaf is the most stolen vehicle, the brand also has other electric vehicles to its name, like the Ariya.

Top five most stolen EV manufacturers revealed by FOI data

The Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3, were the top-selling electric vehicles in the UK last year. So it’s no surprise that Tesla vehicles are the second most stolen EV brand. The Tesla Model S and Tesla Model 3, also made the top 10 list for car models stolen over the last five years.

Ford, Lexus, Skoda and Volvo were the brands that had the least amount of thefts the study revealed. All just having one vehicle stolen.

Five ways to protect your EV from theft at home

While you may not be able to protect your car at all times, there are ways you can keep your vehicle as safe as possible, using these tips outlined by Leasing Options.

1. Add surveillance with a Dash Cam or CCTV

While this could be an expensive option overall, you could install CCTV near the charging area for extra peace of mind, as well as helping secure your home. This can help identify unwanted guests but may also deter them from taking your charger.

Internally in your car, dash cams aren’t just great for extra reassurance on the road – they can be a great deterrent for unwanted attention while you’re parked up. Opt for cameras that work while the car is off and charging, so it films any nearby contact with your vehicle.

2. Stop relay attacks with fobs

Relay attacks are on the increase, and one of the most common is keyless entry. Criminals now have the means to exploit this system, break into the car, and drive it away without your actual key fob. There are specialised wallets available for purchase that block electronic signals to protect your car. This is an inexpensive way to protect your vehicle.

3. An old school steering wheel lock can work!

While this may seem like an old fashioned way of securing your car, it’s still an effective measure. Steering locks are returning to cars as a handy way to stop thieves in their tracks. However, there are also other ways to deter opportunists, such as wheel clamps and foldable bollards on your driveway.

4. Use a tracking device to know where your car ends up

While a tracking device won’t stop the theft from happening, it’s more likely to give you an idea of where the car ends up, and the information can be handed to the police. Another option is Ghost immobilisers that could add another layer of protection, it’s used alongside your car’s immobiliser and requires an access code to start the vehicle.

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options commented on the findings: “It’s worrying to see the rise across the amount of EV’s, and other vehicles, being stolen throughout the UK.

5. Keep your chargers safe with padlocks and remove them from your car when you aren’t using it

While not specifically about the car itself, but a trend that is on the rise, this tip highlights how best to keep your EV charger safe. Padlocks are one of the best ways to deter thieves, and they can be used on cables. Many electric vehicles have a loop to secure your lock in place while it’s charging. For example, the Nissan Leaf has this loop above the charging port. In some cases, and depending on the wheels you have, you can loop the cable through the wheel and place the padlock on the cable.

Another way to keep your EV chargers safe, is to simply remove them from your car when you aren’t using them. This will save you having to spend hundreds of pounds on a new one.

“For drivers who own one of the manufacturers or models highlighted as being targeted by thieves, we urge them to take the steps to make their car as protected as best it can be.

“Whether that be using padlocks or surveillance to keep an eye on the vehicle. Make sure your insurance is correct and up to date, and if your lease car is stolen to contact your provider as well as insurer.”