Stop EV Charger Mooching with Toucan’s Floodlight Camera

Keep your EV charging station safe with real-time monitoring and smart home security solutions.

Smart home security cameras have quickly moved beyond just watching the front door. Today, they're playing a bigger role in helping homeowners protect everything outside their homes, including their electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. If you’re an EV owner, you’ve probably noticed that your charger, especially if it’s located outside, can be a magnet for freeloaders and curious strangers.

Smart security systems like Toucan’s Floodlight Camera now allow you to keep an eye on your charger, stop unauthorized use, and create a more secure environment around your property. 

This article takes a closer look at how smart cameras can help protect your home EV charger, what features to use, and extra ways to discourage charger misuse without causing any drama with neighbors or passersby.

Why Your EV Charger Needs Protection

Having an EV charger at home is incredibly convenient, but its location can also make it an easy target. If your charging cable is visible from the street or accessible from your driveway, it’s at risk of being used without permission.

Public EV charging stations are expanding, but some drivers still hunt for accessible plugs, even those located on private property. As of this year, 2025, the US now has 11,687 public fast charging stations with nearly 60,000 ports. However, high demand in urban areas still creates pressure, leading some people to take chances where they shouldn't.

If your charger supports fast charging and it’s within reach, it may be particularly tempting for someone in a hurry to top off their battery at your expense.

How Smart Cameras and Tools Keep Freeloaders Away

A visible charging station needs a visible defense. Smart security tools do more than record incidents; they help prevent them in the first place. Here are ten ways to protect your EV charger and keep your energy bill in your hands.

#1 Use a Floodlight Camera to Watch Your Charging Zone

Toucan’s Floodlight Camera gives you real-time eyes on your charging station. It comes with HD 1080p resolution, a 146˚ wide-angle view, motion-activated LED lights, and a built-in siren. When installed near your charger, it lets you monitor the area from your phone and take action if needed.

You can:

• View a live feed anytime

• Speak through two-way audio

• Trigger the floodlight or siren remotely

• Record and save activity

Thanks to the camera's night vision, your charger is visible even after the sun goes down. This setup gives you peace of mind without needing to constantly check out the window.

#2 Customize Motion Zones for Focused Alerts

Not every movement near your driveway is worth a ping. With Toucan’s app, you can draw a motion zone that only covers your charger. This means fewer false alerts from people walking by or cars passing in the street.

Tips for better motion zones:

• Frame just the area around your charger and driveway entrance

• Reduce sensitivity to avoid picking up background movement

• Create different zones for day and night activity

With targeted alerts, you’ll know exactly when someone gets too close without being bombarded by notifications.

#3 Use Two-Way Talk to Respond Instantly

If someone approaches your charger, you don’t have to just watch. Use the camera’s two-way audio to speak directly from your phone. A quick message like, “This charger is private property,” is often enough to stop someone in their tracks.

This tool is useful when you’re home, but especially valuable when you’re away. You can step in right when it matters most.

#4 Light Up the Area to Discourage Tampering

Bright lights are a proven deterrent. Toucan’s floodlight turns on automatically when it detects motion, making it hard for anyone to approach your charger without being seen.

Lighting also improves visibility for your security footage and helps you plug in your EV safely at night. If you already have outdoor lights, consider syncing them with your camera using a smart plug for better coverage.

#5 Add a Visible No-Use Sign

Sometimes a simple sign does the trick. Post a small, waterproof notice near your charger that says something like “Private Charger – No Public Use.”

It sets clear expectations and may prevent misunderstandings with neighbors or delivery drivers. It also adds another visual reminder that the area is monitored and off-limits.

#6 Schedule Alerts Based on Time of Day

Your driveway might be busy during the day but quieter at night. Adjust your alert settings to match your charger’s most vulnerable hours. For many homeowners, this means activating alerts from evening to early morning.

You can easily set notification schedules in the Toucan app, so your phone isn’t constantly buzzing but still keeps you informed when it counts.

#7 Review Footage to Catch Repeat Offenders

Toucan offers free seven-day cloud storage, so you can go back and review any unusual activity. If you see signs of tampering or someone routinely lurking around your charger, recorded clips can give you the evidence to act.

Whether it’s a chat with your HOA, a notice to your neighbors, or a report to local authorities, having footage strengthens your case.

#8 Use Chargers with Built-In Locking Features

Security-focused chargers now offer locking mechanisms or require access codes. These features make it harder for someone to plug in without permission, even if they get close.

Look for models that support app-based locking or delay charging until you approve it from your smartphone.

#9 Add a Barrier or Relocate Your Charger

If your charger is close to the curb, adding a physical barrier like a short post or planter can create distance. In some cases, relocating your unit further inside your property can make it less tempting and harder to reach.

While this may require minor rewiring, it’s worth considering if you’ve had repeated issues.

#10 Share Access Only with Trusted Users

Some smart chargers let you set user permissions. If you occasionally share your charger with friends or neighbors, make sure the system requires a one-time PIN or registered device to start a session.

This prevents unapproved charging and helps you track usage history without confrontations or awkward conversations.

Final Thoughts

Your EV charger is a big investment that deserves solid protection. With smart home security cameras like Toucan’s Floodlight Camera, plus a few simple deterrents, you can stop freeloaders before they start. Real-time video, motion alerts, audio responses, and smart scheduling give you full control over your charger space.

The goal isn’t to make your driveway a fortress, but rather to create a clearly protected, well-lit, and thoughtfully monitored space that works for your life, not someone else’s battery needs.

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Protect your charger with a floodlight camera at ToucanSolution.com today!