Can anyone just unplug my Mach-E while it's charging?

Sorry if this has been asked before… I couldn’t find anything on it.

When I use the regular Level 1 charger that came with the car, I noticed there’s no lock keeping the plug in place. I tested it without my key or phone, and I could just unplug it from the port.

Is this how it works for everyone? Can anyone just walk up and unplug it?

It only locks on Level 3 chargers. So yeah, anyone can unplug you, but once they do, your session ends, so they can’t use your charger for free or anything.

Gene said:
It only locks on Level 3 chargers. So yeah, anyone can unplug you, but once they do, your session ends, so they can’t use your charger for free or anything.

My concern is more about charging at home. I don’t want some random person walking up, unplugging my car, and stealing my charger.

@Brayden
Some portable chargers have a hole in the release button where you can put a small padlock.

@Brayden
Honestly, just get a security camera.

But I really don’t think this is something to stress about.

Gene said:
@Brayden
Honestly, just get a security camera.

But I really don’t think this is something to stress about.

Great, so then I’d just have video proof of someone stealing my charger while still losing it anyway. That’s just depressing.

@Amal
Yeah… pretty much.

@Amal
A camera is more for insurance claims, not catching the thief in the act. It won’t stop them, but it can help prove what happened.

FordFuryAnna said:
@Amal
A camera is more for insurance claims, not catching the thief in the act. It won’t stop them, but it can help prove what happened.

Home insurance probably won’t cover something that small, and even if it did, they don’t usually require video proof unless they suspect fraud.

@Amal
Then don’t get a camera. My only point was that it won’t do much to stop someone from taking it.

@Brayden
Just park a tire on the cable.

Emory said:
@Brayden
Just park a tire on the cable.

Wait… is this a joke? Because I feel like that might actually work? Wouldn’t it wreck the cable though?

@Brayden
I run the charging cable into my frunk and then use a heavy-duty extension cord to plug it in. Someone could still unplug it, but they can’t steal the charger without opening the frunk first, which means they’d have to break into the car.

@Brayden
Check if your charger handle has a small hole in the latch button. Some Level 2 chargers allow you to put a tiny padlock there to secure it.

The lock only works for Level 3 fast charging.

Noor said:
The lock only works for Level 3 fast charging.

Ah, man… wish they had a lock for home charging too. My Tesla Model Y had one.

Brayden said:

Noor said:
The lock only works for Level 3 fast charging.

Ah, man… wish they had a lock for home charging too. My Tesla Model Y had one.

The Mach-E actually has one too, but Ford doesn’t enable it for home charging. My wife’s Kona EV locks at all levels, which can be annoying since you always have to unlock the car to unplug it.

I’ve charged hundreds of times in public and only ever had someone unplug me once.

Some old guy swore another EV driver unplugged me by accident, but when I came back, he was already plugged in and charging. :man_facepalming:

I was pissed, but honestly, I’ve never had an issue besides that. I think you’ll be fine at home.

@Isle
I hope so… just paranoid that someone could walk by, unplug my car, and take off with my charger.

Brayden said:
@Isle
I hope so… just paranoid that someone could walk by, unplug my car, and take off with my charger.

Maybe try looping the cable through a wheel spoke and locking it with a small bike lock?