As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, charging has become part of everyday life for many drivers. However, when a charging session doesn’t go as planned—whether at home or a public station—it can quickly become a frustrating experience. This guide covers the most common types of EV charger issues and provides EV charger troubleshooting instructions on how to resolve them. So you can get back on the road with confidence.
1. Connection Errors
Symptoms:
- The charging session won’t start
- Charger displays “Plug not connected.”
- The vehicle alternates between “Ready to Charge” and “Not Ready.”
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Connector not fully inserted: Unplug and firmly reinsert the charging cable.
- Dirty or damaged plug: Inspect both the plug and socket for debris or corrosion.
- Vehicle not in Park: Most EVs require Park mode to initiate charging.
- Software handshake failure: Restart the charger and/or power cycle the vehicle.
If you’re using a public station, try switching to a different charger or contact the network operator for support.
2. Payment Failures
Symptoms:
- Charging won’t start at public stations
- Payment card not accepted
- App displays “Transaction Failed”
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Expired or unsupported card/app: Make sure your payment method is current and supported.
- Network communication issue: Wait a few moments and try again, or switch to another payment method.
- Unrecognized RFID card: Ensure it’s registered correctly; if not, use an alternative.
Most public charging networks offer 24/7 customer service-don’t hesitate to call for assistance.
3. Slow Charging
Symptoms:
- Charging speed is significantly slower than expected
- Full charge takes much longer than usual
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Onboard charger limitation: Some EVs charge slowly on AC power. Check your vehicle’s charging specs.
- Load balancing: In shared environments (like apartment buildings), charging speed may be reduced.
- Cold weather: Batteries charge more slowly when cold. Try pre-conditioning your EV before plugging in.
- Faulty cable or station: Swap out the cable or try another charging point to rule out hardware issues.
4. Charger Displays Error Code or Fault
Symptoms:
- Red lights or flashing indicators on the charger
- Error messages or codes on display
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Residual current device (RCD) trip: This may indicate a ground fault-try a different outlet or consult a qualified electrician.
- Hardware or firmware fault: A firmware update or service may be required. Contact the charger’s manufacturer or installer.
- Voltage irregularities: Overvoltage or undervoltage may cause the charger to shut down for safety.
5. Charging Stops Unexpectedly
Symptoms:
- Charging ends prematurely
- Session pauses and resumes repeatedly
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Vehicle ended the session: Check the vehicle dashboard for any warnings or charging limits.
- Loose connection: Make sure the plug is fully inserted and secured.
- Overheating: Let the charger cool down before trying again.
- Power fluctuations: Charging during off-peak hours may help if you’re on a shared electrical circuit.
Proactive Tips to Avoid Charging Issues
- Regularly inspect and clean charging connectors and cables
- Keep your charger’s firmware up to date
- Register RFID cards in advance for public networks
- Have multiple payment methods available
- Monitor charging sessions using your EV app, especially when away from home
Iocharger’s carregador EV doméstico inteligente can update the firmware on the charger web portal, IOC Lite mobile app, or via IOC Lite charging management system remotely.
Charging an EV should be straightforward; when issues arise, knowing what to look for can save you time and frustration. Most problems are minor and can be resolved quickly without professional help.
If troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to the charger manufacturer or your service provider for support.
Still have questions or experiencing a unique issue? Drop us a comment or contact our support team-we’re here to help.