Electric vehicles (EVs) are more popular than ever. In the UK alone, there are now over 1.2 million electric cars on the road—a huge jump from just 98,000 in 2019 (The Times). But with more EVs comes a common frustration: charging problems. Whether you’re dealing with a charger that won’t start, a connection that keeps dropping, or an EV that refuses to charge at full speed, these issues can be both annoying and disruptive.
Many of these problems occur with AC CHARGING, which is the most common method for home and workplace EV charging. AC chargers are reliable, but they can be affected by power supply issues, software glitches, and environmental factors. So, what should you do when your EV charger isn’t working properly? Before you panic or call an electrician, let’s go through three key things you should check first.
1. Check the Basics: Power Supply and Connections
This might seem obvious, but the simplest solutions are often the most overlooked. If your EV isn’t charging, start with these quick checks:
- Is the charger plugged in properly? It sounds silly, but loose plugs or power leads can be an issue. Make sure everything is securely connected.
- Has a fuse tripped? If you’re charging at home and suddenly lose power, check your fuse box. EV chargers can draw a lot of power, and sometimes, the circuit breaker trips.
- Are the cables in good condition? Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or visible wear and tear. If your charging cable is damaged, that could be the culprit.
A driver in Manchester recently found that his home charger was cutting out randomly. The problem? A worn-out charging cable that kept losing connection. A simple cable replacement fixed the issue (Cita EV).
2. Look for Software or Compatibility Issues
Believe it or not, your EV’s charging problem could be down to software glitches or compatibility issues. Many modern chargers and EVs rely on firmware to communicate, and when there’s a mismatch, things can go wrong.
What to check:
Firmware updates: If your EV or charger hasn’t been updated in a while, check for any available software updates. Some manufacturers release patches to fix charging bugs.
Charging station compatibility: Not all chargers work smoothly with every EV model. If you’re at a public charging station and it’s not working, try another one nearby.
Soft reset: Some EVs and chargers allow you to reset the system, which can resolve minor software hiccups.
A Birmingham EV owner was struggling with slow charging speeds at home. After updating the charger’s firmware, the issue disappeared (Cita EV).
3. Consider Environmental Factors: Heat, Cold & Overuse
Temperature plays a bigger role in EV charging than most people realise. Extreme heat or cold can slow down, stop, or even damage charging sessions.
Heat-Related Charging Issues:
- Overheating chargers – If a home charger is exposed to direct sunlight all day, it might overheat and shut down. Keeping it in a shaded, well-ventilated area can help.
- Thermal protection mode – Some EVs reduce charging speed to prevent battery overheating, especially in the summer.
Cold Weather Charging Issues:
- In freezing temperatures, batteries take longer to charge. Pre-conditioning your battery (if your EV supports it) can improve charging efficiency.
- Some public chargers struggle in extreme cold. If a charger isn’t working in winter, try another location.
A London driver found that his charger kept shutting off during the summer heatwave. After relocating it to a cooler, shaded area, the issue was resolved (Cita EV).
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through all the basic troubleshooting steps and your EV still won’t charge properly, it might be time to get expert help. Here are a few red flags:
Burnt smells or sparks near the charger or plug – This could indicate an electrical fault. Stop using it immediately.
Charger repeatedly cuts out or overheats – If this happens regularly, a professional electrician should inspect it.
Your home’s wiring isn’t up to standard – Older wiring may struggle to handle the high power demand of EV chargers.
Final Thoughts
EV charging problems can be frustrating, but in most cases, the solution is simple—checking connections, updating software, or adjusting for weather conditions. By running through these steps, you can often fix issues yourself without needing a costly service call.
Still stuck? It might be time to contact a qualified electrician or charger technician. Either way, keeping your charger in good condition and staying on top of software updates will help you avoid most common EV charging headaches.
