So, you’ve made sure to plug in both ends of your EV charger cable and the power’s on, but it’s still not working, or it’s taking forever to charge your vehicle. Like other car problems, knowing how to troubleshoot issues with your EV’s charger and when to call a professional can get you back on the road as quickly as possible. The following are some of the more common issues you may come across.
Charging Issues
If your EV charger is not charging your vehicle as fast as usual, it may have developed an issue. EV chargers have a lifespan of approximately five to eight years, and if your charger is starting to fail, you may notice it charges inconsistently or has power fluctuations. For example, it charges for a while during one charging session, stops, and starts charging again.
Eventually, you may plug in your vehicle and find it does not charge at all. This situation could indicate that your charger has failed, but it can also signal a problem with your vehicle’s charging system. Chargers can also stop working during extremely hot or cold weather, and if the power to your home goes out, your EV charger won’t work either.
Electric Power Overload
Your home’s existing electrical capacity may not be able to handle the additional power draw of an EV charger safely. A few warning signs can alert you to an overload, which increases fire risk. Check your charger for excessive heat during charging, and note any unusual warm spots, as these could signal a malfunction.
Notice if the circuit breaker for your EV charging unit trips frequently, which is likely due to an overload. If you see any damage to the charging cables, such as frayed wires or a cut in the cable, this can hinder charging and increase the risk of electrical shock and other hazards.
Other Potential Issues
Charging problems can result from issues other than electrical problems or a damaged charger. Check the software or firmware used for your charger and vehicle and ensure it’s up to date. The vehicle may be unable to charge due to faulty or outdated software or firmware.
You may also need to check that the charger you’re using is compatible with your specific vehicle. Using the wrong charger can cause problems, so use the correct one for your vehicle.
Check for signs of physical damage to the charging port on your vehicle and the charging unit because some damage can prevent the charger from properly seating. Finally, verify that the charging plug has not come into contact with water because it could become short-circuited.
Get to the Bottom of Your EV Charger Woes
If you notice that your EV charging system is not working as well or as efficiently as it used to, it could be minor, or it might be time to upgrade your charger. When you have a qualified electrician look at your system, they can check for common problems and diagnose the issue quickly so you can get your vehicle safely charged and back out on the road.
Don’t risk your family’s safety or compromise the charging system of your EV because of a faulty charger. Schedule an appointment with our professional electricians at Ambition Electric in Lincoln, NE for an EV charger inspection today!
