Electric vehicles (EVs) run on an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery. If yours runs out of power, you can stop by a charging station or plug it in at home using charging equipment.
Depending on the battery’s size and charging point’s speed, it takes between 30 minutes to more than 12 hours to charge an EV. If yours doesn’t charge within that period, there might be something wrong with your car charger.
There are various reasons why your electric vehicle’s charger isn’t working, from incorrect power supply and power surges to loose connections and the use of incorrect charger type.
EV chargers need specific voltages and amperage to work. For example, some charger types require at least 480 volts and 100 amps to optimally work. Newer types, on the other hand, can handle up to 1,000 volts and 500 amps.
Using a charger with incorrect voltages and amperage could also result in slower charging time because it draws energy determined by the voltage limit.
Power surges are instances when more voltages than normal come through the charger’s wires. They could reduce charging performance or even damage the charger.
These surges typically happen when the flow of electricity is interrupted and, in rare cases, when lightning hits the power lines or transformers.
You can mitigate or stabilize power surges by installing surge protectors or voltage stabilizers. They can go for as low as $60 or higher than $300.
Like most electronic devices, EV chargers need software updates to maximize performance and efficiency.
Some of the updates enhance charging speed by improving the communication between the charger and the vehicle. They also ensure the chargers remain compatible with the latest vehicle models and standards.
As such, failure to update the charger’s software can lead to issues that may result in slower charging times.
Wear and tear also takes a toll on the charger, as the constant use can cause the plug to become looser. This could hinder the flow of electricity from the charger to the EV, resulting in inefficient charging rates.
If this happens, it’s best to have your charger repaired or replaced.
There are three types of EV chargers, namely Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (also known as DC chargers). They charge at different rates, going from the slowest (Level 1) to the fastest (Level 3).
Your EV manual should have information on the compatibility. Using the incorrect charger type could result in inefficient charging. For reference, Level 2 is considered the universal charger type, and it’s common in public charging stations.
Here are some of the key differences between the three types:
| Charger Type | Power Delivery | Added Range Per Hour | Added Range Per Hour |
| Level 1 | 1 to 1.4 kW | 3 to 5 miles | 30 to 40 hours |
| Level 2 | 3.9 to 19.2 kW | 12 to 80 miles | 2.5 to 4.5 hours |
| Level 3 | 24 to 300 kW | 75 to 1,200 miles | 30 to 40 minutes |
If you’re using a wall charger, examine it for damage and other issues. It might have frayed wires due to short circuits. Consider the room it’s in as well. If the area is humid or poorly ventilated, that could cause temperature damage to the charger.
EV charger cables can get damaged if they’re improperly stored after each charging session. They could accumulate wear and tear from falling to the ground, being near hot equipment, and the like. The cables can also corrode, especially if you store them in damp or wet places.
Moreover, the cable is essentially the circuit, so there’s a chance that the physical damage can interfere with the connection between the charger and the vehicle. Besides storing the cable in a safe place, you can also use specialized cleaners to remove any residue on the charger that could lead to rust.
How to fix a faulty charger depends on what’s causing the issue. You can prevent most problems by regularly inspecting the charger, updating its software, and repairing or replacing it as needed.
Inspecting the charger for visible damage is a preventive measure that can help you nip problems in the bud. For example, if you spot the beginnings of rust, you can remove it and clean the cable immediately to prevent further corrosion.
Just ensure the power supply is turned off before cleaning any cables/connections.
As mentioned, frequent software updates are crucial for EV chargers to keep up with the latest models. Updating your charger is relatively easy. Just go to the charger’s website or use its phone app to check and install the updates.
A physically damaged charger will likely malfunction at some point. In this case, the only way to resolve the issue is by having it repaired or replaced.
The price range of charger repairs differs depending on the damage, but for reference, EV charging station repairs cost between $100 and $1,000.
As for new chargers, the price depends on the type. Level 1 chargers cost between $300 and $600, Level 2 ranges from $500 to $700, while Level 3 can go for as low as $12,000 and as pricey as $45,000.
It might be best to compare the cost of having the charger repaired versus buying a new one. Newer chargers may be less expensive than repairs.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.