Owning an electric vehicle is a great way to practice an eco-conscious lifestyle and avoid the market fluctuations of constantly changing gas prices. The catch is that you need to keep it charged. A home EV charger lets you plug your vehicle in when you’re not using it, which is very convenient. However, it’s not convenient when it gives you problems.
Start With the Basics
Be sure your EV is turned off, and confirm that the charging mode is active. Also, verify that your outlet or charging station has power. Be sure the auxiliary battery in your vehicle isn’t dead. Confirm the charging schedule on your app or in the vehicle.
Reset the Systems
Unplug your charging cable, leave it alone for a few seconds, and then plug it in again. If your charging station has a reset function, reset it. Restarting your EV is also a good idea.
Inspect the Equipment or Try Other Pieces
Look over the connectors and charging cable for potential debris or damage. Use a different charging cable if you have one. If necessary, try a different charging station to narrow the problem.
Consult the Manufacturer
If you’re getting specific error codes from your EV or its charger, consult the relevant owner manual or search online. These documents might have additional troubleshooting steps you can take. Look up the customer service numbers of any equipment makers you can contact for specific advice, and check if anything has been recalled or had alerts issued.
Look for Power Surges
A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical voltage that can damage car batteries and EV chargers. Potential sources of surges include faulty wiring, lightning strikes, and fluctuations in the utility grid. Look for warning signs of these happening in or around your home.
Update the Software
Charging stations run on software. As with anything technological, routine updates to the programming and codes fix bugs, improve performance, and patch the security holes. Make sure your charging station has the most recent version of software available. Subscribe to notifications your charging network offers to know when updates are released. At the very least, you’ll keep your EV charger up to speed with the most recent enhancements and features.
Get Professional Backup
Troubleshooting your EV charger on your own will hopefully get it back to operating order quickly and easily. However, there might be times when you need an electrician to do troubleshooting and identify issues. If you live around Holyoke, MA and want professional EV charger assistance, call our team at Duryea Electric.
