Residential electric vehicle charging stations: 6 frequent problems solved
A stuck connector, a recharge that’s too slow or won’t start, a circuit breaker that trips… No need to panic! The following information should help you find and fix the problem with your home electric charging station … and sometimes even with public charging stations.
1. The electric vehicle won’t start
In addition to their traction battery, all electric vehicles (EV) are fitted with a 12-volt battery, just like vehicles with internal combustion engines. This battery discharges over time, especially during periods of extreme heat. When this happens, not only can your EV fail to start, but everything can stop working, including unlocking the doors.
Solution: Boosting (or replacing) the battery—contact your trusted mechanic or CAA-Quebec Roadside Assistance.
2. Vehicle charging does not initiate or vehicle does not charge
First of all, make sure the cable is properly connected to your charging station. Clean the connectors to ensure they are free of dust and dirt. If recharging still doesn’t start, check the electric vehicle’s timer setting, as it may have been programmed for overnight recharging.
Solutions: If the timer is not to blame, disconnect the charging connector and reconnect it. Still not working? Switch off the station and restart it, before trying again.
3. Yellow or red lights flashing
These may indicate that the connection is weak or that it has not been properly made.
Solutions: Check your cable for damage or tears in the insulating sheath. Also look at the nozzle of the charging connector. If it’s worn or the terminals are blackened, it’s time to have them replaced. If your charging station or EV is linked to a mobile application, review the notifications and update as necessary.
Good to know
WINTER’S HERE? Ice or snow may enter the connector nozzle. Clean and dry the locking device.
IS IT STILL NOT WORKING? Turn off the station circuit breaker in your electrical panel, then turn it back on. Make sure your charging station is properly plugged into its socket. You can also use a non-contact voltage tester to double-check that the household socket is supplying power.
To rule out the possibility of a communication failure between your charging station and your EV, try connecting to a public charging station. Still at a dead end? Contact CAA-Quebec’s Mobility Advisory Services for further solutions. You may need to contact the manufacturer or supplier of your charging station or call in an electrician. Don’t ever attempt to open the station yourself.
4. Charging is slow
A significant reduction in recharge time is not normal, except after the 80% recharge threshold, as this helps preserve the batteries.
Solution: Start by checking the condition of the charging cable and connector. If everything seems to be adequate, contact the Mobility Advisory Services if you’re a CAA-Quebec member, or the manufacturer of your vehicle or charging station for further assistance.
Good to know
IT’S WINTER and the weather’s freezing? Leave your EV plugged in to maintain an optimal battery temperature and improve recharging time.
5. Charging connector stuck in electric vehicle
For safety reasons, most electric vehicles are equipped with a mechanism that prevents the charging gun from being removed from the charging port when the doors are locked.
Solution: Unlock all your vehicle’s doors (not just the driver’s) by pressing the remote control button twice.
Good to know
WINTER’S HERE? Ice, cold or condensation may have clogged the release mechanism. A little hot air, using a hair dryer for instance, could clear the blockage. Avoid using hot water.
STILL NOT WORKING? Refer to your owner’s manual for the manual emergency release procedure. Don’t hesitate to contact CAA-Quebec Roadside Assistance for further support.
6. Circuit breaker trips
Frequent tripping of your electrical panel’s circuit breaker usually occurs when you plug your EV into a 120-volt outlet.
Solution: Check your owner’s manual to see if there’s an option for reducing the amperage of your vehicle and how to do it to ensure proper connection. Please note that the use of an extension cord is not recommended for daily use.
What to do to charge a car if the power goes out or the charging station breaks down?
Your best bet is to drive a few kilometres to the nearest functional public charging station. Is the outage affecting your whole area or region? You can always use a generator to charge your electric car, but only as a last resort, and not without first adding a resistor (grounding) so as not to damage your EV. Of course, this last precaution won’t be necessary if you use the vehicle’s 120V extension cord, which is already grounded, or an inverter generator capable of powering sensitive electronic devices.
How strong should a generator be to properly charge an electric vehicle?
Considering that most home charging stations operate at 7.2 kW, a minimum output of 7200 watts should suffice. However, you’ll need to be patient and perhaps even wear earplugs, as it will be a long and noisy process! Reminder: If you find yourself questioning your decision to switch to electric, remember that gas stations also need electricity to operate!
How to prevent problems with your charging station?
- Always take great care of your charging connector. Be careful not to drop it on the ground, drive over it or expose it to the elements.
Good to know
This type of accidental breakage is generally not covered by your charging station manufacturer’s warranty. Should such an incident occur, you’ll have to replace both the connector and the cable—an expenditure of $300 or more.
- Protect the charging cable. Be careful not to crush it under your garage door, or let your EV drive over it, or let the snowplow shred it in its path.
- From time to time, reread your owner’s manual, even if you’ve owned your EV and charging station for a while. You’ll find just about all the tips and troubleshooting you need.
Good to know
Most of the potential problems come from the EV, rather than from the station itself, since it’s the vehicle that manages almost everything!
Interested in installing a charging station at your home?
The CAA-Quebec online Boutique offers a range of home charging stations adapted to the conditions in Quebec. Members earn CAA Dollars back on purchase. Unsure which one to choose? Our Residential Advisory Services can advise you and even recommend a trustworthy company to install your charging station. You can also check out our French-language podcast on electric mobility.
Special thanks to the people at the Quebec Electric Vehicle Association (AVÉQ) for their contribution to this article.