Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche sight on UK roads. Their numbers have surged from just 98,000 in 2019 to over 1.2 million today (The Times). With this boom, however, comes a growing set of frustrations—chief among them, charging problems. Whether your charger refuses to start, keeps cutting out, or takes an eternity to charge, these hiccups can throw your plans into chaos. For those managing electric fleets, such as eHGVs, keeping chargers running smoothly is even more crucial. In fact, eHGVs have grown by 70 percent during 2020-2025, making reliable charging infrastructure more important than ever.
Most EV charging issues crop up with AC chargers—the go-to for home and workplace use. While generally dependable, they can be affected by power supply inconsistencies, software glitches, or even the weather. Sometimes, switching to a DC fast charger offers a quick fix. But before calling in an electrician, try these three simple troubleshooting steps.
1. Start with the basics: power supply and connections
It might seem obvious, but some of the most common charging issues stem from simple oversights. Before assuming the worst, check the following:
- Is the charger securely plugged in? A loose connection could be the culprit, so ensure everything is properly connected.
- Has a fuse tripped? EV chargers draw a lot of power, which can sometimes trip a circuit breaker. Check your fuse box if the charger suddenly loses power.
- breaker. Check your fuse box if the charger suddenly loses power.
- Are the cables in good condition? Frayed wires, worn-out insulation, or loose connections can disrupt charging. Inspect the cable carefully for any visible damage.
A Manchester driver kept experiencing random charging cut-outs. After some head-scratching, they discovered a worn-out cable was the issue. Swapping it for a new one resolved the problem instantly (Cita EV).
A Manchester driver kept experiencing random charging cut-outs. After some head-scratching, they discovered a worn-out cable was the issue. Swapping it for a new one resolved the problem instantly (Cita EV).
2. Check for software or compatibility issues
Many EV charging hiccups aren’t down to faulty hardware but rather software bugs or compatibility mismatches. Modern EVs and chargers rely on firmware to communicate, and if they’re out of sync, charging can fail.
Here’s what to look into:
- Firmware updates: If your EV or charger hasn’t been updated in a while, check for new software releases. Manufacturers frequently push updates to fix bugs and enhance performance.
- Charger compatibility: Not all chargers work smoothly with every EV. If a public charger refuses to cooperate, try another nearby to rule out a station-specific issue.
- Soft reset: Some EVs and chargers have a reset function that can clear minor software glitches and restore proper operation.
A Birmingham EV owner was battling sluggish charging speeds at home. The solution? A simple firmware update on the charger. Problem solved (Cita EV).
3. Consider environmental factors: temperature and usage
Extreme weather can have a surprising impact on EV charging. Both heat and cold can slow charging speeds, interrupt the process, or even damage components over time.
Heat-related issues:
- Overheating chargers: If your home charger is in direct sunlight all day, it might overheat and shut down. Moving it to a shaded, well-ventilated spot can help.
- Thermal protection mode: Some EVs automatically slow charging speeds to prevent battery overheating, particularly during hot summer months.
Cold weather issues:
- Longer charging times: Cold batteries charge more slowly. If your EV has a pre-conditioning feature, use it to warm the battery before plugging in.
- Public chargers struggling in freezing temperatures: Some charging stations become unreliable in extreme cold. If one isn’t working, try another nearby.
A London driver found their charger kept shutting off during a heatwave. The fix? Simply relocating it to a cooler, shaded area (Cita EV).
When to call a professional
If you’ve worked through these steps and your EV still isn’t charging properly, it might be time to get expert help. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Burning smells or sparks – If you notice signs of electrical burning or sparking, stop using the charger immediately.
- Frequent overheating or cut-outs – If your charger keeps shutting down, it may need a professional inspection.
- Older home wiring – Older electrical systems may struggle to handle the high power demand of an EV charger. An electrician can assess whether upgrades are needed.
Final thoughts
EV charging problems can be frustrating, but they’re often easy to fix—checking connections, updating software, or adjusting for weather conditions can save you time and stress. Running through these troubleshooting steps before calling in a professional can help you avoid unnecessary costs and keep your EV ready to go.
Still stuck? It might be time to bring in a qualified electrician or charger technician. Keeping your charger in good shape and staying on top of software updates will help you dodge most common EV charging headaches.