Getting the most out of your electric vehicle (EV) ownership experience means installing a charging station at home. When you switch from gasoline engines to EVs or plug-in hybrids, the next logical step is to take advantage of the dealership and IRS cash incentives to install a home charging station. Statistics from the Department of Energy show that most EV charging happens at home overnight; as such, the number of residential EV charger installations has increased considerably.

For the most part, home EV charging stations are user-friendly electrical systems with a high degree of reliability, but they are not exempt from issues that can result in malfunction. With proper maintenance and troubleshooting, your residential charger installation can operate efficiently and without complications. Here are some potential issues you may face with your home EV charger.

No Power to the Unit

Even with proper maintenance, occasional issues may affect your EV station. No power to the unit is the most common issue, which you can easily troubleshoot by checking the dedicated circuit breaker; it may normally trip a few times a year, but not more than once a month. Circuit breakers can trip after power surges or overloading caused by thunderstorms, damages to the power grid equipment, and when the utility switches between substations.

Slow Charging

If your EV charging station comes with an amperage selector, ensure it is set to the maximum the circuit and car can handle for optimal charging; otherwise, it may charge slower than what your EV owner’s manual indicates. Inspect the charging cable and the connectors for signs of damage or wear such as fraying or loose connections. A faulty cable can hinder charging efficiency, thus slowing down the charging process despite the circuit being completed when the car is plugged in.

Charger Not Recognizing Your EV

Should the charger stop recognizing your EV, check for a firm connection at both the charger and vehicle ends. Disconnect the cable and check for dirt or debris in the charging port or the connector, as this can cause connection issues. Reconnect the cable, making sure it clicks securely into place. If you have access to an air compressor or a can of compressed air, you can try cleaning the port and connector end, but only if grime has formed.

Error Code on EV Screen

Some charging stations equipped with a screen will display error codes or messages similar to those displayed on the EV infotainment screen when plugged in for charging. When this happens refer to your charger’s manual to get information about the error code. Depending on your EV model, the infotainment screen will display suggestions about what you can do. In some cases, the problem is related to the firmware of the charger, which may need to be updated.

For all your home EV charger maintenance, repair, and installation needs, contact Design Electric Services in Flint, MI.