Why Won’t My Electric Car Charge? Common EV Charging Problems
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more mainstream across the UK, charging them should be simple, right? But occasionally, things don’t go to plan. Whether you're at home or a public station, a non-charging EV can be frustrating—especially when you're on the go.
At EVwired, we’re here to help you stay connected, powered up, and confident in your EV journey. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common EV charging issues and how to fix them, along with tips for preventing them in the future.
Top Reasons Your Electric Vehicle Isn’t Charging
1. Incompatible Charging Cable or Connector
-
Not all EV charging cables fit every car.
-
In the UK, most EVs use a Type 2 connector, but some older or imported models may use a Type 1 connector.
-
If your cable doesn’t fit, it’s likely the wrong type for your car.
Check your EV manual or use our vehicle selection tool to find a compatible Type 1 or Type 2 charging cable. We also offer a fitment guarantee on all of our charging cables for added peace of mind.
Find out more about charger types in our blog: A Guide to Selecting the Right Type of Charger Cable.
2. Faulty Charging Station or Wall Box
-
Public charge points can occasionally malfunction due to overuse or technical faults.
-
Home wall boxes may fail due to incorrect installation or power supply issues.
Try switching to a different public charger. Use Zap-Map to find live charger status and availability.
At home, run a quick diagnostic via your smart charging app or contact your installer.
3. Automatic Charging Schedules Are Active
-
Most EVs and smart chargers allow scheduled charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.
-
If your charger seems inactive, it could be waiting for a pre-set time.
Check your car’s infotainment system or smartphone app and disable any charging schedules temporarily.
Charging at night is often cheaper. If you're using smart tariffs, make sure your schedule aligns with off-peak hours.
4. Using Unsafe Extension Leads
-
A common misconception is that you can extend your charging cable with a household extension lead.
-
Never use domestic extensions—they are not designed to handle the high current and could lead to fire or electric shock.
If reach is your issue, you could upgrade to a 10 or 15 metre EV charging cable instead. We stock both 10 and 15 metre cables in single (home charging) and three phase (some home/workplace/public charging).
5. Issues with RFID Cards or Charging Apps
-
Some public chargers require an RFID card to authorise charging. Others use mobile apps with account login.
-
If your RFID card or app isn't working, it could be due to account issues, expired cards, or poor connectivity.
Try logging in again, restarting your app, or using an alternative payment method. It's also good practice to always keep a backup card or app for emergencies.
Preventive Charging Tips for EV Drivers
-
Keep your charging cable clean and dry to prevent dirt or water from causing connectivity issues.
-
Use weather-resistant cables, especially in winter. All EVwired cables come with IP55 waterproof ratings and a 5 year warranty period.
-
Avoid letting your battery go below 20%, as many EVs slow charging when very low.
Charging your EV shouldn’t be a guessing game. By understanding the common issues and taking proactive steps, you’ll be back on the road in no time.
