1. Charging Station Malfunctions
- Hardware failures: Broken screens, unresponsive interfaces, or faulty connectors are frequent issues at public stations.
- Software/connectivity errors: Stations often fail due to software glitches or lost cellular connectivity, preventing authentication or payment processing.
- Payment system problems: Nearly 1 in 5 sessions involve payment failures, including charges that don’t start despite successful payment.
2. Charging Cable and Connector Issues
- Physical damage: Frayed cables or worn connectors are among the most common causes of charging failures.
- Compatibility mismatches: Incorrectly matched charging standards (e.g., CCS vs. CHAdeMO) can prevent connections, though this is less common in newer EVs.
3. Vehicle-Side Technical Problems
- Software glitches: Bugs in the EV’s software or firmware can interrupt charging, often resolved via a restart or update.
- Battery Management System (BMS) faults: A malfunctioning BMS may erroneously limit charging or trigger safety shutdowns.
- Thermal issues: Extreme temperatures (especially cold) can slow or halt charging until the battery reaches a safe operating range.
4. Infrastructure Limitations
- Inadequate power supply: Weak electrical circuits or tripped breakers at home/work chargers are frequent culprits.
- Network reliability: Chargers on networks like Shell Recharge and EVgo report failure rates exceeding 40% per session.
Proven Solutions
- Public chargers: Use Tesla Superchargers (4% failure rate) or Rivian Adventure Network (5% failure rate) for higher reliability.
- Troubleshooting steps:
- Check cables/connectors for damage.
- Restart the vehicle or charger.
- Verify power supply adequacy (e.g., 240V for Level 2 home chargers).
- Professional diagnostics: Required for BMS or propulsion system warnings.
Comparative Reliability of Charging Networks
| Network | Reported Failure Rate |
|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger | 4% |
| Rivian Adventure | 5% |
| EVgo | 43% |
| Shell Recharge | 48% |
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-most-common-issues-with-ev-charging-systems/
