Electric vehicles aren’t some distant future fantasy anymore—they’re a staple of everyday life on UK roads. Back in 2019, fewer than 100,000 EVs were zipping around. Fast forward to today, and we’re well past the 1.2 million mark (The Times). It’s a thrilling shift, sure, but it’s not without its hiccups. Chief among them? Charging headaches.
From homeowners with a single EV to businesses managing full electric fleets, dependable charging is absolutely essential. For companies running electric HGVs, it’s even more critical. One glitch in the system can cause serious disruption, and with eHGV numbers soaring by 70% between 2020 and 2025, reliability isn’t a luxury—it’s a must.
In high-demand scenarios where time and uptime matter, Rapid Chargers (typically DC models) offer faster, more stable performance. But before you rush into upgrades or ring your electrician, it’s worth checking a few simple fixes first.
1. The Usual Suspect: AC Charging Headaches
Most charging issues crop up with standard AC chargers—the kind found in homes, offices, and public car parks. They’re generally reliable, but not immune to quirks. Power surges, software glitches, or even a classic downpour can bring things to a halt. And while switching to a DC fast charger might be the long-term answer, here are a few basics to try first.
Start with the obvious—yes, really:
- Check your connections. It sounds simple, but a loose plug is often the culprit. Give everything a firm once-over.
- Inspect the fuse. These chargers draw serious power, so a tripped fuse isn’t uncommon. A quick peek at your consumer unit could save you a lot of hassle.
- Look at the cable. Wear and tear creeps in, especially with heavy use. Any fraying or visible damage? Time to swap it out.
Take the case of a driver in Manchester. Their charger kept cutting out without warning. The solution? A worn cable. Replacing it did the trick instantly (Cita EV).
2. It’s Not Always Hardware: Software & Compatibility Glitches
Sometimes, everything looks fine—no damaged cables, no blown fuse—and yet charging still fails. That’s when it’s time to consider the software side of things.
Modern EVs and chargers rely on firmware to communicate. If that digital handshake goes wrong, charging can grind to a halt.
Here’s what to check:
- Keep firmware updated. Both your car and your charger may need software updates. Manufacturers often release fixes for bugs or performance improvements.
- Check compatibility. Not all chargers perfectly match every EV model. If one public charger doesn’t work, try another. It could just be a compatibility issue.
- Try a soft reset. Some systems can be rebooted to clear glitches. It might sound techy, but it’s often just a button press away.
Consider a Birmingham EV owner whose home charger started crawling at a snail’s pace. A firmware update sorted it in minutes, bringing everything back to speed (Cita EV).
3. Don’t Underestimate the Weather
EV charging doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The environment around you can have a surprisingly big impact, especially when temperatures swing to either extreme.
When it’s hot:
- Chargers may overheat. If your wallbox gets full sun all afternoon, it might shut down to protect itself. A bit of shade or airflow can make all the difference.
- Your EV may self-regulate. Some models slow the charge to avoid battery damage in high temperatures. It’s a feature, not a fault.
When it’s cold:
- Charging slows down. Cold batteries are sluggish. Pre-conditioning (warming the battery before plugging in) can speed things up.
- Some chargers don’t like frost. Not every unit handles sub-zero temperatures gracefully. If one station struggles, the next might be fine.
One London EV owner faced repeated cutouts during last summer’s heatwave. The solution? Moving the unit into the shade. Problem solved (Cita EV).
When It’s Time to Call in the Experts
Tried the basics and still no joy? Here’s when it’s best to step back and bring in a professional:
- You smell burning or see sparks. Stop immediately—this isn’t something to fiddle with.
- Overheating keeps happening. Repeated shutdowns usually point to a deeper issue.
- Your wiring is outdated. Older homes or buildings may not be equipped to handle the load. A certified installer can assess and upgrade safely.
Final Thoughts
Yes, EV charging problems can be frustrating—but often, the fix is simpler than you’d think. A loose connection, a dusty firmware update, or moving your charger out of direct sunlight could be all it takes.
Staying ahead of issues by keeping your system updated and checking it regularly will save you a lot of grief. But if something goes wrong? Don’t panic. Armed with a bit of know-how (and this guide), you’ll be plugged in and powering up again in no time.
