EV Charger Not Working? Here's How to Troubleshoot Common Issues

Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming the norm across neighbourhoods and cities. However, as more drivers embrace EVs, the demand for reliable charging infrastructure has never been greater. For many EV owners, the convenience of home charging or the efficiency of commercial EV stations is only as good as the functionality of the chargers themselves. When an EV charger stops working, it can throw off your entire routine—and sometimes, the fix is easier than you'd think.

Whether you're using a personal Level 2 charger at home or managing a fleet of commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, your role in troubleshooting common problems is crucial. At Acom Distributors, we've spent years supplying and advising customers on the best EV charging solutions, and we understand how frustrating technical glitches can be. This guide empowers you to identify and resolve the most common issues that cause EV chargers to malfunction, providing steps you can take before calling for repairs.

Check the Basics First: Power Supply and Connections

It might seem obvious, but power issues are often at the root of EV charger malfunctions. The good news is that these issues can often be quickly resolved. Start by confirming whether your charger is getting power at all. This means checking the breaker panel to see if the circuit has tripped, which can happen during a power surge or due to a short circuit.

If you're using a wall-mounted charger, inspect the wiring and outlet. Sometimes, something as simple as a loose plug or a frayed cable can cause the system to stop working. Homeowners with hardwired systems should avoid tampering with the wiring and instead consult with an electrician or the installation provider. Acom Distributors always recommends professional installation for that exact reason—safety and long-term reliability.

Software and Firmware Glitches

Modern EV chargers are more than just power outlets—they're smart devices. Many features are built into software and firmware that manage charging schedules, energy efficiency, and connectivity with apps. However, like any smart device, EV chargers can experience software hiccups that prevent them from working properly.

If your charger was working previously and has suddenly stopped, check if it's due for a firmware update. Visit the manufacturer's website or app to see if an update is available. Suppose your charger is one of the models supplied by Acom Distributors. In that case, we encourage users to register their devices upon purchase to receive real-time notifications on updates, recalls, and bug fixes.

Resetting the charger is another option. Much like restarting a computer or router, powering the unit off and on can often clear temporary issues and restore functionality. If the problem persists, take note of any error codes or blinking lights and refer to the user manual for specific troubleshooting instructions.

Charging Cable and Connector Problems

One of the most common hardware issues with electric vehicle (EV) chargers is a faulty cable or connector. Over time, the plug that connects to your vehicle can wear out or become contaminated, especially if it is exposed to dust, dirt, or moisture. Look closely at the pins inside the connector. Are they bent, corroded, or visibly damaged?

If your EV doesn't recognize the charger or if it keeps stopping mid-charge, the issue might lie in the physical connection. Cleaning the connector with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol can sometimes resolve the issue. Avoid using water or abrasive tools, as these can damage the sensitive components inside the plug.

It is worth noting that not all EV connectors are created equally. Some low-quality third-party products may not meet safety or durability standards. That's why at Acom Distributors, we only stock EV chargers from vetted, trusted brands that comply with all relevant certifications, including UL and CE standards. This ensures that the chargers you use are safe and reliable.

Temperature and Environmental Factors

EV chargers are designed to operate within specific temperature ranges. Extreme heat, cold, or humidity can impact performance, especially for outdoor units. For example, if your charger stops working during a heatwave, it may have automatically shut down to prevent overheating. Similarly, some models have internal temperature sensors that halt charging in freezing conditions to protect the battery and circuitry.

Inspect your charger's environment. Is it placed in direct sunlight? Is the ventilation sufficient? These considerations can affect whether the charger operates consistently. For outdoor installations, Acom Distributors often recommends weather-rated enclosures and temperature-resilient models that have been tested to function across a wide range of climates.

App Connectivity and Wi-Fi Dropouts

Smart EV chargers often rely on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to sync with apps or management platforms. If your charger is unresponsive via app control, the issue may be related to your network.

Try disconnecting and reconnecting the charger through the app. If this doesn't work, reset your router and test whether other devices on the same network are working. Network instability can cause interruptions in scheduled charging sessions or turn off features such as remote monitoring and energy tracking.

Acom Distributors provides technical support for all app-integrated chargers we supply, including step-by-step setup instructions and guidance. If you're experiencing a connectivity issue that persists despite resets, please contact your charger's manufacturer or reach out to our team for personalized assistance.

Vehicle-Side Issues

Sometimes, the problem doesn't lie with the charger at all—it's your EV. The onboard charging system within the car can experience software bugs, battery faults, or charging port failures that prevent it from drawing power from the charger.

If you've tried multiple chargers (for example, a public charger and your home unit) and your EV fails to charge at either, the issue is almost certainly on the vehicle side. Refer to your EV's dashboard notifications and contact the vehicle manufacturer or dealership for assistance. New electric vehicles (EVs) typically come equipped with diagnostic tools that can provide insight into potential problems.

Scheduled Charging Conflicts

Many electric vehicle (EV) chargers and vehicles offer the ability to schedule charging times. If your charger isn't delivering power, check whether a schedule has been set either in the charger's app or within the electric vehicle (EV) itself.

If both your vehicle and charger have different schedules configured, they may be in conflict. Disabling scheduled charging temporarily and initiating a manual charge can help determine if conflicting settings cause the issue.

At Acom Distributors, we help our customers set up their chargers correctly from the start, guiding them on integrating scheduled charging with time-of-use utility rates to optimize cost savings.

When to Call a Professional

If you've tried all the above steps and your EV charger still isn't working, it's time to bring in a professional. Certified electricians and support technicians possess the necessary tools and training to diagnose more complex electrical faults, damaged components, or internal system failures.

Avoid opening or attempting repairs on sealed units yourself, as this can void warranties or lead to safety hazards. Acom Distributors offers extended warranty coverage and access to authorized service centres, ensuring that any required maintenance or repair work is carried out to manufacturer standards.

Stay Powered With Acom Distributors

Acom Distributors is more than just a supplier—we're your partner in the transition to clean transportation. We have helped thousands of homeowners, businesses, and municipalities install and maintain reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. If you're experiencing issues with your charger, don't get stuck trying to guess. Let our team help you troubleshoot, repair, or upgrade to a more reliable system.

From the latest Level 2 residential chargers to high-power commercial units, our inventory features solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you're an EV owner just getting started or managing a fleet of multiple vehicles, we're here to ensure your charging experience is smooth, dependable, and future-ready.

Final Thoughts

Troubleshooting EV charger issues doesn't have to be a headache. By understanding the common causes—from power interruptions and app issues to cable damage and environmental stress—you can often resolve problems quickly and effectively. And when you need expert guidance or replacement hardware, Acom Distributors is just a call or click away.