Troubleshooting Common Electric Vehicle Charging Issues

Troubleshooting: Common Charging System Issues and Causes

Undercharging/Not Charging

These days, the charging system not putting out enough power to keep up with the demands of the car is the most common failure. Often times the first indication of a problem is headlights that get noticeablybrighter when you step on the gas and rev the motor. Typically the battery icon will light on your dashboard if the charging system power drops below 12 volts.

If the system fails completely for some reason, the battery can provide just enough power to keep everything working properly for at least a handful of miles, but it depends greatly on the vehicle and what electric accessories are running.

Not Charging- revving the engine does not make the lights brighter, or a multimeter shows no increase in voltage output at the battery.

• slipping/missing auxiliary drive belt
• broken connection from alternator to battery
• broken connection from alternator to computer/regulator
• internal short in alternator windings
• mechanical fault

Undercharging- lights dim at idle speedbut brighten with revs, or multimeter reads over 13.5 volts when revved

• slipping auxiliary drive belt
• bad connection from alternator to battery
• bad connection from alternator to computer/regulator
• internal short in alternator windings
• bad diode/diodes

For a lack of charge, or an undercharge condition, the first thing to check is a slipping belt. If the belt breaks or is thrown off, it will be obvious and the car will likely be overheating from the water pump not turning. If the belt is there: 1)check (with the engine off) that the spring loaded tensioneris still functioning,or 2) check that the manual adjusting bolts and mounting bolts are tight. If the belt is looseor shiny from slipping, you will need to replace the belt and tensioner, or tighten the adjusters.

The next obvious thing to check is loose or broken electrical connections at the alternator, regulator, and battery. There is typically one thick wire feeding power directly to the battery, plus a plug with several wires connecting to the voltage regulator (if separate), computer, or dashboard warning light/gauge in the instrument cluster. A broken wire will be obvious, but a wirehanging on by a few strands can wreck havoctoo, due to increased resistance.

Mechanical faults and internal shorts are hard to see, but oftenare accompanied by a burned smell. With the engine off, try the alternator pulley to see if there is play from worn bearings. With the belt off, the pulley should spin freely with no grinding or resistance. Remove the alternator and take it to your local auto parts store where they can bench test the output - it only takes a minute and is usually free.

Diodes are a one way valve for electricity, and when working properly convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). A bad diode(there are typically six) lessens the power delivered to the battery, and also introduce AC power into the DC electrical system. AC noise in the system can cause strange things to happen,confusing the computer and other electronics. A bad diode may also allow battery voltage to flow back into the alternator windings, draining the battery while the car is parked. The test station at the local auto parts store will also reveal bad diodes, as will a multimeter set to AC volts - any reading over 0 means a bad diode.

Troubleshooting in Electric Cars Charging

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I. Introduction

The emergence and wide acceptance of electric cars as an alternative to fossil-fueled cars have reassured us that EVs will soon take over the roads. But as with any technology, they can experience issues. One of the most common issues electric car owners face is car batteries not charging or other problems. Whether its a slow charge, an error message, or simply an inability to charge, troubleshooting electric car charging issues can be frustrating. Hence, the reason for this guide. From understanding error messages to checking the charging station, weve got the inside scoop on how to keep your electric car charged and ready to go. Lets dive in!

II. Why Would Electric Cars Stop Charging?

There are several reasons why electric cars might stop charging, especially if you dont get it from reliable EV charger manufacturers. Some of the most common causes of having a car battery not charging message on your dashboard include the following.

1. Low battery: If too low, the electric car may not have enough power to start the charging process.
2. Faulty charging cable: A damaged or defective charging cable can prevent the electric car from charging.
3. Faulty charging port: A damaged or faulty one can also prevent the electric car from charging.
4. Overheating: If the electric car or the charging station is overheating, the charging process may stop as a safety precaution.
5. Power failure: If there is a power failure at the charging station or in the surrounding area, the charging process may stop.
6. Software issues: In some cases, the electric cars software may need an update or an error message that may stop the charging process.
7. Weather conditions: In some cases, extreme weather conditions can affect the charging process, either by causing the charging station to shut down or preventing the electric cars battery from charging efficiently.

III. How to Fix Your Electric Car Not Charging Problem Fast

If you have a car battery not charging message on your monitoring screen and your electric car refuses to charge, there are numerous things you can do to resolve the challenge fast. Here are some things to try:

• Check the charging cable: Ensure the charging cable is securely plugged into the electric car and the charging station and that there are no visible signs of damage, such as frayed wires or a loose connector.

• Check the charging station: Make sure it is plugged in and has power and that the charging stations display shows that it is ready to charge.

• Check the battery level: If the battery level is too low, the car may not have enough power to start the charging process. In this case, you may need to drive the vehicle to a location with a charging station before attempting to charge it again.

• Check the weather condition: If the weather is extremely hot or cold, it can affect the charging process. In this case, you may need to wait for the weather to improve before attempting to charge the car again.

• Check for software updates: Make sure the electric cars applications are updated and find out if there are any error messages or codes. If there is an error message, refer to the cars manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

• Check with a professional: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to take the car to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.

In the end, getting quality EV chargers from Electrly charger companies will save you from a lot of headaches.

source: pexels.com

IV. Most Common EV Charging Issues and How to Fix

There are several common electric car problems that owners may encounter. Understanding these issues and how to fix them can save time and prevent frustration. Here are some of the most common EV charging issues and how to fix them:

• Slow charging: This can be caused by various factors, such as a low battery, a faulty charging cable, a faulty charging station, or a problem with the cars software. To resolve this challenge, check the charging cable and charging station and ensure they are locked in properly and working. Also, check the cars battery level; if its low, try driving to a location with a charging station before attempting to charge it again. If the issue persists, try updating the cars software or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

• Error messages: Error messages like car battery not charging can appear when there is a problem with the charging process. These messages can indicate a problem with the charging cable, the charging station, or the cars software. To fix this issue, check the charging cable and charging station to ensure they are correctly connected and functioning. Also, check the cars software and make sure it is up to date. If the issue persists, refer to the cars handbook or reach out to the manufacturer for assistance.

• Incompatible charging stations: Some electric cars may only be compatible with some charging stations. Ensure the charging station, including a portable electric car charger, is especially compatible with your vehicle. If not, consider using a different one

• Overheating: If the electric car or the charging station is overheating, the charging process may stop as a safety precaution. Wait for the car or the charging station to cool down before charging again.

• Power failure: If there is a power failure at the charging station or in the surrounding area, the charging process may stop. Wait for the power to be restored before attempting to charge again.

Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions can affect the charging process, either by causing the charging station to shut down or preventing the electric cars battery from charging efficiently.

source: pexels.com

V. EV Charger Daily Maintenance

To avoid issues such as car battery not charging and to ensure the smooth operation and longevity of an EV charger, its crucial to perform daily maintenance on the charger. Here are some steps you can take to maintain your EV charger:

1. Keep the charging station clean: Regularly wipe down the charging station with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the exterior.
2. Check the cable: A continuous and periodic cable check is the remedy for avoiding most of the unpleasant surprises that happen with failures resulting from damaged cables, loose connectors, and frayed wires.
3. Check the charging port: Regularly inspect the charging port for any visible signs of damage, such as a bent connector or a loose plug. If you notice any damage, replace the charging port immediately.
4. Check for updates: Check for updates to the charging stations software and install them if necessary.
5. Keep the charger in a safe place: Make sure the charger is kept in a safe place, away from water and other hazards.

Conclusion.

In a nutshell, owning an electric car comes with challenges, and one of the most important ones is charging. Understanding the most common EV charging issues and how to fix them can save time and prevent frustration. Additionally, performing daily maintenance on the charger can help ensure that your EV charger stays in good working condition and continues to provide efficient and reliable charging for your electric vehicle. This guide has provided the information you need to troubleshoot and fix EV charging issues and tips for maintaining your EV charger. Remember, taking the time to understand and care for your EV charging equipment will help you keep your electric car charged and ready for a smooth and efficient driving experience.

Electric Vehicles are Improving, but Charging and Battery Issues Persist in Consumer Reports 2023 Annual Auto Reliability Survey

YONKERS, NY Consumers are buying electric vehicles in growing numbers, but poor reliability remains an issue, according to the latest Annual Auto Reliability Survey data from Consumer Reports (CR), the nonprofit research, testing, and consumer advocacy organization. Electric pickups in particular are the least reliable category of vehicles.

On average, new EVs have 79 percent more problems than ICE vehicles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) fare even worse with an average of 146 percent more problems. Hybrids, on the other hand, continue to be a bright spot. They experience 26 percent fewer problems than ICE vehicles on average, according to CRs survey.

EVs are still in their relative infancy as mainstream vehicles, so its really not surprising that manufacturers, by and large, are still working out the kinks, said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports. That said, we are seeing signs of movement in the right direction. And as our data has consistently shown, reliability-minded consumers would be best served by forgoing brand new vehicles in their first model year.

CRs survey findings were announced today at an online news conference in collaboration with the Detroit-based Automotive Press Association.

The most reliable auto brands are headquartered in Asia. Lexus and Toyota take the top two spots in CRs brand level rankings for 2023. Five other Japanese or Korean brands are in this years top ten, joined there by the German trio of Mini, Porsche, and BMW.

Other highlights from CRs influential annual report include:

• Charging and battery issues are bedeviling EVs, but Tesla is bucking that trend with comparatively fewer issues in those categories. Two of its four models, the popular Model Y and Model 3, are Recommended by CR. The Model 3s reliability has been average in recent years.The Model Y improved to average this year.
• Full-sized pickup trucks remain near the bottom of CRs brand ranking but arent the least reliable category. Midsized and electric pickups are worse for reliability.
• This has been a challenging year for domestic manufacturers. Buick ranks highest among the domestic brands, at 12th overall. All the rest are in the bottom half of the brand rankings; Chrysler is dead last.

Every year, CR asks its members about potential trouble areas theyve had with their vehicles in the previous 12 months. This years survey covers 20 problem areas including engine, electric motors, transmission, in-car electronics, and more. CR uses that feedback from consumers to predict reliability ratings for new cars from every major mainstream model. This year, CR gathered data on more than 330,000 vehicles from the 2000 to 2023 model years, with a few newly-introduced 2024 models.

Even with monumental shifts in the auto marketplace, what matters most to consumers remains the same: finding safe, reliable cars, said Marta L. Tellado, President and CEO of Consumer Reports. Our annual auto reliability report guides car buyers to the best, most cost-effective choice for their lives. Its data you can trust to pick the car you can rely on.

The number of new hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs being introduced is steadily increasing. Just in the past five years, the percentage of vehicles that CR purchases for its test fleet that are hybrids and EVs has grown from 12 percent in 2018 to 56 percent in 2023. As a result, CR this year added three new individual trouble areas to its reliability survey for electrified vehicles: Electric motor, EV/Hybrid Battery, and EV Charging.This will allow for a clearer picture of the problems with these distinct drivertrains.

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles still have 17 potential trouble areas.
• EVs can have up to 12 trouble areas, where traditional ICE problems such as Engine and Transmission are not included.
• Hybrids have 19 potential trouble areas; 17 from ICE vehicles, as well as Electric motor and EV Battery.
• PHEVs can experience all 20 trouble areas; 17 from ICE vehicles, as well as Electric motor, EV Battery, and EV Charging.

The predictions for 2024 models are based on each years overall reliability for the past three years, provided that the model hasnt been redesigned during that time. If there is insufficient data on a model in any given model year, CR uses the brand reliability score to supplement that models new car prediction. Due to the changes in this years survey questions and methodology, direct comparisons to previous years brand reliability data cannot be made.

Consumer Reports analysis of new car reliability is a key element of CRs Overall Score, which is a holistic ranking that helps consumers find the vehicles that deliver on their promises and last. The Overall Score also includes road-test performance, owner satisfaction survey results, whether a vehicle comes standard with key active safety systems, and results from crash tests, if applicable.

CR Moves Forward with Changes to Overall Score to Impact Safety

Starting with model year 2024, CR is deducting two points from the overall scores of vehicles that dont come standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Bonus points will still be given on a sliding scale based on a vehicles performance in IIHSs vehicle-to-pedestrian AEB tests.

In addition, model year 2024 vehicles that are equipped with active driver assistance (ADA) systems will lose one point if they dont have an adequate direct driver monitoring system (DDMS). This means a vision-based sensing system that effectively and directly detects the drivers eye and/or head movement. If the system senses the driver is not paying attention, it should provide escalating warnings to elicit driver engagement. If the driver does not respond to warnings, the ADA system should stay engaged and slow the vehicle in a safe and controlled manner. Bonus points will continue to be given to models with adequate DDMS.

We continue to believe in the clear safety benefits of ADA systems, but there are also dangers that should not be overlooked, namely driver overreliance and overestimation of the capabilities of these systems, Fisher said. Adequate DDMS is a critical safeguard, and we hope to nudge automakers toward making them standard the same as theyve increasingly been doing with other key safety systems like AEB with pedestrian detection.

Different EVs Experiencing Different Problems

The growing pains that have been plaguing EVs are still apparent in CRs latest survey. Electric cars, electric SUVs, and electric pickups all rank among the least-reliable vehicle categories.

Tesla Motors, the market leader in EV sales, continues to have issues with body hardware, paint and trim, and climate system on its models, but are not as problematic for motor, charging, and battery. At number 14, Tesla is the second-highest ranked domestic automaker in CRs brand rankings. The Model 3 and Model Y have average reliability while all the other Tesla modelsthe S, and Xare all below average.

Some EV models from other manufacturers had fewer reported problems related to build quality, but higher rates of powertrain, battery and charging issues. This suggests that legacy automakers need more time to work out the kinks under the hood of their EVs, while Tesla faces above the hood issues. One bright spot is Fords Mustang Mach-E, which has shown enough improvement in its EV battery and charging system to now be rated average for predicted reliability, and is eligible for CRs recommendation.

Hybrids Shine, PHEVs Not So Much

This years CR survey shows that hybrids are becoming more reliable, but plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are less so. On average, hybrids are 26 percent more reliable than vehicles with only an internal combustion engine, but PHEVs are 146 percent less reliable. PHEVs combine conventional engines with an electric drive. The added complexity means that theres more that can go wrong with them.

Hybrids continue to surpass EVs and ICE vehicles for reliability even though hybrids are more complex with gas-powered engines supplemented by an electric drive system, Fisher said. This is because hybrid technology is now over 25 years old and is offered mainly from the most reliable automakers.

The Toyota Camry and Toyota Highlander SUV are among the most reliable of all vehicles in CRs survey, and their hybrid versions also land near the top of the list. Conversely, several PHEVs are less reliable than their conventional counterparts, such as the below-average Audi Q5 and Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs.

Lexus and Toyota are Cream of the Crop in Strong Showing for Asian Brands

Of the top ten most reliable brands, seven are headquartered in Asia, with Lexus and Toyota in the top two spots. Acura ranks fourth this year, followed by Honda in fifth. Subaru ranks sixth, Mazda is seventh, and Kia rounds out the top 10.

Only one Lexus model, the NX, has just average predicted reliability, due to some minor transmission, electrical accessory, and in-car electronics issues reported by owners. The NX Hybrid, ES, ES Hybrid, RX, and RX Hybrid are all above average, while the UX is well above average.

Toyotas 4Runner is the most reliable model in CR survey. The only Toyota with a below-average rating is the Tundra, with owners reporting body hardware, paint & trim, in-car electronics, and brake issues. The Crown, new for 2023, is average, along with the Sienna and the bZ4X EV. The redesigned Prius and Prius Prime are well above and above average, respectively. All other Toyotas are above average and the Camry Hybrid, Camry, and RAV4 Prime are well above average.

Fourth-ranked Acuras RDX and TLX both have above-average reliability, and the MDX and Integrawhich are recent redesignsare both average. MDX owners reported issues with the in-car electronics and paint & trim.

Most Hondas score average, including the Passport, Pilot, Odyssey, CR-V Hybrid, Ridgeline, Accord, and Civic. The Accord Hybrid and CR-V are above average, and the HR-V is outstanding. Pilot owners reported issues with body hardware and paint & trim, while Odyssey and Passport owners reported in-car electronics and electrical accessories issues.

Subaru, ranking sixth, hit some snags with its Solterra EV. Owners say they experienced problems with charging, while the Outback and Legacy have in-car electronics issues, and the Ascent SUV has climate system and brake problems, though all rate average for reliability. The BRZ, WRX, Forester, and redesigned Crosstrek score above-average.

Mazda, in seventh, has all of its models in the above-average predicted reliability category, including the MX-5 Miata, 3, CX-50, CX-30, and CX-5.

All Kia (10th place) models score average or better. The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid is well-above average, and the Carnival, Forte, Niro, and K5 are all above average. The EV6 is average, as some owners reported issues with EV charging, while Sorento and Soul owners noted some transmission problems. All other Kias are average.

Most of 11th-ranked Hyundais models are average or above average. But the Ioniq 5 EV scores below average, with owners reporting trouble charging, along with EV battery and climate system problems. The Palisade, Ioniq 6, Tucson, and Elantra are above average. The Venue, Santa Cruz, Elantra Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid and PHEV, and Sonata are average.

Infinitis (13th place) Q50, QX50, and QX60 all scored average predicted reliability.

Nissan lands in the number 17 spot, and has two below-average models, the Pathfinder and Frontier. The new Ariya EV is above average, and the Kicks, Altima, Murano, Leaf, Rogue, and Sentra are all average. The Pathfinder and Frontier have reports of build quality issues, along with transmission problems for the Frontier.

Number 18 Genesis is a mix, with the GV80 and GV70 SUVs scoring below average while the GV60 EV, G70, and G80 are all average. GV70 owners told CR about fuel system, drive system, and body hardware problems.

Mixed Bag for Europe

Mini is this years most reliable European brand, ranking third overall. Both the Cooper and Cooper Countryman scored above average reliability. BMW, its corporate cousin, ranked 9th. The X5 is one of the 10 most reliable models in the survey. The X3, 4 Series, and 2 Series are above average. All other models are average, including the i4 and iX EVs, X5 Plug-in Hybrid, the 3 series, X1, and X7. BMW i4 is average, although some owners reported EV charging issues.

Porsche landed in the number eight spot. The Cayenne and Macan SUVs, both score above-average.

Nineteenth-ranked Audis A5 scored above average, while the A3, Q7, Q4 E-Tron, Q8 E-Tron, A6, Q3, Q8, Q5, and A4 are all average. The Q5 PHEV is below average, and has problems with the EV motor and EV charging, along with climate system issues.

Volvos (25th place) XC60 and XC90 remain below average, joined by the XC60 PHEV. However, the XC40 and S60/V60 have average reliability. XC60 owners had issues with the brakes, in-car electronics, climate system, and electrical accessories. XC60 PHEV owners reported most of those, along with EV battery and charging system problems.

Volkswagen landed in 27th place. Every model in its lineup has below average predicted reliability. The Taos is one of the least-reliable vehicles in the survey, with owners noting issues with the brakes, electrical accessories, transmission, engine, electric system, in-car electronics, and noises & leaks.

Mercedes-Benz is the lowest-ranked European brand, in 29th place. All its models are predicted to be below or well-below average. The GLE has climate system and build quality issues, including body hardware, electrical accessories, and noises & leaks.

Few Bright Spots for Domestics

In 12th place, Buick is the highest ranked domestic automaker. The Enclave, Encore GX, and Envision are average, with body hardware issues. The Encore GX also has climate system and in-car electronics problems.

Ram lands in the middle of the pack at number 15. Its 1500, 2500, and 3500 have average predicted reliability. Owners of the 1500 reported in-car electronics issues, and some CR members with heavy duty 2500 trucks mentioned transmission and electrical accessory issues.

All Cadillac (16th place) models in CRs survey score average reliability. Of note, XT5 owners reported problems with the brakes and exhaust.

Chevrolets (20th place) Blazer, redesigned Colorado, Tahoe, Suburban, and Silverado 1500 have below-average predicted reliability. The Corvette, Equinox, Trailblazer and 2500HD/3500HD trucks are all average. Silverado 1500 owners reported major engine problems with the lifters, some paint & trim, and in-car electronics issues.

Dodge is 21st in this years brand ranking. The Durango is rated average.

Twenty-second ranked Fords scores cover a wide range. The Maverick and Edge are above average, while the F-150, F-150 Lightning, Escape, Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Explorer are all below average. The F-150 Hybrid is among the least reliable models, scoring well-below average. F-150 Lightning and Hybrid owners noted issues with their EV/Hybrid batteries, while F-150 Hybrid owners also had transmission, drive system, and exhaust problems.

Lincoln ranks 23rd. The Aviator is below average, and the Corsair is average, with owners noting body hardware problems and noises & leaks.

GMCs (24th place) Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and redesigned Canyon are below average, while the Sierra 2500/3500HD trucks and Terrain are average. Sierra 1500 owners also report major engine issues with the lifters, as well as paint & trim and in-car electronics.

The Compass is the only Jeep (26th ranked) with average reliability. The Gladiator, Renegade, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee L are below average. Grand Cherokee owners reported problems in the areas of suspension, electrical accessories, drive system, in-car electronics, body hardware, and noises & leaks.

The R1T and R1S from EV automaker Rivian (28th place) both score below average. R1T owners told CR about issues with the drive system, climate system, body hardware, and EV charging.

Chrysler lands in last place in this years rankings in 30th place. The Pacifica is average, but the Pacifica Hybrid is the least reliable car on the list, with owners reporting problems with the electric/hybrid battery, electric charging, drive system, and in-car electronics.

CR had insufficient data to create brand rankings for Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lucid, Maserati, Mitsubishi, and Polestar.

For more information on CRs 2023 #CRCarReliability findings, visit CR.org/reliability or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @consumerreports.

About Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Surveys

The latest Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Surveys gathered information from car owners on over 330,000 vehicles from model years 2001 to 2023 and early 2024. CRs reliability predictions are based on overall reliability for the past three model years, provided the vehicle has not been redesigned. One or two years of data will be used if the model was redesigned in 2023 or 2022. CR bases its reliability predictions on data gathered from car owners each year about problems they had with their vehicles in the past 12 months. CRs team of statisticians, researchers, and testers then analyzed trouble areas and created an overall reliability score for each model and year. Serious problem areas that can lead to expensive repairs are more heavily weighted. More information can be found at www.CR.org.