Electric vehicles are no longer a novelty on UK roads—they’re fast becoming the norm. Back in 2019, there were fewer than 100,000 EVs on our streets. Today, that number’s jumped to over 1.2 million (The Times). That kind of growth is exciting, no doubt—but it also comes with a few growing pains. Chief among them? Charging issues.
From home users to businesses operating electric fleets, reliable charging is crucial. It’s especially vital for companies running electric HGVs (eHGVs), where a single glitch in the charging infrastructure can cause serious disruption. With the number of eHGVs having surged by 70% between 2020 and 2025, there’s little room for error. If you rely on electric commercial vehicles, keeping your charging stations in top form isn’t just helpful—it’s non-negotiable.
In many cases, a DC charger installation can provide faster, more stable charging—particularly for high-usage setups or when AC charging falls short. But before you invest in upgrades or call out an electrician, it’s worth trying a few basic troubleshooting steps first.
The Usual Suspect: AC Charging Woes
Most everyday charging issues crop up with AC chargers—the ones commonly found in homes and workplaces. While they’re generally dependable, they’re not immune to hiccups. Power fluctuations, software quirks, even the good old British weather can throw a spanner in the works. In some cases, switching to a DC fast charger offers a quick workaround. But before you call in the cavalry (or an electrician), try these three simple steps first.
1. Start With the Obvious: Power and Connections
It might feel a bit basic, but you’d be surprised how often the problem is something simple. Before diving into diagnostics, check the following:
- Is everything properly plugged in? Loose or partially connected plugs can easily interrupt the charge. Make sure everything’s firmly in place.
- Has the fuse tripped? EV chargers draw a fair bit of power. If your unit suddenly stops working, check the fuse box or consumer unit.
- Are the cables intact? Damaged or frayed cables are more common than you’d think, especially with frequent use. A quick visual inspection can save you a lot of hassle.
A good example? A driver in Manchester kept facing sudden charging failures. After a bit of trial and error, it turned out the cable was on its last legs. Swapping it out sorted the problem immediately (Cita EV).
2. Look Beyond the Hardware: Software & Compatibility
In many cases, the issue isn’t with the charger or the car itself—it’s the software that connects them. Modern EVs and chargers rely on firmware to talk to each other, and if they’re not on speaking terms, the charging process might stall or fail entirely.
Here’s what to look into:
- Updates, updates, updates. Both your EV and the charger may need a firmware refresh. Manufacturers regularly release updates to patch bugs or boost performance.
- Compatibility check. Not all chargers work seamlessly with all vehicles. If a public charger isn’t cooperating, try another one nearby to rule out a mismatch.
- Try a soft reset. Some chargers and EVs have reset features that clear temporary bugs. It’s worth giving it a go.
Take the Birmingham EV owner who noticed their home charger had slowed to a crawl. A quick firmware update later, and charging speeds were back to normal (Cita EV).
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3. Don’t Forget the Weather: Environmental Factors
Charging doesn’t happen in a vacuum—literal or metaphorical. The environment plays a bigger role than many realise, especially when temperatures swing to extremes.
When it’s too hot:
- Chargers can overheat. If your wallbox is stuck in direct sunlight all day, it may be cutting out to protect itself. Shading it or improving ventilation might do the trick.
- Batteries play it safe. Some EVs slow down charging in hot conditions to avoid damage. It’s a built-in safety feature—not a fault.
When it’s too cold:
- Charging slows right down. Cold batteries take longer to charge. If your EV allows pre-conditioning, use it to warm the battery before plugging in.
- Public chargers may misbehave. Some stations don’t handle freezing temperatures well. If one’s acting up, the next one over might work just fine.
One London driver found their charger kept conking out during last summer’s heatwave. Moving it into a shaded spot made all the difference (Cita EV).
When to Call in the Pros
If you’ve gone through the basics and things still aren’t working, it might be time to bring in an expert. Here are some clear signs it’s more than a DIY fix:
- Smells of burning or visible sparks. Stop immediately—this is a job for a qualified electrician.
- Repeated overheating or shutdowns. Persistent problems usually mean something’s not right internally.
- Older wiring. Some homes or premises just aren’t built for the power demands of modern EV chargers. A professional can assess and upgrade your setup if needed.
Final Thoughts
While EV charging issues can feel like a headache, many of them have quick fixes—no tools or tech support required. A loose plug, an overdue software update, or simply moving your charger out of the sun could be all it takes. Staying proactive—keeping your charger maintained and your software up to date—will go a long way in avoiding problems altogether. But when things do go wrong, don’t panic. With a bit of know-how (and this guide in your back pocket), you’ll be back on the road in no time.
