Top 10 EV Charging Errors and How to Fix Them

1. "Communication Error"

The charger and your car failed their digital handshake. This is the most common error and almost always a charger-side issue. Fix: Unplug, wait 30 seconds, and replug firmly until it clicks. Try a different stall if the error repeats. This is sometimes caused by charger firmware or a mismatch in vehicle software versions. See full troubleshooting for communication errors.

2. "Authorization Failed"

Payment or authentication did not go through in time. Most chargers give you about 60 seconds to complete the process. Fix: Open the app and authenticate before plugging in. If the app is not working, try a contactless bank card instead. Some networks require you to authenticate first, others after plugging in. Check the instructions on the charger screen.

3. "Connector Lock Failure"

The physical lock mechanism that holds the connector in place did not engage properly. Fix: Make sure the connector is fully seated. Push until you hear or feel the click. If the connector is stuck and will not release, check your vehicle's manual for the emergency release location. Do not force it. See full connector lock failure guide.

4. "Ground Fault Detected"

The charger's safety system detected electricity flowing outside its intended path, a ground fault. This is a safety error. Stop using this charger immediately. Check if the connector is wet and dry it carefully before trying anything else. Move to a different stall or station. Do not retry on the same unit. See full ground fault guide.

5. "Payment Not Accepted"

Your card or app was rejected by the charger. Fix: Try a different payment method. New EU chargers installed after April 2024 are required to accept contactless bank cards. Check whether the network requires a specific app to start a session. Some networks only accept their own RFID card or app. See full payment error guide.

6. "Charger Offline" or "No Network"

The charger lost its internet connection and cannot process payments or start sessions. Fix: There is nothing you can do at this charger. Move to another one. Before driving to the next station, check the network's app for real-time charger availability so you do not waste another trip.

7. "Overcurrent" or "Overvoltage"

The electrical supply exceeded safe limits and the charger shut down as a safety measure. This is a safety error. Do not retry on the same stall. Try a different stall or move to another station. Report the issue using the phone number printed on the charger unit.

8. "Session Stopped Unexpectedly"

Charging started but then cut off partway through. This can happen when the charger overheats, when power is shared between stalls, or when your car's battery management system intervenes. Fix: Replug and restart the session. If it keeps stopping at the same charger, the unit may have a hardware issue. Try a different stall.

9. "Cable Not Connected"

You authenticated but the charger does not detect the cable. Fix: Unplug and reinsert firmly. Check for debris in your car's charge port. Some chargers require you to plug in before authenticating, others after. If the order matters, the charger screen will usually tell you.

10. "Card Reader Error"

The physical card reader on the charger is broken. Fix: Use the network's app to start the session remotely instead. If you do not have the app, try another charger at the same station. Card reader failures are a hardware problem that only a technician can fix. See full card reader failure guide.

When to Call Support

If basic troubleshooting does not work, call the number on the charger. When you call, report the charger ID (usually printed on the unit), the error message you see, and what you have already tried. Most networks have 24/7 support and can sometimes reboot the charger remotely.

Why Do Errors Happen So Often?

Public chargers are complex systems with many failure points: hardware, software, payment processing, network connectivity, and the communication protocol between charger and car. Most chargers use OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) to communicate with their backend, adding another layer where things can go wrong. Reliability is improving, but problems are still common, especially at stations that are more than a few years old.

Frequently Asked Questions