Charger Won't Start
You plugged in but nothing is happening
You pull up to a public charger, plug in, and nothing happens. No lights, no beeps, no charging. This is the most common issue EV drivers face. Before assuming the charger is broken, there are several things to check.
Your situation
You are at a public charger. You plugged in your car but the charging session has not started. The charger screen may be blank, showing an error, or just not responding.
What to try first
- 1
Check the connector is fully seated
Push the plug in firmly until it clicks. A loose connection is the number one reason a session does not start. Some connectors need a firm push, especially CCS plugs.
- 2
Unlock your car's charge port
Some EVs lock the charge port automatically. Check your car's touchscreen, key fob, or app to make sure the port is unlocked before plugging in.
- 3
Try authenticating again
Tap your RFID card or restart the app session. Payment authorization sometimes fails silently. Wait 10 seconds and try again. Some chargers need you to authenticate before plugging in, others after.
More scenarios in the app
The EVcourse app walks you through more specific scenarios for this problem with visual step-by-step guides. Free for iOS and Android.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my EV charger not start after plugging in?
The most common causes are a loose connector, failed authentication, or a locked charge port. Push the plug firmly until it clicks, make sure your payment method is authorized, and check that your car's charge port is unlocked. If none of that works, try unplugging for 30 seconds and reconnecting.
Should I try a different charger or keep troubleshooting?
If you have tried reconnecting, re-authenticating, and the charger still shows no response after 2-3 attempts, move to a different stall or station. Broken chargers are common. Do not waste time on a charger that is genuinely out of service.
Related guides
Stuck at the charger? Open the app.
Step-by-step help for real charging problems. Free on iOS and Android.
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